Author: Susan

5 surprising facts about pet sitting

dog-2Pet sitting is about a bond with the pet that you care for and understanding their needs, routines and moods. So here are some facts that you may not have known about pet sitting that will highlight the important role pet sitters play in caring for treasured pets.

1. 84% of Mindahome house and pet sitters say that caring for and meeting different types of animals is a benefit of house and pet sitting

2. A survey of Mindahome pet sitters revealed that 94% admit to talking with the pets they care for, 65% watch TV with the pets and 25% sleep with the pets they care for. Continue reading “5 surprising facts about pet sitting”

Springtime care for your pet

Spring has definitely arrived! The weather is warming up, the flowers are starting to burst and spring cleaning is becoming a priority for many households around this time of year.

But when doing your odd jobs around the house such as maintaining your garden and cleaning the windows, take some time to consider your pet’s inquisitive nature and how to keep them away from harm. Continue reading “Springtime care for your pet”

Do you pass the pet test?

Just like us, every pet and animal is unique. 99% of Mindahome house and pet sits involve the care of an animal, so a love and fondness for all types of pets will be an advantage for any position you choose to take.

Many of our house and pet sitters have owned and grown up with pets, so pet sitting allows them to reconnect with the animals they love.

But considering the personality of each pet, understanding their needs and approaching them thoughtfully may help you connect more easily for a stress free pet sit.

Research has found that around 30% of dog lovers hug their pets more than their human family members. Continue reading “Do you pass the pet test?”

What motivates a house sitter?

When you think of a ‘typical’ house sitter, you don’t instantly have a picture in your mind of a person of a particular age, occupation or background, but rather consider their motivations.

We know that many house and pet sitters are self motivated, educated, go-getter people with friendly and nurturing dispositions and everyone has different reasons for choosing house and pet sitting as a long or short term lifestyle. Continue reading “What motivates a house sitter?”

5 reasons house and pet sitters win positions

Many of our house and pet sitting members comment that they often get called back for return sits. They’ve developed a rapport and even a friendship with the home owners that they sit for, that they get booked out months and even years in advance.

Being successful at house and pet sitting does take organisation and a professional approach, but it is some of the personal touches that that make can you a stand out house sitter. Continue reading “5 reasons house and pet sitters win positions”

The experiential benefits of house sitting in rural and regional Australia

A sittersRunning a farm or rural property isn’t for the faint hearted. Around 50% Australian farmers are self employed owner managers and are likely to work more than 49 hours a week managing the demands of a rural property, which leaves little opportunity to take time off for a holiday.

But home owners in regional Australia are increasingly turning to house and pet sitters to look after their properties while they take some well earned time away.

With experience and practical know-how, house sitters like Satya and Ishtar, can offer rural home owners peace of mind when they choose to travel. Continue reading “The experiential benefits of house sitting in rural and regional Australia”

Top 5 ways home owners can attract their ideal sitter

Image_7Developing a house and pet sit position advertisement should be carefully developed to make sure that you attract the right candidates to your position.

Experience and a love of animals are great criteria, but detailing some of the duties that are required of a house and pet sitter in your advertisement will give sitters a better understanding of what is expected of them and if they’re up for the job.

Here we’ve listed the tried and true ways that home and pet owners can develop a cracking house and pet sit advertisement to hone in on the right sitter. Continue reading “Top 5 ways home owners can attract their ideal sitter”

10 Steps to finding the Perfect Pet Sitter

Image_6Finding the right pet sitter for your furry, scaly or feathery friend will ensure that your pet is comfortable and stress-free while you’re away.

Here are some steps to follow to guide you to finding their right pet sitter for your pet.

1. Give yourself time: Post your position well in advance of the sit period, if possible, to give you time to gather applications and review their experience and references

2. Be specific: Be specific about your pet sitting requirements to make sure you attract the right sitter. Mention routines and medication requirements, if relevant, to let the sitter know what to expect

3. Do your research: Many house and pet sitters come with testimonials, police checks and references. Take some time to contact references and read through testimonials to give you an idea of what to expect from your pet sitter Continue reading “10 Steps to finding the Perfect Pet Sitter”

How a mother and daughter duo saw Australia as house and pet sitters

adrienne_poppyKiwi born Adrienne and her daughter, Poppy, wanted to see Australia and have many adventures along the way. So they sold their house, car and all their possessions and began house and pet sitting their way around the country.

Here are some of their stories…

I came across Mindahome.com.au on one of my searches for different ways to travel around Australia and thought that house and pet sitting would be perfect for us.

We both love pets, but Poppy definitely has a way with all animals. Nothing beats the love and attention of a gentle child companion with all the time in the world to play. The pets that we’ve cared for are relaxed and in their own environment so it makes it easier for them to trust us and let us into their world. Continue reading “How a mother and daughter duo saw Australia as house and pet sitters”