Our animal companions

We all know that Australia is a nation of pet lovers with more than 60% of Australian households owning at least one pet. Australia also has one of the highest levels of pet ownership per capita in the world!

Our four legged, furry, fluffy, feathery and reptilian pets are companions that share just as much love as human members of the family in most cases. And it has been proven that above companionship, pets also provide psychological and physiological benefits to owners.

The roles animals play in our lives changes as we progress through different life stages but at each time our pets play an important role in comforting us, helping us to combat challenges we face in our lives or just be there as the ever stoic friend. Continue reading “Our animal companions”

Home security during a house and pet sit

Many home insurance companies prefer that you have a house and pet sitter in your home while you’re away because it makes the house look ‘lived in’.

With many house and pet sitters providing police checks and testimonials from previous positions, you have the peace of mind that they will be trustworthy, but there may be a few added checks you may want to do prior to leaving:

Inform your insurance company of the period you will be away and mention that you will have a house and pet sitter staying in your home
Advise neighbours that you will be on holidays and perhaps even introduce them to the house sitter so they recognise the face staying at your house
Generally, the cost of utilities and internet, etc are covered by the home owner, however on some occasions home owners negotiate a bond with house and pet sitters, that is returned at the completion of the sit Continue reading “Home security during a house and pet sit”

Finding the right pet sitter for your four legged friend

The Mindahome house and pet sitting service is all about connecting home owners with the right house and pet sitters and it’s always good to hear about stories where a perfect match was made.

Danielle’s feline friend, Miss Ivy, didn’t like being alone and her health and emotional well being had suffered from a previous stay in a cattery. So Danielle signed up for a house and pet sitter and found, what she describes, as ‘an Ivy Angel’.

For the four weeks that Danielle and her family were away, they received regular text messages about how Miss Ivy was coping and when Danielle returned, they came home to a happy cat and immaculate home. Continue reading “Finding the right pet sitter for your four legged friend”

Everyone needs some time to get away

For people who live on rural or semi-rural properties, it can sometimes be difficult to entrust the care of cattle, sheep or other pets to someone else while they get away for a while. But when Sue planned to travel for a few weeks, there was no question that having a house and pet sitter was a win/win situation for everyone.

With no immediate neighbours and two dogs, a fish pond, some wild birds and a half acre garden to care for, Sue needed someone who could immerse themselves in the way of the property and respect the environment and surrounds. Continue reading “Everyone needs some time to get away”

House and pet sitting in prime holiday destinations

Many Aussies are realising just how cost effective it is to travel as a house and pet sitter, as many recent articles have mentioned.

Rent free holiday accommodation during peak season is unique to a house and pet sitting holiday and it means more cash in your pocket to have more fun on your holiday.

For David and Glenys, staying on the Sunshine Coast instead of experiencing a cold winter back home, was the ideal way to spend their holiday. Mooloolaba was another of their favourite house and pet sitting holiday destinations where they spent many days swimming in the surf and enjoying the shops and restaurants. Continue reading “House and pet sitting in prime holiday destinations”

Beat the Winter Blues

If you don’t want to spend your whole winter curled up in your doona, hot chocolate in hand and watching endless re-runs on the TV, then set yourself a goal to experience something new or to get out of your comfort zone this winter.

A great way to immerse yourself in a community is to visit a place as a house sitter and live like a local for a short while.

You can even wander around towns that you’ve already visited to see how mother nature transforms the surrounding environment. With fewer crowds and some time to explore, you’re sure to uncover a few hidden secrets that you overlooked in the height of peak season.

Or you may just want a change of scenery while you’re still working nine to five. Then find a house and pet sitting position close by. You may see your town or city in a different way from a nearby suburb. Continue reading “Beat the Winter Blues”

House and pet sitting to save

With most Australians bracing for tax increases, tightening of the household budget is sure to follow. So for those of you who don’t want to give up your little luxuries, it could be time to revisit, or start, house and pet sitting to save up.

There are some significant financial benefits to being a house and pet sitter which can save you money in travel, rent and pet care.

Travel: You can save on accommodation costs by looking for house and pet sitting positions in or close to your holiday destination. You can stay rent free in an established home which you can use as a base to explore the rest of the region. Staying in a ‘home’ rather than a hotel room means that you also have the convenience of a kitchen where you can comfortably make meals rather than spending money and time eating out. Continue reading “House and pet sitting to save”

Saving on pet care

Just like the human members of the family, our pets require attention and health checkups and sometimes this can lead to spending on veterinary visit, medicines and care.

Here are some tips to save on caring for your pet.

Coupons and Discounts: Some online retailers offer discounts on pet supplies and food, so it could be worth doing your research online to see which company offers the best deal.
Pet Insurance: Do your research. There are a variety of pet insurance companies that offer different plans. It is best to research online and then speak to someone to determine which plan best suits you and your pet. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what is included or excluded in a plan to make sure your pet is covered now and into the future. Continue reading “Saving on pet care”

Choose a pet sitter for the health of your pet

All animals have different personalities and unique characters. Some are more laid back than others which can affect how they adapt to change and separation from you.

The different environment and routine of a boarding facility can be stressful for your pet. Some of the symptoms of stress could also continue for a few weeks after your fur friend is back in your care and own home. Continue reading “Choose a pet sitter for the health of your pet”

Engaging a house and pet sitter – what you need to know

Engaging a house and pet sitter to care for your property and pets when you have to travel can be cost effective and convenient.

When engaging a house and pet sitter, there are a few things you may like to consider:

Listing your position: Registering your position on Mindahome.com.au is free, but some positions will attract more enquiries based on the information provided. You may like to include information such as availability of public transport close by and proximity to shopping centres or major towns. You may also like to include information about your home such as backyard size, outdoor areas, a swimming pool, spa or air conditioning. If you require for your pet to be cared for while you are away, be sure to mention any specific requirements, such as administering regular medication, and also mention if there is any garden maintenance. Continue reading “Engaging a house and pet sitter – what you need to know”

Login