Author: Susan

Setting the sleeping scene

pets sleeping

Do you like to snuggle up with a furry friend in bed or prefer a paw-free night’s sleep? The experts say that there are significant mental health and well-being benefits to cuddling up with a furry friend each night.

Of course, this sleeping arrangement doesn’t suit everyone and while a cuddly companion does bring comfort and reduce stress, they have also been found to disrupt our sleep.

In a survey of Mindahome pet sitters, 22% say that the pets they cared for wanted to sleep alongside them.

It’s understandable that pet parents and their fur kids get into certain habits, however, sleeping arrangements should always be discussed with a pet sitter before taking on the position.

Here are some of the questions pet sitters and owners should cover before a sit to ensure a stress-free experience – for pet sitter and pet!

  • Where does the pet sleep during the day and at night?
  • Do they like their own bedding or are they free to sleep on the couch, rugs and bed?
  • At night do they sleep in the bed or on the floor?
  • If they like to sleep in the bed, do they cuddle up close or prefer to have some space?
  • Are they toilet trained, or do they need to be let out at night?
  • Is the pet up to date with the flea and tick treatments?
  • How often should I change the pet/human bedding?

For pet sitters who prefer their own space at night, it’s best to include this preference as part of your profile. Alternatively, make it a point for discussion during initial conversations with pet owners.

For pet owners looking for their ideal pet sitter to keep their fur-kids company while they’re away, browse sitter profiles online. Pet sitters can also browse pet sitting positions online to find a furry friend to cuddle.

Pantry politeness

It’s a common question among our house and pet sitting community – what are the rules for pantry politeness? While there aren’t any hard and fast rules, per se, there is a sort of unwritten code that home and pet owners, along with pet sitters agree to that delivers a mutual understanding and respect for each other.

While it will differ for each home and pet sitting arrangement, here are a few things to consider to help determine whether you’re abiding by polite pantry procedure. Continue reading “Pantry politeness”

A considered list can be a valuable tool

housesitter list

Ask any pet sitter about their best asset going into a home and pet sit, and they will likely state ‘a list’. While ‘a list’ sounds like a run-of-the-mill requirement for a new pet sit, a good list is what will ensure both sitter and homeowner are prepared for any eventuality.

Mindahome member Kai takes a proactive approach to list-making and develops a list of questions for the homeowner to respond to before even stepping across the threshold. Continue reading “A considered list can be a valuable tool”

Timing house and pet sits

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that preparation and adaptability are key. Home and pet owners can be looking to engage a pet sitter for a few days, several weeks, a couple of months and even more.

While the consensus among house sitters may be for homeowners to give at least one month’s notice for an upcoming sit, last-minute sits can be fruitful for both house sitters and homeowners.

Let’s unpack the various circumstances to see how best these can work for our animal-loving community. Continue reading “Timing house and pet sits”

Pet sit like a local, for locals

For many of us, house and pet sitting is about exploring new territory, walking the road less travelled and meeting new pets and people to broaden your horizons.

However, if you’re a newcomer to the lifestyle or returning to house and pet sitting after a brief hiatus, choosing local pet sits can present just as many exciting opportunities.  Continue reading “Pet sit like a local, for locals”

How to ask for a reference

References

References provide prospective home and pet owners looking at your profile with a snapshot of your experience in home and animal care. The more positive recommendations you have to highlight what you can offer homeowners, the better your chances of winning a pet sitting position.

There are several types of references you can collect. References from employers are helpful, so are references from friends and colleagues. But positive references from home and pet owners who are happy with the care you provided for their household and fur- baby is the gold standard among the pet sitting community.

We understand that it’s not always easy to ask for a reference after a house and pet sit. Here are a few tips to help you get a reference to help you win more positions.

  1. Choose your moment

The moment the pet owner walks through the door after being away is probably not the best time to ask for a reference. A day or so after you finish the house and pet sitting position, email or call the owner to request a reference. Be prepared to give them some time to consider your request and while a polite follow-up email or call about a reference is ok, don’t be pushy to get an answer straight away.

  1. Provide suggestions for what the reference should include

Ultimately, you want a reference to be a shining example of how well you can provide home and animal care. To ensure you get positive mentions, list the things you did while the homeowner was away that proves above and beyond care for their home and pet. Of course, it is up to the home and pet owner to write the reference, but a gentle reminder of some of the things you managed while they were away will help them craft the content. You may like to list your punctuality, regular communication about the owner’s pet while they were away, attending to their pet’s medical needs, maintaining the property, pool, antiques – anything that you feel will showcase your efforts as a house and pet sitter.

  1. Deadlines and follow-ups

Give the home and pet owner ample time to complete the reference but offer a due date. If the due date passes, follow-up with an email reminder, or if you know them well enough, a call. Avoid more than two follow-ups to ensure the last impression the pet owner has of you isn’t a negative one.

  1. Say thank you

Once you have received the reference, don’t forget to show your appreciation of the pet owner’s time and effort. Send a thank you note and express how much you value their positive feedback.

Start your journey as a home and pet sitter by joining Mindahome’s community. Sign up for 12 months and stay in homes across Australia rent-free.

 

 

 

How to take a perfect pet photo

Taking a photo of our animal companions as their natural and true selves is something special that can be very hard to do. Pet photography requires time, patience and a love of animals, qualities which are all in abundance among the house and pet sitting community.

Whether you want to brush up on your photography skills or start drilling down into the technicalities of light, shutter speed and editing, we’ve found tips from some of the best in the business to help you along the way. Continue reading “How to take a perfect pet photo”

Write a pet sitter profile that gets noticed

First impressions are instant and lasting. Whether it’s during a job interview, first date, or a pet sitting profile, the way you communicate who you are and what you can do could decide how far you get.

For over two years Kai has successfully secured regular pet sits via the Mindahome website. Kai attributes much of their success to crafting a profile that puts the needs of the pet and homeowner front and centre.  Continue reading “Write a pet sitter profile that gets noticed”

Helping your pet adjust to your return to work

​back to work

We all know it’s coming – D-day for our return to work. For those of us who have spent weeks, if not months, at home enjoying the unwavering love and affection of pets, the time to begin our transition back to work and away from the day-long wagging tails of our fur-friends is on the horizon.

It is going to be hard, but spare a thought for our pet-pals. Until now, they have relished day-long attention on command. For some pets, their pet parents return to work could raise feelings of fear and anxiety. Continue reading “Helping your pet adjust to your return to work”