Author: Susan

Pet Sits Post COVID-19

Woman cuddling dog

State borders are re-opening (for some) and day by day our once pipe dreams of travelling around our beautiful country, are now edging closer to reality.

Another reality of our ‘new normal’ is the fact that Coronavirus lingers in parts of the country. This means we need to adapt our traditional pet sitter/pet parent protocol to ensure everyone’s safety – including our pets.

At Mindahome, we’re regularly reviewing the latest COVID-19 developments set out by the Australian Government to keep our community abreast of guidelines for health and safety. Continue reading “Pet Sits Post COVID-19”

Safety Checklist for Pet Sits During COVID-19

covid19 pet care

Pets are good for our health and well-being. They are known stress relievers and have an extraordinary power that makes us feel an overall sense of happiness. As we all face a ‘new normal’ for everyday life, we could all use a touch of fur-friend happiness.

House and pet sits are making a comeback, with COVID-19 restrictions in Australia easing in some areas. But preparation and vigilance will be key in ensuring the safety of pet owners, pet sitters and our cuddly fur-friends.

The CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Infections) offers tips and hints for staying safe at home. Below we’ve outlined some of the simple steps you can take to stay safe and healthy. Continue reading “Safety Checklist for Pet Sits During COVID-19”

3 Reasons Your Pet Needs to Stay at Home

At home with a pet

Our pets are our companions, our confidants, our best friends. We want to spend every moment enjoying their unconditional love and affection. It’s natural to want to have them by your side always. But for the times when we have to be away from home for an extended period, maybe leaving them at home is the best option for their safety and overall mental health and well-being.

A survey of Mindahome pet parents revealed that 96% said they chose a live-in pet sitter so their pet could stay in their own home environment. 66% felt that engaging a pet sitter would reduce their pet’s anxiety. 86% valued having a pet sitter for their pets to keep to their usual routine.

So no matter how much you love your pet, here’s some of the reasons why your pet may be better off staying at home. Continue reading “3 Reasons Your Pet Needs to Stay at Home”

Live a More Comfortable Life as a Pet Sitter

Pet sitter with dog

When you become a pet sitter you unlock some of the secrets to leading a happy and stress-free life. Don’t believe us? We surveyed our members to find out a few of the reasons they choose to pet sit.

Some of the results may surprise you, some may not. But it’s the little everyday benefits of the pet sitting lifestyle that prove there is much to be gained by choosing a life that focusses on caring for other people’s pets.

Save for a Home Faster

A survey of our members found that 27% said that they chose the lifestyle to save on rent and almost 30% said that house and pet sitting helped them save for their own home. Housing prices in Australia’s capital cities remain at an all-time high and out of reach for many young Aussies. Of the members surveyed, 64% said that they saved up to $5,000 by pet sitting. That’s a hefty sum that you can put towards a home of your own. Continue reading “Live a More Comfortable Life as a Pet Sitter”

Free Things To Do Around Australia

Travel and House Sit

There are loads of things to do in Australia’s major cities and they don’t have to cost you a fortune. So pack up your things and head out to your favourite place to experience more of what our beautiful country has to offer. To make your holiday budget go even further, register as a pet sitter and stay in homes across Australia for free!

Melbourne, VIC

Melbourne draws you in with its amazing sense of culture and lively eclectic atmosphere. If you’re looking to get a sense of Melbourne’s heart, head to Federation Square and sit and take in the people and the buildings, and even watch the big screens for some down-time. Flinders Street Station is nearby, so be sure to stop by, especially when the sun is setting to watch how the light dances across this iconic Melbourne structure. If you’re into art, head to the National Gallery of Victoria and ACMI (The Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for some awesome exhibits. Or if wildlife is more your interest, the St Kilda penguins are a must see and they return to their burrows along the St Kilda break wall every evening of the year just after sunset. Visit Melbourne’s array of markets and take advantage of the free tram zone around the city. Be sure to check out the many pet sitting positions available around Victoria, so you can stay for free and get to live like a local.

Hobart, TAS

Walk through Salamanca Markets, visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or head up to the top of Mt Wellington to get a bird’s eye view of Hobart. A house and pet sit in Tasmania will help you appreciate the natural beauties of the state. Continue reading “Free Things To Do Around Australia”

Tips to Find Your Ideal Pet Sitter

Pet Rabbit

It’s a big decision to leave your furry BFF in someone else’s care for a few days, a week, or perhaps even months on end. So, finding the perfect pet sitter who understands your pet’s routine, health needs and unique personality is important in reducing your pet’s – and your – anxiety while you’re apart. Here are a few tips to help you attract your perfect pet sitter:

  1. Focus on the Details

When posting your position, add as much detail as possible about your pet. This could include their daily walk schedule, regular medicines they need, special diets, or even the amount of exercise they need depending on their age, mobility and stamina. These finer details will help pet sitters understand what is required from your position, and, could also attract sitters who have previous experience in caring for a pet with similar needs to yours.

  1. Know Your Pet

Does your pet bounce around all day and need someone to take them out for walks twice a day to expend energy? Or do they prefer to plod around your home and take regular naps? Know your pet’s personality and consider this when choosing a pet sitter. Some pet sitters work from home, are semi-retired, are full-time travellers, or choose to pet sit to live closer to work. Talk openly to your pet sitter candidates to make sure their lifestyle also suits your pet’s needs. Continue reading “Tips to Find Your Ideal Pet Sitter”

12 Ideas for Christmas Savings!

Save Extra money for Christmas

Come January, many of us may find that the festive season has stretched our wallets a little further than we would have liked. With gifts and more to buy for family, friends and fur-pals, we can understand that some of us can get carried away with the gift-giving spirit.

But if you don’t want to be paying off a hefty credit card bill for most of next year, then consider some of these ideas to save this Christmas and keep your new savings for yourself.

  1. Budget

It’s best to start off the gift-giving season with a budget. Know how much you want to spend on each gift and maybe even have a chat with friends and family to set and gift budget for each family member. The trick is to stick to your budget and to not stray with small purchases along the way. Continue reading “12 Ideas for Christmas Savings!”

Why Pet Sitting is a Win for You

Pet Sitting is a win for everyone

It’s well known that Australia is a pet loving nation. Aussies are also renowned for their genuine willingness to lend a helping hand when needed. Combine the two and that’s ultimately the pet sitting arrangement.

When pet-parents want their fur-kid cared for by someone they know will treat them like their own little fur-kid, a live-in pet sitter is the natural choice. And pet sitters enjoy staying somewhere comfortable without the huge price tag. It’s a win/win for all! Continue reading “Why Pet Sitting is a Win for You”

Pet Sitting To Purchase

Buying a home for the first time in Australia’s major metropolitan cities continues to be top of the  wish list for many young Aussies. For some, saving that first deposit is the biggest hurdle. But with upwards of $10,000 of savings per year up for grabs as a house and pet sitter, you’d be crazy not to give it a try.

So if you’re planning to plunge into a mortgage for your dream home, you’d better make sure it’s the right one for you. That’s where pet sitting comes in. Continue reading “Pet Sitting To Purchase”

Travel Solo as a Sitter

Solo Traveller, pet sittingIf you thrive on following the road less travelled and you enjoy making new friends, then house and pet sitting could be your calling.

For many who choose to travel on their own, pet sitting is a great way to save money and to try life in someone else’s shoes for a while.

In Australia, house and pet sitting is more attractive than ever, with close to 40% of sitters choosing to explore the country while staying free in other people’s homes and caring for pets. Continue reading “Travel Solo as a Sitter”