Everyone needs some time to get away

Farm lifeFor 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

A1Many 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

hot_chocolate2If 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

blog2With 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

blog1Just 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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

Pet health

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

writing a great home owner adEngaging 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”

Five reasons why house and pet sitting is a great option for international travellers

travelling house sittersAround 2.64 million international visitors holiday in Australia* according to Tourism Australia’s most recent International Visitor’s Survey and they spend around $1,200* per person on food, drink and accommodation when they holiday in the country.

For international visitors on a budget, house and pet sitting is the ideal way to see the great sights of our beautiful country, without paying a cent for accommodation.

House and pet sitting allows travellers to choose a property to care for in the destination of their choice. Whether it is in the city, the suburbs or the country, there are so many positions listed nationally that international travellers need only decide where to travel first!

House and pet sitting opportunities are rent free – no accommodation costs or utilities to pay. Travellers care for the property and any pets while the owners are away and the rest of the time is free to explore the region.

Here are Mindahome’s top 5 reasons why house and pet sitting is perfect for international travellers: Continue reading “Five reasons why house and pet sitting is a great option for international travellers”

Top tips for being a great house and pet sitter

house sitter tipsHouse and pet sitting is open to anyone with the will to travel and a love for animals. That’s it!

New people to meet, new places to visit and new pets to keep you company are just around the corner on a house and pet sitting adventure.

But some sitters are more successful than others in securing positions. With a variety of house and pet sitting opportunities across Australia ready and waiting for the ideal candidate, we’ve put together a few tips that can help you stand out above the rest:

  1. Treat every listed position like a job interview
    Respond to house and pet sitting positions professionally. This is your first impression and if the home owner likes what you have to say, they will look further at your profile. Continue reading “Top tips for being a great house and pet sitter”

Top five reasons why house and pet sitting is perfect for seniors who love to travel

travelling seniorsAustralia’s mature aged travellers are ideally suited to take full advantage of all that house and pet sitting holidays have to offer.

With the independence to travel when they want and armed with the technological know-how to source house and pet sitting opportunities at the touch of a button online, senior travellers have taken their travel plans into their own hands and are saving money along the way.

Here are Mindahome’s top 5 reasons why house and pet sitting is perfect for travel hungry seniors: Continue reading “Top five reasons why house and pet sitting is perfect for seniors who love to travel”