Home and Pet Carer

More information about this house sitter

I’m Helen, a 54-year-old allied health professional. I’ve been living in Toowoomba since 2020 and am very settled here. I’m excited to begin house and pet sitting in the Toowoomba region.

Although I’m new to house sitting professionally, I am certainly not new to looking after homes, animals, gardens, belongings and the responsibilities that come with being entrusted with someone else’s property. I have owned and rented homes throughout my adult life and have always taken enormous pride in keeping a home clean, cared for and respected as if it were my own.

I’m a quiet, responsible and community-minded person. My clinical practice is based in the Toowoomba CBD, I am accredited with two national professional associations and maintain the relevant professional requirements and clearances associated with my work, including a police check and Working with Children clearance. Being trusted with people is an important part of my professional life, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

I’m also very fortunate to have wonderful people in the local community who are happy to provide character and professional references for me. I can also provide references from previous landlords who can speak directly to the way I have cared for their properties.

Why house sitting?

I’ve made a very positive and deliberate decision to spend the next 6–12 months house and pet sitting while I work towards purchasing my next home. Rather than rushing into another rental, I would love to spend this time living in and caring for beautiful homes around the Toowoomba region while building towards that goal.

For me, house sitting is much more than simply having somewhere to stay. I genuinely like being at home, I appreciate a well-kept property, and I understand how important it is to have someone trustworthy looking after the place you have worked hard to create.
If you entrust your home and pets to me, I will treat them with the same care, consideration and respect that I would expect for my own.

Animals have always been part of my life. I have been a dog owner for most of my life and currently have a much-loved bitser Harvey who looks exactly like Hairy Maclary and a Kelpie named Jossie who live with their dad while my current rental arrangements don't allow dogs. They are still very much part of my life, and I see them whenever I can.

I also grew up with a cat and birds and am completely open to caring for all kinds of animals. I understand that every pet has its own personality, routine and needs, and I’m very happy to follow the instructions and routines that make them feel secure and happy. I understand that all pets need more than food and a walk. They need company, affection, consistency and someone who notices when something isn't quite right.

I have listed solo on my profile but I have two boys aged 15 and 12, who are with me week-about. I completely understand that some house sits may not be suitable for children. That's absolutely fine. Depending on the circumstances, I can make arrangements for the boys to stay with their father when required, so I am happy to discuss what works best for each individual house sit.

My boys are animal lovers too. My eldest has always had a wonderful way with animals and has jokingly considered himself an “animal whisperer” since he was little! My eldest is an exceptionally quiet, gentle and responsible teenager. He reads, keeps to himself and has been involved in student leadership at Centenary Heights State High School, including serving as Junior School Captain. My younger son is more of an outdoors kid who loves his bike, sport and being out with his friends. They are both very respectful of other people's homes and belongings, and I am incredibly proud of the young men they are becoming.

What you can expect from me

I’m clean, organised, reliable, respectful and very house-proud.
I will:
• Keep your home clean, tidy and secure.
• Follow your instructions and routines carefully.
• Give your pets plenty of love, attention and companionship.
• Maintain established feeding, medication, walking and household routines.
• Keep you updated while you're away, with photos or messages if you'd like them.
• Treat your belongings, garden and property with care.
• Be mindful of neighbours and the local community.
• Leave your home clean, cared for and ready for you to walk back into.

I also understand that leaving pets and your home in someone else's care requires trust. I don't take that lightly.

While I may not yet have a huge list of house-sitting reviews, I bring something that can't really be measured by the number of sits on a profile: a lifetime of experience caring for homes, animals and other people's property, along with a strong reputation in my local community.

I would be very happy to meet, have a coffee, meet your pets, walk through your home and discuss exactly what you need. I’m also very happy to provide references and any relevant checks so that you can feel completely comfortable about who you are leaving your home with. I know how precious a home and beloved pets are.
If you’re looking for someone mature, calm, trustworthy, genuinely caring and local to Toowoomba, I’d love the opportunity to meet you and your pets. Read more...