Your Pets Might Not Want You to Come Hom

More information about this house sitter

Hi, I’m Carol

I'm a retiree, living in Australind, a town in the south west of WA.

I’ve had pets most of my adult life, and when I didn’t have pets of my own, I volunteered at an animal shelter because I simply don’t like being without animals in my life.

I started house sitting in 2022 as a hobby, but somewhere along the way it became a passion. I’ve now completed over 70 sits and counting! Cats and dogs are my usual preference, but I’ve also cared for birds, fish, sheep, goats, 28 chickens, an alpaca and a rabbit. I’m happy to consider other types of pets on a case-by-case basis, although I think I’ve done my time with chickens and rabbits. 😄

Since moving into my lifestyle village over a year ago, I’ve been lucky enough to receive lots of house-sitting requests through word of mouth and many have become repeat clients. As a result, I haven’t been using Mindahome quite as much. I’m very happy to provide references or reviews from those pet owners.

I’m quite the homebody, so I’m perfectly happy spending much of my day keeping your pets company. I’ll look after your home as well as I look after your pets — bringing in the mail, watering your plants, picking up the poo and generally making sure everything is as you left it. I’m happy to administer medications, follow dietary and feeding routines, and take your pets for a daily walk.

But looking after pets is about much more than meeting their needs. I get to know each of my charges as individuals, chatting away to them, watching their expressions and learning their little ways. I often call them my little darlings, and while I know they’re not mine permanently, for those few days or weeks, they are! I give them my affection without reservation. I’ll happily let them under the covers, surrender my share of the bed, and talk to them as though they’re old friends — probably saying things that would sound quite peculiar if a neighbour overheard me. 😄 There will, of course, be plenty of belly rubs, cuddles and smooches, too!

I’m happy to discuss looking after your pets in your home or mine. I have a doggy door and a fully fenced yard and live in a gated community. No other pets will be staying with me at the same time as yours, and as I no longer have pets of my own, your furry (or feathered!) family will have my undivided attention.

My fee is $40 per night for my sitting services.

I have my own home and car and am happy to travel up to around two hours from Australind for a sit — for example, Perth or Augusta. I’m also open to longer journeys when the destination and circumstances appeal, and I’d even consider flying interstate for the right holiday destination! I already have; three times.

I’ve always had and loved big dogs, but these days I’m particularly happy walking smaller dogs. I also have a soft spot for senior pets and am very happy to take things at their pace.

I understand how much owners miss their pets when they’re away, so I’ll keep you regularly updated with photos and videos, along with little stories about what your pets have been up to. I want you to enjoy your time away knowing that they're happy, loved and being thoroughly spoiled.

I’m proud to say that many of the pets I’ve looked after have missed me and looked for me after I’ve gone. One experience that particularly touched me was caring for three cats who continued sleeping at the end of the bed I’d used for three nights after I’d left. I thought that was rather special! I think it’s about the nicest review a pet sitter can get when the animals themselves seem reluctant to let you go.

I’m happy to arrange a meet-and-greet beforehand, or we can have a WhatsApp video chat if that’s more convenient.

Being retired, I have plenty of flexibility with dates. I also bring all my own food, so you won’t have to worry about feeding me as well! All I ask is for a little shelf space in your fridge to put my food.

If you’re looking for someone who genuinely loves animals, enjoys their company and will treat your home with the same care and respect as your pets, let’s chat!

I’d love to hear about you, your pets and where you live. Read more...