Professional House Sitters

[Angua]

While we're away, we have family who are kind enough to stay to look after the 'Menagerie' and take care of the house but I've often wondered about professional House Sitters.

Has anyone had any experience of this type of Company and if so, who did you use and how did you find it.

I have visions of Goldie Hawn taking over my house!! (you had to see the film!)

Kind regards
Sarah[msncool]

[DMC]

Thankfully we don't have pets etc that require "attention" when we are away and whilst I realise that pets / animals etc can be problem, I am not sure that I would be that happy about allowing "strangers" to stay in my house whilst I am away.

We are very lucky that we have family who live nearby and "pop in" a few times a week to keep an eye on things.

I have not heard of any professional "House Sitting Companies" but I am sure there must be some somewhere on the Internet, after all if there are "Dog Walking Services" then there must be "House Sitters"

Although, it might get a few strange looks, when you come to complete any application forms under the heading of "Occupation" [)]

Like many people, I am very "protective" about my house and would rather it stay empty / locked and alarmed, than have strangers or for that matter some of our friends staying in it.

So I guess I won't be going on any "House Swap Holiday's" [)]

[Angua]

Here's an article from the BBC about pet sitters. Doesn't sound like a bad job!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/holiday/destinations/housesitting/

You can even get a qualification in Pet-sitting!!

There are quite a few companies that I've found but I just wondered whether a Forum Member had experience of House Sitters and what they thought of it.

Kind Regards
Sarah.[msncool]

[Carla]

A lot of retired couples do this. I think it would be great to be one of these sitters. You get to visit and discover a new area whilst at the same time staying in someone else's home at their expense and being paid for it, as long as you look after their home, keep it immaculate and take care of their pets. Yep, a few years down the line and I'll probably sign on. Some of the homes that you get to "work" in are out of this world!!!!

[fiona]

There is a company offers this service, based near us. I got their details a couple of years ago and bearing in mind we have 2 old english sheepdogs and a cat the rates where still much higher than putting the dogs in stalagwoof 17 and a combination of a friend and my mother coming in daily to feed the cat. There are extra charges per animal but the killer appeared to be the food allowance you have to leave - not food, just money!

They do vet everyone very thoroughly though, but a number of friends of mine have come to a private arrangement with people such as vet assistants etc. In fact a couple I meet regularly walking the hounds had one this weekend and I met her on Sunday walking their dogs. I should see the couple sometime this week so will let you know what they thought!

[Angua]

Thanks Fiona. I look forward to hearing how they got on.

Kind regards
Sarah.[8D]

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Hi Sarah,

I'm pretty sure that my parents know of professional house-sitters, they are retired headmaster and his wife (I think). I'll try to get more details tomorrow - they are out on the town (or rather hamlet) tonight. Oh roll on retirement.....

Sarah

[Angua]

Many thanks, Sarah. See, I knew you guys knew everything!!

Thankfully, we're okay for this trip and the family say they enjoy the holiday but you know how it is.[:I]

Kind regards
Sarah.[msncool]