HOUSE-SITTING FACTS

PET, NOT HOUSE, SITTING

Nearly all house-sits involve caring for pets. When I started out I read somewhere that something like 92% of sits included animals. The number seemed quite high at the time, but it didn’t take too long to realise it was actually more likely to be on the low side. I’ve only ever done one house-sit that didn’t include pet-sitting.

DOGS, CATS AND CHICKENS

Dogs, cats and chickens are the most common animals I care for, followed by fish. I don’t know if the latter two are more common in Australia than in other countries, certainly the chickens were a surprise me.

PETS OVER HOUSE

House-sitters are usually picked more for their pet-sitting skills than their house-sitting ones.

DON'T WEAR BLACK!

It’s never wise to wear black when caring for pets - unless you’re happy constantly removing pet hair from your clothes.

SOME DO, SOME DON'T

Some house-sitters do charge, some don’t. (I don't, so feel free to buy something from my site to show your support.)

RESCUED PUPS AND KITTYS

The majority of dogs and cats I look after are rescued, which is also the main reason their owners don’t want to upset them by putting them in kennels.

FIRST 5 MINUTES

Most home-owners will have decided within the first 5 minutes of meeting you whether they're willing to trust you with their house, pets and prized orchid.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE PRICKLES

If you're choosing to cycle from one house-sit to another, seriously consider getting heavy-duty inner tubes. We decided to change to the thicker ones lined with gunk after getting five punctures in one month, five! Since then, I'm pleased to say we haven't had one since.

All the facts, information and statistics listed here are mine and were gathered purely from my experience as a house-sitter. They were certainly not nationally (or internationally) proven, have not been approved by any Governmental body, or even researched beyond my daily life.

MORE FACTS TO COME,

CALL BACK SOON!