Pet sitting and working flexibly as a homesitter is a great way to make the most of the warm summer months,. You can also escape for some cosy winter getaways taking care of people’s homes and pets when they go away.
Pet Sitting and Home Sitting
That’s is exactly what retired orthopaedic nurse, Ellen Hart, who is in her early seventies and from Ascot in Berkshire, has been doing for around seven years since retiring. She has been providing top-notch care for homes and pets, and is a shining example of how homesitting can be a fulfilling and rewarding year-round role.
Ellen’s first assignment involved looking after a labradoodle puppy, a dog, a cat, five bantam hens, a cockerel and a rabbit – it was a great success and she hasn’t looked back since. She now has more than 60 assignments under her belt.
Explaining why the role appeals Ellen says, “I wanted to do something useful and interesting when I retired. Since becoming a homesitter I have stayed in gorgeous properties ranging from beautiful townhouses to characterful thatched cottages and met some lovely people.
Home from Home
“The assignments are varied, sometimes there are animals and in other cases, the owners want someone to look after their home while they’re away for security reasons and to let in the cleaners and gardeners.
“I am lucky that I love driving which has meant that I have taken on assignments in many different locations including Kent, Hampshire and London. Looking after cats is my favourite thing. I love making sure they are happy and we have great fun together.
“A real highlight is going back to repeat clients as it’s like a home from home, you know where everything is and the animals are so happy to see you again. Some clients even leave little treats for me such as chocolates, special teas or nice cheeses – one lady even made me a ‘pamper bag’ which was really thoughtful.”
Homesitters Ltd Need You
The UK’s leading home and pet sitting company, Homesitters Ltd is encouraging people to sign up to become homesitters as they are experiencing growing demand for their services as more people are travelling again and want someone to look after their home and pets.
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters Ltd said: “For retirees or those working part-time or flexibly from home, who want some adventures and to travel more, home and pet sitting can be the answer. Pet sitting / Homesitting is flexible, can fit around other commitments and allows people to visit new places without the cost of hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation.
“Our homesitters love the lifestyle with many choosing to spend the summer months taking on lots of assignments and making the most of the holiday season, whilst others choose to only do assignments in the winter as they enjoy holidaying themselves in the summer.
Get Paid to be a Homesitter
“Homesitters are paid a modest remuneration, reimbursed for mileage when they travel to and from an assignment, and receive a daily food allowance, so it can be an inexpensive way to see more of the UK while earning some extra money in the process. Those doing assignments in the winter can make savings on their home utilities bills too.”
Ben concludes: “Ellen’s experience shows how homesitting and pet sitting can be a fantastic way to spend the summer or winter months. Whether you’re a retiree like Ellen or someone seeking a rewarding seasonal opportunity, it’s the chance to have new experiences and create memories looking after beloved pets and homes. We’re currently recruiting so urge people who think they may be suitable to apply.”
To find out what it takes to be a homesitter and to apply, visit: www.homesitters.co.uk
About Homesitters Ltd
Established in 1980, Homesitters Ltd is now the UK’s leading nationwide live-in home and pet sitting company. It has looked after 100,000 plus bookings and has an extensive network of employees throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
All homesitters are conscientious, sensible and responsible homeowners and we vet all of them.. Many have been pet owners and have experience looking after all different animals. It’s tantamount to the outstanding reputation and professionalism of the company that 70% of new clients re-book with Homesitters within two years and many have been clients since the 1980s.
