House and Pet Sitting for extra money

A different kind of job. Looking after people's houses and pets

There are a number of reasons that people like someone House Sitting when they're away on Holiday or Business trips etc;

SECURITY
Simply someone around to sidetrack unwanted visitors
GENERAL UP-KEEP
Keeping the dust off, watching the garden and someone being there should some emergency happen such a plumbing / electrical problem after a Storm or whatever
PETS
This is often the key thing. Lot's of people don't like leaving their animals or birds in Kennels. They rather their pets stay in their own evironment and enjoy their space.

The only problem in getting such work of course your credentials and references. It's one of those jobs where you can't just start.and expect the world to have absolute faith in you.

A good start is if you have house sat for some friends whilst they were away, either calling in a couple of times a day or staying there. They can then supply you with references of your suitability and trust.

There are some cases where it can be just calling in a couple of times a day. The old thing of switching a light on at night, feeding the cats, budgies or chickens (!) and a quick hoover round before they come back.
But many prefer someone there on a full time basis, especially on longer spells away from home. When you work out the cost of decent Kennels, the extra money on having you there is quite cost effective and takes a lot of worries away from the house owners.
Also, they can phone you up and check things are OK.

I've done 'non residential' house sitting where I've looked after a Parrot, just going in there a couple of times a day and on the owners request, sat near to the bird for an hour or two just so he has some company (and someone to swear at!!).

Often this kind of work is found by word of mouth. There are professional house sitters who go all over the country and to be honest, if you haven't a large mortgage, you're not spending anything on the utilities of your own property.

The House Sitters I've known have been more in their 50's and 60's where maybe they have their own kids at home doing the house sitting for them, or they just rent properties between work.

They've looked after houses from inner London to small Castles in Scotland and loved every minute of it. Some they've got quite attached to and really sorry when the owners holidays have come to an end.
But on about 50% of these, the owners have seen the good work they've done, the attachment they've had with Pets and are asked back every year!

Finding a good Agency is the best plan of action. They will obviously check you out quite thoroughly and probably ask many questions on why you actually want to do such work. Fair enough.

Some people may see it as just being a job. If it were me, I'd see it as a chance to se other parts and experience things outside of the norm.

Maybe not for you - but maybe it is.

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A reputable House / Pet Sitting Company
will usually make selection through
1. Application Form
2. Telephone interview
3. Visiting your own home
4..Will do a Police Check
Most Agencies prefer retired or
semi-retired people who have had their
own pets in the past
The more references you have, both
professionally and personally the better.

Earning Extra Money Articles

A house is not a home, especially when there's no one there.
Bacharach

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If you don't go through a House Sitting or Pet Sitting Agency, ensure you have sufficient Insurance to cover any accidents