House Sitters

[MrsCat 6]

Chris and I are thinking of going away for a week. However one of our challenges is leaving the pets in a kennel. We have three pets, Dale (the dog), Thomas Jefferson (the cat) and Oscar (our new cat). While Dale does okay in a kennel (his arthritis seems to get worse), Thom is prone to UTIs and his ocular herpes flares up whenever he's in a new situation. So we're been thinking about finding a house sitter. We live in the middle of nowhere so we're not able to ask our friends to help out for a week because it would be a 40 mile drive one-way each day.

Anyone used one before? Suggestions? Do you write a contract? Do you leave them your vehicle while you're away? Do they actually stay at your house, or come and go?

[July09Bride 1]

Chris and I are thinking of going away for a week. However one of our challenges is leaving the pets in a kennel. We have three pets, Dale (the dog), Thomas Jefferson (the cat) and Oscar (our new cat). While Dale does okay in a kennel (his arthritis seems to get worse), Thom is prone to UTIs and his ocular herpes flares up whenever he's in a new situation. So we're been thinking about finding a house sitter. We live in the middle of nowhere so we're not able to ask our friends to help out for a week because it would be a 40 mile drive one-way each day.

Anyone used one before? Suggestions? Do you write a contract? Do you leave them your vehicle while you're away? Do they actually stay at your house, or come and go?

I've asked kids I know (either by coaching them or they are former students) 'cuz they're cheaper. I have not left my vehicle for them, but I have left some food basics. Some have stayed at the house, others have not.

Otherwise, interview people. Meet at a coffee shop or have them over to your place. Ask for references. Good luck!

[minnew 4]

Our neighbours have asked us to house sit their dog, we have known them for the past 18 years. Basically when we do that we go over to their house maybe once or twice a day and see if the dog needs to go to the bathroom and make sure the dog gets her supper. My parents will also take her for a walk once a day or once every other day, as she's not as active as she used to be. Our neighbour leaves instructions on what time to be fed and usually what time to come over so that the dog can relieve herself outside. Our neighbours will also do the same for us when we are away, except we don't have pets, they will just check the mail so the mailbox is not overflowing. I wouldn't leave a vechile with them, just a key and let them come and go. If you don't know anyone well enough maybe you could hire someone but then there is the issue of privacy of your items inside your home and would they invite people over.

If you do hire someone definitely have a contract, as it will come in handy for the situation with my aunt and uncle below:

I know this doesn't have to do with pets, but still on the same topic, sorta:

My aunt and uncle have a trailer in AZ and will be spending 6 months a year there. They just did that this past year. They worked out with some people that they KNEW for them to rent the house from them for 6 months while they were away to cover bills and expenses. Well even though it was someone they knew and trusted, not everyone will treat your home the way you treat it, different mindset I guess, but everyone is different. They had rental agreements and now the people owe my aunt and uncle around $3000 for repairs and damages, plus there was other people living there that were not on the initial contract. This year if they again go to AZ in October they will just ask their neighbours whom they have known for 20+ years to watch the house for them, even though they might be into a loss a bit due to expenses in AZ.

Edited May 23, 2009 by minnew

[Emancipation 2]

I'll gladly come to HI Mrs. Cat and house sit

Oh man.. Anyone in your family/friends who would like a place in HI for a week? Kinda like a timeshare?...

Otherwise perhaps check around with your neighbors and they may know someone whom they could recommend. We have a gal in our church who is like the dog whisperer, and she literally takes care of dogs & walks animals almost as a full-time job.

Edited May 23, 2009 by Emancipation

[MrsCat 6]

I'll gladly come to HI Mrs. Cat and house sit

Oh man.. Anyone in your family/friends who would like a place in HI for a week? Kinda like a timeshare?...

Otherwise perhaps check around with your neighbors and they may know someone whom they could recommend. We have a gal in our church who is like the dog whisperer, and she literally takes care of dogs & walks animals almost as a full-time job.

That would be ideal for family to visit while we're away. . . . and yes Em, if we do go away and you came come on short notice, you'd be welcome to the house for a week. You must be okay with loads of dog and cat hair though.

This is going to sound bad, but here goes anyways. The reason we don't want to ask our neighbors is because they have some unsavory friends. And we'd prefer that none of them know that we're going away because they have the type of friends that would capitalize on our awayness.

[JillA 2]

My Dad and stepmom travel alot, so they have an older neighbor man come over twice daily to feed and play with their kitty. Also take in the mail, etc. She pays him 10 bucks per day, and he is also the emergency contact for the alarm. In fact, they are going to HI next year for 3 weeks! I'm soooo jealous

But I know if you have a dog, it needs more companionship than a kitty.... I don't blame you on the neighbor thing, you don't want any funny activity going now hile you're away. So, where ya goin!?

[MrsCat 6]

My Dad and stepmom travel alot, so they have an older neighbor man come over twice daily to feed and play with their kitty. Also take in the mail, etc. She pays him 10 bucks per day, and he is also the emergency contact for the alarm. In fact, they are going to HI next year for 3 weeks! I'm soooo jealous

But I know if you have a dog, it needs more companionship than a kitty.... I don't blame you on the neighbor thing, you don't want any funny activity going now hile you're away. So, where ya goin!?

Nothing too exotic, thinking of Seattle for a week. Chris' grandmother is ill and there is a great sale on Alaska right now from Hawaii, so we're thinking. Probably leaving July 3rd . . . . . not too sure yet.

[JillA 2]

My Dad and stepmom travel alot, so they have an older neighbor man come over twice daily to feed and play with their kitty. Also take in the mail, etc. She pays him 10 bucks per day, and he is also the emergency contact for the alarm. In fact, they are going to HI next year for 3 weeks! I'm soooo jealous

But I know if you have a dog, it needs more companionship than a kitty.... I don't blame you on the neighbor thing, you don't want any funny activity going now hile you're away. So, where ya goin!?

Nothing too exotic, thinking of Seattle for a week. Chris' grandmother is ill and there is a great sale on Alaska right now from Hawaii, so we're thinking. Probably leaving July 3rd . . . . . not too sure yet.

I when you said that, because I don't think anywhere you could go will be more exotic than where you already live! Well, maybe except Fiji....

[domegirl1978 1]

Look to see if you have a pet sitting or errand service business in your area of town. They should be licensed and bonded. THAT is a big deal.

They are usually pretty reasonably priced and you can always ask for references or testimonials from other clients about their services. Just a thought

[July09Bride 1]

My Dad and stepmom travel alot, so they have an older neighbor man come over twice daily to feed and play with their kitty. Also take in the mail, etc. She pays him 10 bucks per day, and he is also the emergency contact for the alarm. In fact, they are going to HI next year for 3 weeks! I'm soooo jealous

But I know if you have a dog, it needs more companionship than a kitty.... I don't blame you on the neighbor thing, you don't want any funny activity going now hile you're away. So, where ya goin!?

Nothing too exotic, thinking of Seattle for a week. Chris' grandmother is ill and there is a great sale on Alaska right now from Hawaii, so we're thinking. Probably leaving July 3rd . . . . . not too sure yet.

Well, if you were going at the end of July/beginning of August, we would housesit for you!!! That's when we'll be HI for the honeymoon!!! I love dogs & he loves cats.

[MrsCat 6]

Oh yeah JulyBride, I forgot you'll be HI bound soon.

As for vacation, I'd give anything to get a week in AK right now. My soul has been really aching to go back lately. I think Chris too.

Look to see if you have a pet sitting or errand service business in your area of town. They should be licensed and bonded. THAT is a big deal.

They are usually pretty reasonably priced and you can always ask for references or testimonials from other clients about their services. Just a thought

Thank you - I'll have to check on that, I didn't realize there were actual businesses that do that.

[Reba 2]

Check the Yellow Pages for licensed house sitting/pet sitting services. They're bonded, and insured. You can arrange with them wheter you just want someone to visit the house once or twice a day to feed and walk your pets, or have someone stay at your house for the entire week.

[Gypsyangel 11]

Check with your local vet. They usually have good "pet" contacts in the community. I found a great bonded cat sitter that way. Sometimes they don't let people advertise unless they've already checked them out.

[July09Bride 1]

Check with your local vet. They usually have good "pet" contacts in the community. I found a great bonded cat sitter that way. Sometimes they don't let people advertise unless they've already checked them out.

Great idea! I'll have to remember that!