Have any myLotters tried house sitting?

@mipen2006 (5528)
Australia
June 3, 2009 9:46pm CST
I am just about to enter another phase of my life. From next week I'll be retired, and have made some definite plans. First, before the Australian government will pay me my pension in Thailand, I have to live in Australia for two years. Although I contributed to the scheme for about forty years, and the fact I left Australia because I was considered too old at 57, and couldn't get work there, I still have to do the two years. Well to turn this into a positive, my wife and I are going to house sit, and see as much of the country as possible. House sitting is looking after someones pets and home while they take a vacation. It's a wonderful concept, and is available world wide. We are already booked for the first four months, and look forward to more soon. Have you ever house sat? Do you think this sounds like a good idea?
2 responses
imajoker
@imajoker (121)
• Finland
12 Mar 10
hello there! i just came back home from a housesitting gig in Helsinki. I took care of one household and their dog. it was fun and I will probably do it again. I would also be interested in doing similar jobs abroad as i love to travel.
1 person likes this
mipen2006
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
13 Mar 10
Hi imajoker, there are some sites you can join, some are good and others not so. I have foung House Carers fine, but it may depend on which country you require to house sit. Good luck, my friend.
polachicago
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
4 Jun 09
It sounds like a very good idea. Are you going to do house sitting in Australia? How do they pay? I may need house sitting for my pets and I am wondering how much do I have to pay.... I know that Australia may have different fee schedule, but I want to have main idea about the cost....
mipen2006
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
4 Jun 09
Hi again, actually I think both the sites are from America. Homeowners list their houses for free, and don't have to pay anything. Sitters, on the otherhand have to pay an annual subscription so they can get details on available houses. I'm most impressed by a site called housecarers, they are responsible for my first two sits in Victoria, the state I was born in. I also joined House sit Oz, but I think this is a subsiduary of an American parent co. I think most pet lovers would like to have an animal lover, stay in their home to care for their pets instead of sending them to an expensive kennel or cattery. Also to have a house unoccupied for any length of time is taking a risk. At the start, in March,this year, I just gooled house sit. Bood luck.