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As my first blog post I wanted to write about something that I truly am passionate about and that is my first priority in my life as a solo single female with MANY FUR-REAL Furbabies!  I was active duty Air Force and now currently an Air Force Reserve officer, with a home base in Florida.  As you may not know as a military reservist, sometimes you have to travel to your assignments which sometimes are not colocated where your home is located. 

And if you happen to have four dogs and two cats, yes I also have two SUPER COOL cats, this poses an issue of who is going to watch them for a week, two weeks or sometimes a month of so. Yes, my fur-kids do have a grandmother but it is not always convenient for her to watch six bundles of joy! Lol 

It is my biggest STRESS when it comes to taking on new assignments, going on vacation, etc.  Now don’t get me wrong, I usually take all the dogs with me where ever I go but when it comes to traveling to the Pentagon – I don’t think they advertise as “Super Pet Friendly” – Hence having to find a Pet Nanny.  That’s what I call their pet sitters…..Nanny just sounds so much more lavish and these fur-kids definitely live the lavish lifestyle as you will soon see.

Anyways – back to what I was trying to say is that I hire a house sitter/pet sitter for astronomical amounts of money!  Yes it is definitely worth it and yes I have paid that amount and still would if I didn’t discover a mutually beneficial program called Housecarers.com.  I am going to list the pro’s for both the sitter and the homeowner below.

Retirees are particularly fond of house sitting. Many of them make radical changes in their lifestyles when they realize they are not obligated to stay in one area. Retirees have been known to pack up a suitcase and catch the next plane to Mexico, Australia, or wherever the home owner sounds the call from. Many seniors find the change of environment invigorating after years of the monotonous drudgery of employment. Other seniors prefer to take only a few short assignments each year. This gives them the opportunity to visit new areas while still maintaining their home base.

Freelance photographers and writers are also finding the house sitting lifestyle beneficial. Writers who are creating the next best selling novel–or doing research on a particular part of the world–can house sit for a home owner in that area and experience first hand the life, culture and history of a given spot. The same is true for photographers. Many photographs travel and are in need of a place to stay. When they are matched with a home owner who needs a sitter, the photographer can tell the hotel room good-bye.

Families are also realizing that house sitting gives them a chance to vacation in parts of the world which would be out of the question for them otherwise. There are many home owners who welcome families. Home owners who also need the sitter to care for pets can be assured their pets will get adequate attention and exercise when children are in the equation.

There are some house sitters who are unsure about where they want to put down their roots. Recent military people who have lived in various bases for years may want to house sit in different parts of the world for a while before they decide which area would suit them for a permanent residence. Students are also house sitters. By being a house sitter, this cuts down on their living expenses. This also assures the student of a quiet place to concentrate on studies–away from the distraction of a college campus.

Most house sitters register with a house sitter directory. For a small fee, their information is available to home owners who are in need of a house sitter. Here house sitters can post their information, such as which areas they are available to house sit in, the length of assignments they are available for, what skills they have which can benefit the home owner, and so on.

Besides having the opportunity to see the world, house sitters benefit because they are not charged rent. In exchange for room and board, the house sitter maintains the home owners property and does regular duties for the home owner while they are away. These duties can include lawn maintenance, cleaning a pool, taking care of pets, and more. The needs of the home owner will be clearly outlined in a house sitting contract.

Being free from rent or a mortgage payment is allowing many house sitters the chance to save their money. Some house sitters have big goals and house sitting gives them the opportunity to achieve them. Whether its starting a small business, saving for a down payment on a home, or paying their way through college, houses sitting is paying off for the sitter.

House sitters are mature and responsible. They know the home owner is leaving their possessions and mementos in their capable hands. If a problem arises, house sitters are quick to rise to the challenge. If a pipe leaks, or a tree falls in the yard because of a storm, a house sitter is on the job and willing to take the necessary steps to fix the problem. House sitters are also aware that while they may be living in someones home, it is not their property. House sitter guidelines usually do not allow for parties or over night guests.

Many house sitters are invited for repeat stays. When a home owner finds a sitter they like, they will usually ask the sitter to come back when the need arises for them to travel, again. Many home owners and sitters are finding they are forging friendships with each other and they keep up with each others life away from the house sitting arrangement.

Occasionally house sitters will be asked to do more than just maintain the property of the home owner or care for the pets. For instance, some home owners may own rental properties in the area and ask for the sitter to be on hand for rent payments. Other home owners may live on a farm. House sitters have been known to feed the chickens or horses. Most house sitters love the diversity of these tasks, and welcome the experience. Each home owner is different and house sitters love exploring all aspects of a new assignment.

House/Pet Sitter

1. 1. Great way to travel anywhere in the world – RENT FREE
   2. By exchanging home care and security for free accommodations, house-sitters save on rent expenses allowing them to build financial strength and accomplish their personal goals.
   3. Not all House sitting gigs involve pet-sitting – most of the time its just for the fact that someone is actually staying in their home while they are away. Sense of security for homeowners.
   4. You choose your destination – domestic or international
   5. Only $50 per year to get registered into the database – for UNLIMITED applications (Thats a lot of free travel)

Homeowners

1. 1. Decreases the risk of theft.
   2. Free live-in pet lover to keep your home secure, and pets happy at home.
   3. This saves on expensive pet boarding fees and most importantly Pet stress!

House sitting has always been a poor cousin of couch surfing, Arbnb, house swap etc. but not this time!  This program has allowed me to continue my military travels when I cannot bring my pups – Take a look at the program and I guarantee you will find it beneficial on both sides!