Response rating:
Preferred locations
Melbourne
Additional Info
References available, Police check available, Non smoker, Experience with Domestic Animals, Experience with Farm Animals
About
Hello and welcome!
I am Belinda – a professional, full-time house-sitter; animal lover, tidy, respectful, non-smoking and in my early 40s.
I am a 'professional' house-sitter, in the sense that I house-sit full-time. I treat the activity seriously and in the manner of a small business – but the exchange is not a monetary one. Rather, it is one based on trust, care and the companionship of wonderful pets!
I was born in NZ, but have lived, studied and worked in Italy, NZ, Sydney, Singapore, the UK, and Melbourne; I have house-sat in all but Italy. Historically, it has always occurred as a casual arrangement with friends or acquaintances, but I have developed the lifestyle into something of an art and I now house-sit full-time. I recently returned to university to complete my Masters as a mature student. I now work full-time, but my workplace is very flexible and, post-COVID, I will continue to work much of the week from home.
Because, historically, I have moved so often, I have not been able to have a pet of my own. As such, I relish building relationships with the cats, dogs, fish, rabbits and chickens that I meet through my house-sitting assignments. I invariably develop strong bonds with the animals I look after - when I first moved to Melbourne in November 2014, I found the animal companionship to be an unexpected bonus as I adjusted to my new home, and house-sitting was a wonderful way to get to know the city!
I am clean and tidy and take pleasure in living in a well-run home. I have always rented, and pride myself on being an exceptional tenant; I have never, until now, sought out a house-sitting assignment, having always been approached on the basis of my character and reputation. I enjoy routine and stability in my home environment, which animals also respond to very positively; in particular, my focus on nutrition and health means that I spend a lot of time at home and in the kitchen.
I worked in the theatre for much of my life and, in the great tradition of the jobbing actor, have had a huge variety of other work, and experience in many different sectors. Often, I was called in as a 'temp', a position which I have found to be comparable to that of house-sitter, requiring great flexibility, adaptability, and a character which inspires immediate trust.
Dogs in my care enjoy two full walks a day. I find these to be a very important part of our bonding process, and I have no doubt that it helps them adjust to their new 'pack leader.' I also love cats, and am experienced with both moggies and other breeds, understanding and enjoying their varying characteristics and needs. I am very comfortable administering medication as required.
I am happy to take on light gardening duties and am comfortable with lighter equipment, such as lawn mowers. I understand rainwater catchment requirements, composting toilets and solar power. I have taken care of pest control and I am sensitive to summer watering needs. Longer assignments have also required me to consider fleas, worms and ticks for both cats & dogs, and the mucking out & drenching of chooks, as well monitoring security and safety within the hen-house.
I ensure that the home is pristine for the owners' return and am both practical and capable in the domestic environment. I respect and honour your transferral of these most precious assets and companions into my guardianship while you are away.
I have wonderful written References available for you to view, as well as a current Police Check. Do get in touch, if you would like to know more!