Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Sitter available
Reliable, friendly, caring couple ready to take care of your home and pets
United Kingdom
Testimonials
They have 38 testimonials (view below)
Pet experience
Dog(s), Cat(s), Horse/Donkey(s), Chicken(s), Bird(s), Fish, Rabbit(s), Tortoise/Turtle(s), Guinea pig(s), Rodent(s), Goat(s), Reptile(s), Farm animal(s), Other animal(s) – Kate rides & has horse experience, and Chris has kept goats, pigs, ducks, hens etc. We both love dogs & cats.
Police check
They have a police check
Availability
From: 30 Sep 2024
Until: 30 Jun 2028
(see their busy times below)
Occupation
Environmental Projects Manager, mainly retired,
References
They have referees/references (view below)
About this sitter
We are a responsible, caring, friendly couple who enjoy walking, reading, travel, nature and outdoor life. After many years of working, bringing up children and looking after our own pets and homes, it is time for a break!
We are both more or less retired, and happily busy with many other things - improving in French and Spanish (mainly Kate), teaching Qui Gong (Chris), and hiking, biking and wild swimming (both of us).
We are usually in Scotland in the summer, and we try to spend time house-sitting in Europe in the period from late-autumn to early Spring. We have residence permits for Spain, and we like to spend some time in either France and Portugal as well each winter.
Why they want to house sit
We both enjoy spending time living in a place - walking, talking to people, enjoying cafe life and taking the time to get the feel of a place.
We enjoy the opportunity to try out different languages, to keep learning, and to keep open minded about the world.
House-sitting is ideal for this as we also love having animals to look after, and to keep us company too.
Chris still has some teaching and other commitments in Edinburgh, and at those times I am happy to do part or all of a house-sit solo.
Their experience
We have looked after houses, gardens, and many animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, hens, goats and geese. We have successfully sorted out many minor (and sometimes larger!) problems whilst house-sitting.
We both love having animals around, and enjoy walking with dogs (and sometimes cats too!). I love horses, know how to look after them, and can ride. Chris has kept dogs, hens, pigs and goats. We both enjoy gardening and are practical hand-on people.
We give a lot of care and attention to the pets that we are caring for.
We look after them according to their normal routines and make sure that they get any medications or special care that they might need.
We have lots of recent five star references on a different house-sitting website: 'Trusted Housesitters'. You can view our profile and our 22+ references there at:
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitters/united-kingdom/scotland/edinburgh/l/199730/
What can they bring to the assignment
We are both mature and responsible, and like to look after other people's homes as if they were our own. We don't smoke. We drink a little wine or beer with meals. We are both tidy and respectful of other people's houses. We can both drive.
I speak reasonable French (intermediate level), and have some Spanish also. Chris is really excellent at DIY and so on. We are both practical people, and able to deal with anything unexpected.
Between us we have lived and worked in several different countries, and we are able to deal with anything that comes up unexpectedly.
Above all, as well as respect and responsibility for an owner's house and land, we always bring love, care and affection for the animals that we will be looking after.
Last updated:
16 Oct 2024
Available to house sit
Countries: Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Availability dates
From: 30 Sep 2024
Until: 30 Jun 2028
They have indicated that they are busy at the following times:
23 Nov 2024 to 5 Dec 2024, 24 Dec 2024 to 2 Jan 2025
Do they charge?
They don't charge for house sitting services
Personal details
Age: 56-65 years old
Family status:
Couple
Languages spoken:
English, French (Français/Francais), Spanish (Español/Espanol)
Membership
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References
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Sitemap
MindMyHouse.com – https://www.mindmyhouse.com/owners/sitter_listing/27951
Testimonials
We are so grateful
Kate and Chris make leaving your pet behind a guilt free experience. We are so grateful every time they agree to come and hang out with Ravi
Stef, United Kingdom, 25 July, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
The best housesitters we have had
Simply the best housesitters we have had. Great communication throughout, and looked after our pets well and house was tidy when we arrived. 5 stars, wouldn’t hesitate to have back again. Thanks so much.
Jonny & Holly, United Kingdom, 18 July, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Thanks so much Kate for everything
Kate looked after my wee cat really well. She kept in touch with me really well sending me photos of Star to let me know how she was doing. Thanks so much Kate for everything.
Debbie, United Kingdom, 29 June, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
I would highly recommend them
Kate and Chris were very good house and pet sitters. Communication was excellent and I could see Honey the cat was happy with them from the photos they sent. Everything was fine in the house for the people who came to stay after them. I would highly recommend them!
Kirsty, United Kingdom, 23 May, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
We shall ask them back
Kate and Chris were excellent in every way. Kept us up to date with Jasmine. The house, was spotless, they watered the plants and wiped the windows clear of the gulls …. Could not have been better. We shall ask them back.
Shields & Carol, United Kingdom, 07 May, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Lovely couple
Kate and Chris were great with the dogs and the cat. I received updates and felt informed and assured throughout the sit. Kate was always very responsive and easy to coordinate with. Lovely couple.
Katherine, Costa Rica, 13 February, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Kate looked after my cats really well
Kate looked after my cats really well and I'm sure they felt very comfortable and happy with her.i was able to enjoy my time away knowing they were all happy
Linda, Spain, 23 January, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Pleasant, reliable & efficient
Kate (flying solo on this occasion) was a pleasant, reliable & efficient cat sitter who clearly bonded with our 2 cats. She updated us daily with photos & we trusted her completely to provide the best care & attention. She dealt with a couple of elderly cat incontinence episodes without fuss or complaint & gave our boys lots of cuddles & attention. The house was clean & tidy on our return & we'd have no hesitation in using Kate again in the future.
Sue, Spain, 13 January, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
I highly recommend her and Chris
This was my first time using a sitter and so I was a bit apprehensive but Kate put that all to rest. She took excellent care of my cats and my house and I felt very confident they were in good hands. One of my cats is a drama queen and made her displeasure at my absence known by throwing up all over my clean bed. Kate took care of all that mess without complaint and with charm. Sorry Kate! I highly recommend her and Chris for future house sits.
jane, Spain, 04 January, 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Much appreciated
Our cats were well looked after by Kate and Chris and clearly enjoyed new laps to sit on! Our home was also in safe hands and looked after. After we completed the initial handover, Chris kindly gave us a lift to the train station which was much appreciated as was the local walking guide book gift they left for us.
Sharman, Spain, 21 December, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
A pleasure
A pleasure to have welcomed Kate and Chris into our home à très bientôt
Penny, Spain, 12 December, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Very kind, trustworthy and comforting
Kate and Chris were really, really nice. Our travelplans changed drastically because of a death in our family. They were very willing to help us reorganise our travelplans (family lives in the Netherlands). Kate kept in touch all the time and was really comforting. When we returned, the house was perfect and the cats really happy and relaxed. They were also very helpful with collecting our mail and packages (I did not have time to organise properly, because I left in a hurry before they arrived). I can highly recommend Kate and Chris as house and cat sitters. I sincerely hope I can welcome them back in the future.
Linda, France, 26 Nov 2024
In good hands
Kate turned up on good time and was very patient with a bombardment of instructions! We received several photos of Tommy looking chilled and relaxed. She communicated regularly and we came back to a very tidy house - thank you for sorting out the laundry and for the lovely card (which will serve as a prompt for today's art class). It was nice to know that Tommy was in good hands and we would certainly recommend Kate and Chris.
Carole, United Kingdom, 11 November, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Kate was a great sitter
Kate was a great sitter, self sufficient and very organised. The dogs were very well cared for and obviously enjoyed lots of exercise, work is kept up to date with action photos! Thank you to you both for taking such good care of our boys and our home!
Sarah, United Kingdom, 14 August, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Fantastic pet sitters
Katherine and Chris were fantastic pet sitters. Chris even mowed the lawn! We were able to enjoy our holiday knowing Ravi was well looked after and we had regular updates with pics. They were such great sitters we have already asked them to sit again.
Stef, United Kingdom, 21 July, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Very reliable
Katherine & Chris a very reliable and Katherine’s communication before, during and after her house sit was excellent. We had a very rushed handover and we had some issues at home meaning Katherine & Chris had to deal with trades people coming to the house which they did without any problems which was much appreciated. The hens were all happy on our return. I would be happy to have Katherine & Chris house sit for us again in the future.
Sabine, United Kingdom, 08 July, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Thanks
Thanks Kate and Chris for looking after our furry family whilst we were away. It was great to meet virtually prior to the sit as unfortunately our trip timings didn’t allow a crossover to meet in person. Communication both before a during the sit was great, and they were very self-sufficient.
Sarah, United Kingdom, 10 May, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Kate did a first-class job
Kate did a first-class job looking after our chickens, a polytunnel and many houseplants. She kept in touch and we were able to relax in the knowledge that our house was in good hands. We'd love to see Kate and Chris back again.
John, United Kingdom, 22 April, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
I will definitely be inviting them to sit again
Kate and Chris were fantastic cat sitters! When we arrived home our two Burmese cats were relaxed and happy and the house was clean and tidy. Kate was a good communicator from the start and came across as a caring, warm and intelligent person. They sent enough photos of the cats that we were satisfied they were happy but not too many which can be overwhelming. I would highly recommend Kate and Chris as sitters and I will definitely be inviting them to sit again.
Gaud, United Kingdom, 29 March, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Highly recommended
Fantastic house sitter. Clear communication leading up to sit and during the sit. We had an unexpected twin baby goat arrival during the sit and Katherine was calm, considered and dealt with everything like a pro ! Highly recommended.
Gordon, United Kingdom, 09 February, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Definitely recommended
It was only Kate for this one but she was great. She stayed the night before and we got to know each other a bit and got on very well. Maisie had a good time with her - they went on lots of bike trips together - and Kate sent regular updates with photos. She sorted out my bike for me which was very helpful and even laundered her bedding so that when I came back there was nothing for me to do. A very nice lady, would definitely recommend.
Laura, United Kingdom, 14 January, 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Kate and Chris are the perfect couple
Kate and Chris are the perfect couple for looking after your pets and home. Our dog was spoilt from day one. They enjoyed themselves and made sure Casi did too. The house was kept well and we had constant updates on their adventures which included Casi. We were very happy with them and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to anyone.
Kay, Spain, 21 December, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Five star
Hi Chris & Kate came over to look after Millie & Max and I must say M&M had a great time. They sent regular photos of the fun times i.e : dogs on the beach chasing waves & hill treks All in all I would recommend Chirs and Kate to anyone looking for there pets to be cared for. Five star ⭐️
Jim, Spain, 03 December, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Reliable sitters
Kate and Chris are very nice, adaptable and autonomous. It was nice chatting with them because we share interest in nature and human consciousness. When they arrived after a long trip they didn’t hesitate to help me disassemble my bicycle to put it in my car. It was very nice of them. They are reliable sitters.
Slyvie, Portugal, 14 November, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Couldn't ask for more
I was very happy leaving my pets and home with Katherine and Chris. The animals were obviously very happy and chilled, and had been well looked after. All was good and I came home to a tidy calm home. I couldn't ask for more
Janette, United Kingdom, 19 August, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Great pet sitters
Katherine and Sarah were great pet sitters and dealt with a couple of bad pet behaviour incidents (sickness and a poo out of place) with aplomb. They came well organised and left the house in a very good state. Katherine kept in touch and sent through a couple of photos as proof of life :)
Gill, United Kingdom, 21 July, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Kate and Chris took great care
Kate and Chris took great care of our 12 hens (plus four chicks), two geese, and two dogs for two weeks. They were organised and very reliable and kept in good contact. The dogs had a great time and went on some fantastic walks, despite there being rainy weather most of the time they were here! They are resilient and outdoors-loving people though and were not put off by a bit of rain! One of our dogs is - let's say - a bit challenging, in that he's two years old and still has the odd 'accident' when it's rainy and he doesn't fancy going out. They bore this with good humour! They left the house in very good order too - it was a pleasure to have them and we would certainly recommend them.
Judy, United Kingdom, 30 June, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Would definitely recommend
Katherine was a great house and dog sitter. She communicated regularly and Ollie enjoyed having her to stay. Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much for sitting Kate 😊
Jane, United Kingdom, 09 June, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Would definitely have back
The pets were all looked very well after and the house was spotless when I got home. Would definitely have back!
Kate, United Kingdom, 21 May, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
I have no hesitation in recommending Kate
I have no hesitation in recommending Kate, who I found easy to communicate with, reliable and who did a great job of looking after Willow (our Lab), Sooty (our cat) and our home.
Jo & John, United Kingdom, 11 May, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
The right people
Katherine and Chris came to look after our home and pets for a long weekend .We met them Thursday evening and within minutes I was sure we had the right people to house sit . They are charming ,confident and interested in the happiness ,safety and routine of our pets .The Dogs ,Ponies , a cat and chickens . They both said they enjoy walking and exploring the area so I felt the dogs would have great walks .And they did. On our return the Tuesday evening The house seemed tidier than when we left. The animals were relaxed and not overly excited which meant they had been happy . We were delighted to have them in our home and would certainly be happy to ask them to sit again .
Claire, United Kingdom, 28 April, 2023(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Thanks
It was so good to meet up with Katherine and Chris and it was clear that they would look after our house and our very young gatito very well. We felt comfortable going away and on return Woody was quite relaxed and had had a good few days.
Peter, Spain, 18 December, 2022(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Would be very happy for Kate to housesit again
It was a pleasure having kate looking after Crunchie. He was looked after very well and enjoyed going for plenty of walks . Well organised and able to just get on while I was away. Would be very happy for Kate to housesit again.
Joanna, United Kingdom, 12 July, 2022(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
We would highly recommend Kate
Kate did a great job looking after Maya. Corresponding with her pre and during the sit was easy & Kate regularly kept us up-to-date on both the house & dog. Maya was very content on our return and the house was in an immaculate state. We would highly recommend Kate & would be delighted to welcome her back into our home.
Stefan, United Kingdom, 03 June, 2022(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Katherine and Chris looked after my pet very well
Katherine and Chris looked after my pet Lurcher very well. She was exercised even better than I do and they visited many interesting rural locations and beaches which she would have loved. The communication was excellent whilst I was away and they both sent me photos of her on her walks and assuring text updates, allowing me to enjoy my own break to the full. The house was kept well and in order for my return. I would have no reservations in recommending them and would be happy to use them again.
Calum, United Kingdom, 31 May, 2022(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Reliable friendly couple
Kate and Chris are a lovely friendly couple. They did a house sit for us for 2 weeks, looking after the house, animals and the garden. We were in contact most days, they took our doggies out on some adventures which they have thoroughly enjoyed. They took care of all the feathered animals and even the tiny hamster. The house was clean and tidy on our return and they even left us a cooked meal for our late arrival home. The garden was kept lovely and planted some produce which was very helpful. Chris couldn't resist his talents at leaving us a drawing to help with our project renovating! We would recommend and welcome Kate and Chris anytime.
polly, France, 6 May 2019
Great easy going couple
We got on well with Chris and Kate as soon as they arrived. We knew all would be well with our home and animals and it all was on our return. Thank you guys for giving us peace of mind on our break in uk. Hope you might do another sit for us sometime. Enjoy your travels. Take care Sue and Paul
Sue n Paul, France, 11 Jan 2018
Reliable, friendly, looked well after our hens and cats
It was a pleasure to get to know Kate and Chris, a friendly and reliable couple, who looked after our country house in France, with hens and cats, for 5 weeks this spring. They were good communicators, keeping us frequently up to date by email while we were away.
Roussillon, France, 11 Apr 2017