The best possible care for your sanctuary and loved ones

About this sitter

Hi, I'm Xan and I love to have new experiences, which is one of the greatest reasons I'm a pet- and housesitter. I am passionate about community building, microbiology and creative, innovative expression. I am a creative consultant and writer, so I am extremely fortunate to be able to set the pace of my obligations. I absolutely adore animals, particularly cats and dogs, but also have a soft spot for cheeky lizards, birds and frogs and of course farm animals too!

Why they want to house sit

I take deep pride and pleasure in being a caretaker people really feel secure with, knowing their loved ones and loved places are in kind, caring and responsible hands. Because I work from "home," I'm able to give a lot of care and attention to my furry friends! I have been a home owner and longtime pet owner, so I know first-hand how stressful and vulnerable it can feel to leave a stranger with your sanctuary. Luckily, I'm an excellent communicator, will always ask questions to clarify that we are on the same page in every way, and also very capable of handling anything that comes up.

Their experience

I have house-sat, baby-sat and pet-sat for friends and friends-of-friends for 30 years. I also just finished a 5 month journey doing 8 sits all around Europe! As I've said, I just love animals and feel privileged to be around them. In caring for animals, nothing much phases me, having had and taken care of old animals, baby animals, rambunctious animals, timid animals, rescued animals and sick animals, so shots, pills, extra care, accidents.... it's all ok and they will be ALWAYS be treated with love, kindness and patience. I'm also skilled in keeping firm boundaries with gentleness. I'd say cats are my specialty (I tend to get along well with even the most aloof and finicky felines), but I do great with dogs of all kinds and have some good experience with just about everyone else in-or-outdoor (fish, birds, snakes, chickens, goats, etc.) As far as home care, I am reasonably tidy, keep things clean, and I am always very respectful and mindful of house rules and practices. I keep calendars, spreadsheets and reminders to make sure I promptly attend all the required tasks like plant care, garbage, etc. Your home will be comfortable and clean when you return, and stocked with the essentials! I'm no plant expert, but I can keep a watering schedule and pick up after them, and do have great green friends that I can call with questions that come up (is it supposed to be that color?) Recently, I was a caretaker on 5 acres of land with a house under construction, a pool to clean and chemical and lots of land management, project management, weeding and grass to mow, so I have tons of experience with that sort of outdoors work. Though I'm new to this site and method of getting house-sits, I'm so excited to connect into a mutually-beneficial arrangement!

What can they bring to the assignment

I'm reliable, trustworthy, experienced, communicative, kind and bright. I caretake because I care.