Seeking farm sitting opportunities in North Bay Area CA

About this sitter

I am a mature (early 40s) woman with life-long farm and ranch sitting experience; Masters degree in Evolutionary Ecology; and extensive training and practice (10+ years) in permaculture and regenerative agriculture. I was born and raised on a 300-acre farm in northern British Columbia and now call Southern California home.

Why they want to house sit

I am looking to meet new people and build community and connections in California. In the longer term (3-6 mths) I am looking to find my own place to help manage animals, property and home. I have a farm-familiar 7 year old daughter and 20 lb (small) mixed breed dog.

I have always loved farm and ranch sitting, especially for longer periods of time where I get to know a place and the people. I have traveled extensively and internationally, and since moving to California in 2015 have really missed the feeling of traveling and meeting new people and places. Farm sitting is a great middle ground to do just that!

Their experience

Yes! I have been farm and ranch sitting since my teens. My mother has run a farm-based boarding and grooming kennel/business since I was 3, so looking after other peoples' animals and then later, homes, was a natural step for me to living on my own. I was also raised around veterinarians and bona fide farmers, so both know what to do in an emergency *and* when to call in a professional.

In my 20s I "ranchsat" for my boss/family friends who raised Percheron and TB Perch X horses on a remote 400-acre ranch. I have been a professional housesitter through a private company for high-end homes in Calgary, AB, and looked after folks with a couple of old dogs, a few cats and chickens up the street. I have both owned and cared for (for others) goats, sheep, horses, dogs, cats, and all kinds of small pets including rodents, reptiles and birds. I've tended and harvested gardens, watered houseplants, and looked after aquariums. I love it all!

More recently I have ranchsat for friends with up to 12 horses and 15+ dogs at a time (no typos!). I have excellent references and a wide range of experience.

My natural inclination is for farm sits but I'm open to other opportunities on animal-free properties.

What can they bring to the assignment

I bring over 30 years' worth of conscientious, practical animal care and farm living skills, in addition to being experienced in family-scale organic gardening and permaculture/regenerative agriculture.

I am happy to keep grass trimmed, pick and preserve (canning, freezing) fruits or veggies from the garden, pull weeds, and clean house alongside regular farm chores. I'm an avid composter, experienced in using wood heat (splitting and stacking wood, starting fires, keeping things warm), and reliable about the things that keep a farm home and operations running smoothly and safely.