Responsible Animal lover: non-smoker

About this sitter

Hello! My name is Claire, I'm a 57 year old retired woman. Im passionate about animal welfare, a keen birdwatcher, and have enjoyed lots of solo independent travels worldwide.

I speak Spanish & Portuguese, as i lived in Portugal for a few years, and ive travelled extensively throughout south & central America: SE Asia, West Africa and New Zealand as well.

Im a non-smoker, and ive been vegetarian for 40 years. I don't drink alcohol, & i enjoy a quiet lifestyle. All this aligns with my values of animal welfare, & respect to community, environment and my fellow human beings.

I have a regular meditation practice: my favourite form of co-regulation being with a purring cat sat on my lap!

I am retired, and have previously worked in tourism and healthcare. I currently am a listening volunteer for the samaritans.

Im looking for rural housesits, as that is my preferred habitat! I live in the Peak District NP, which i love.
Ive always enjoyed hiking, birdwatching & photography.

Why they want to house sit

I love housesitting as I can travel to new places whilst also enjoying the company of lovely animals, & meeting wonderful pet owners. I have really enjoyed the housesits ive done already.
I have travelled solo extensively, so i am confident in new countries, new places, driving overseas, etc. I can speak Spanish & Portuguese, so I can communicate well in countries where those languages are spoken..... handy if any emergency situation arises.

Their experience

Ive already done 5 housesits this year on another platform, receiving 5 star reviews & so far 3 invites to sit for them again.
These housesits have been for both cats and dogs.
I regularly look after my neighbour's cat, Penelope, who I love and adore! Ive also looked after dogs of several friends over the years.
I have also had a pet dog, a cat, & rabbits in the past.

What can they bring to the assignment

I care deeply about animal welfare, and i always do my utmost to give pets the best care possible, with plenty of TLC & cuddles. I love spending quality time with animals: there is little more therapeutic than relaxing with a purring, contented cat on my lap, co-regulating each other! Likewise with walkies with dogs: I get so much pleasure from watching a dog having a great walk/run, splashing around in streams etc.
I always take great care of people's homes, leaving them just as I found them. Im a very responsible person, and would never have other people in the house unless previously agreed with the owner.
Im a life long non-smoker too.
I am retired, so that gives me flexibility on arrival & departure times for a sit: reassuring for house owners, to factor in any possible travel delays.