Author & journalist, WFH. Experienced pet owner. Kind, reliable, easy-going and flexible

About this sitter

I am an author and a journalist for a national UK newspaper. I've worked there for more than a decade and I am in my late-30s. I am open to most sitting opportunities, either in the UK or abroad. I am interested in all types of places: cities, seaside, rural. I am very experienced at looking after cats and dogs, and smaller animals, eg. hamsters, but also available to house-sit without pets. I don't have a car so somewhere walkable would be best. I enjoy reading, swimming, nature, and the arts.

Why they want to house sit

I live in London and I have come to the end of a long tenancy, and I am looking to experience something new. The pandemic changed the office culture so I am now able to work remotely, and I want to take this opportunity to explore more; whether in the UK or other parts of the world. I am at a time in my life where I am able to do this and I want to take that opportunity to discover new locations. I am also finishing a book so having somewhere to work from home with quiet is a good thing. Plus I really miss having a pet! I find them such a delight to be around.

Their experience

I am an experienced pet owner and pet/house-sitter, although I have never joined a professional site before (hence no testimonials yet, although I will be uploading external references, and I'm happy to send individually to owners, or my AirBnB profile). I grew up with two cats (from kittens until 18 years old) and I owned a rescue cat called Miles in adulthood. He was very shy and traumatised but in the end we became extremely bonded. I also shared a Yorkshire terrier (my ex-partner's) for two years. I also once hand-reared two two-week-old (!!) kittens which were abandoned at the bottom of my garden. I often pet-sit for friends as a favour. As for house-sitting, I have stayed in friends' houses before to look after them during breaks.

What can they bring to the assignment

I am a huge animal lover and would relish the chance to look after cats or dogs now that I don't own either. I work from home so I will be able to keep them company a lot. I have also lived alone a number of times before so I am used to looking after a place individually. I am very friendly which means I tend to make friends with neighbours and local people very easily, which I imagine will be a bonus for home / pet owners who might like to check in to see how things are going back home. I would endeavour to be a part of the local community while sitting, as I feel it would be nice and helpful to get to know others nearby.