Remote workers house sitting full time

About this sitter

I've been going from one pet sit to another since the end of 2017. My wife Katia has been joining me on sits since we met and has done a few sits on her own.

I prefer to stay in areas where I can get around primarily on foot, bike, or transit. I love spending time in the countryside and have managed to do a number of rural sits, despite not having a car. Sometimes it takes a little creativity, but there's almost always a way to make it work.

We are always looking for sits near my family in Ocean Grove, NJ and my wife's family in Verbania, Italy.

Why they want to house sit

House sitting allows us to travel slowly and makes it easier to connect with the local community. Having pets makes long-term travel sustainable, as they provide excellent company and keep me to a schedule. My work schedule is very flexible, so I can always adjust to the household routine.

Travel gives me opportunities to enrich my work. In cities this might mean connecting with healthcare organizations and spending times in local archives. In rural areas it gives me the opportunity to organize my notes and focus on writing.

House sitting has brought me new friends, skills, life lessons, and many adventures!

Their experience

I grew up on a dahlia farm near the beach in New Jersey with dogs, cats, frogs, lizards, and a range of other critters. Despite being commuting distance to NYC, we were 'off the grid', so I have a basic familiarity with septic systems, wells, wood/coal stoves, etc. I've since had the opportunity to look after ducks, geese, chickens, peacocks, pigs, donkeys, sheep, and horses as a house sitter. I love doing off-grid sits, although I do need internet access to work.

I have lots of experience giving pills, injections, and liquid medication to cats and dogs. I have experience with anxious and aggressive dogs, from shih tzus and chihuahuas to pitbulls and dobermans.

Unfortunately, I've even had experience handling emergency vet care both with my own house sitters and as a house sitter. I have taken care of several cats and dogs who were elderly and/or chronically ill.

Katia and I keep things tidy. We don't smoke. I'm reasonably handy around the house and garden.

I have an Ontario drivers license with a clean driving record. Katia has a NJ drivers license with a clean driving record. We have a car with her parents in Verbania, Italy.

I'm a long term member (and ambassador) of CouchSurfing and have had great experiences on Home Exchange. I've also both hosted and been a guest through AirBnB.

I have citizenship in the US and Canada. My wife, Katia, is an Italian citizen with permanent resident status in the US.

What can they bring to the assignment

My wife and I have a lot of experience taking care of pets and homes. Since we're working remotely while traveling, we spend a lot of time at "home" with the pets. Having two of us makes it easy to ensure the pets are always taken care of and ketp to their usual routine.