Sitter available
Non smoking cat loving solvent active retiree seeking medium to long term stays
United States
Testimonials
They have 7 testimonials (view below)
Pet experience
Dog(s), Cat(s), Chicken(s), Bird(s), Fish, Reptile(s), Farm animal(s) – FBI background check
Police check
They have a police check
Availability
From: From 16 Jul 2026
Until: 30 Sep 2026
(see their full availability below)
Occupation
Retired engineer
References
They have referees/references (view below)
About this sitter
I am a retired, financially solvent, fully vaccinated, active and fit industrial engineer/brass founder/database designer/wanderer/non smoker who is single; with extremely shallow roots, and a strong desire for slow, slow travel. I enjoy settling in an area and enjoying what the locale has to offer. This year I am spending my autumn through summer around Europe, not so much travelling as moving from home to home to live in an area and appreciate the ebb and flow of life in an area. I enjoy reading (tucked in with a cat or dog), football - especially in a pub, birding in a lazy way, historic sites, tromping the countryside sometimes with a dog at my side and life in general. I would be happy to have a video or regular call before we make firm plans. My phone is an international plan so I can talk-message-whatsapp from most anywhere.
Why they want to house sit
House sitting fits exactly with my preferred method of travel: very slowly. I want to get to know the local paths, unvisited lanes and hidden charms of places. I take great comfort in having a warm soul waiting when I return, and a cozy companion while reading or watching a movie makes the evening much more enjoyable. Having a daily routine with a dog walk is a great part of knowing the neighborhood, often meeting people.
Their experience
I have been petsitting for much of the past two years, through Trusted Petsitters. I can brag of being a great friend to the cat family; even the shyest of cats has ended up cozying up to me within a week or so. Dogs give a good excuse for doing extensive walking and more active engagement. I have administered medication, and done vet visits; and cared for some very old cats and dogs, so I know how to adjust to their needs and inclinations.
What can they bring to the assignment
Housewise: I have been a homeowner for most of the last 45 years so i am comfortable with most household systems. I am a clean housekeeper as my airbnb references show. I have experience with on grid and off grid solar. Tending plants has often been part of my routine.
Last updated:
1 Mar 2026
Available to house sit
Countries: , Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South East Asia, South Pacific, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Preferred regions: Europe
Personal details
Age: 66-75 years old
Languages spoken:
English
Do they charge?
They don't charge for house sitting services
Availability
From From 16 Jul 2026 until 30 Sep 2026
Membership
You need to be logged in to see this info :)
Personal references Note: external references are added by the sitter and are not verified by MindMyHouse
You need to be logged in to see this house sitters' references.
Sitemap
MindMyHouse.com – https://www.mindmyhouse.com/owners/sitter_listing/63670
Testimonials
Outstanding pet & house sitter
Toby is an outstanding pet & house sitter. He came for almost 4 weeks and I was concerned about leaving our girls, Fleur & Lily for such a long time but I honestly needn’t have worried. Communication with Toby was great from the get go and he arrived a day early to settle in and get acquainted with the girls before we left. With regular updates on how Fleur & Lily were was very reassuring and we were so happy that Toby made our home his own. The house was spick & span on our return with all bedding freshly laundered. Toby’s care of the cats was exemplary, from regular grooming sessions with Fleur to understanding about Lily’s tricky feeding habits, he really built a close bond with them. I have no hesitation in recommending Toby to other pet parents. We are very grateful to him and hope he can return.
Aly, United Kingdom, February 2026(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Safe hands
Toby took good care of our house and cats for 4 weeks over the Christmas break. We had interim updates while we were away which was fine as we felt everything was in safe hands. The house was in good order and the cats happy upon our return.
Rose, United Kingdom, January 2026(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Recommended
I would recommend Toby to a friend without a problem! 😊
Simon, Greece, May 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Perfect sitter
Toby was a perfect sitter, he looked after the 5 cats and catered to their different personalities and the house well. He communicated about what we needed to know while being self sufficient, while letting us know that the cats were fine and happy. The house was left very clean and tidy which was much appreciated! We would definitely recommend Toby.
Daniel, United Kingdom, February 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
An excellent carer
Toby was an excellent carer also a lovely person. Pure gentleman and mild mannered man. Very tidy, great carer of a dog with a lot of energy to walk. Toby left my house spotless and my dog very happy. Despite some problems (storm related power shortage etc) his attitude was very positive. I do hope to see Toby again as Sandy's minder.
Lucy, Ireland, January 2025(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Wholeheartedly recommend Toby
Toby looked after my dog, Lipsy, beautifully. Lipsy is very old and Toby cared for her so well that she missed him when he left and scratched on his bedroom door after Toby left. The house was very clean and tidy when I returned. Toby enjoyed life in the village and joined a local walking group. He made friends and watched the local football team when they played. I wholeheartedly recommend Toby as a pet sitter and I hope he will return to me when I go away again.
Carol, United Kingdom, December 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)
Can’t recommend him enough
Our cat Mollie had the pleasure of having a great caretaker in Toby. She seemed to really bond with him over the three weeks she spend with him and we came home to a happy and healthy cat (and a very clean home!). Communication was great - it was very easy to plan the sit with Toby and he messaged us frequently during the stay to keep us updated. Toby is also a very sweet and considerate man, so don’t hesitate to accept him as your sitter - we can’t recommend him enough!
Anne Mie, Denmark, November 2024(This was sourced outside of MindMyHouse, but is verified)