Reliable, Clean & Caring Canadian House Sitter - Experienced with Pets & Homes

About this sitter

Hello! My name is Natalie, and caring for animals has always been one of the greatest joys in my life. Professionally, I come from a background of public service and caregiving. I am a retired Advanced Care Paramedic, which gave me years of experience remaining calm, responsible, and attentive in situations that require care, observation, and trust. I have also served as a City Councillor, and most recently spent over two and a half years working with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society as a Community Outreach Coordinator. During my time with the Ontario SPCA, I gained extensive hands-on experience caring for animals of many different personalities and needs. I worked with kittens, puppies, adult cats and dogs, and senior cats and dogs, and helped support animals that required extra patience and gentle attention. I also managed social media that featured many of these animals, highlighting their unique personalities and helping them find loving homes. This experience taught me how important it is to let each animal show you what they need and to meet them where they are with patience and understanding. Cats and dogs have been part of my life since childhood. My children grew up with cats, dogs and hamsters as part of our family. One of our beloved rescues, Millie, is a tripod originally rescued from San Antonio, TX, which has given us experience supporting animals with unique physical needs. Most recently, I spent four months caring for my brother and sister-in-law’s cats while they were away, maintaining their routine and ensuring they were comfortable and loved. They are happy to be references. At this stage in my life, my children are grown and I’m excited to explore the world a little more. A recent visit to Antigua with my family, along with travel to Portugal and Spain last year, reignited my love of travel and experiencing new places. When I discovered house-sitting, it immediately felt like the perfect fit — allowing me to travel while still doing something that brings me genuine joy: caring for animals. My daily routine naturally centers around the animals in the home. I’m a relaxed, mostly-introverted person who enjoys quiet routines and spending time at home. When house-sitting, my priority is always to follow the routine your pets are already comfortable with, including feeding schedules, litter care, playtime, and any special instructions. A typical day might begin with morning coffee while feeding the animals, refreshing water bowls, and cleaning litter boxes so they start the day in a clean, comfortable space. I enjoy spending quiet time with them as they wake up and settle into their day. I’m also an author, with a new book being released in April 2026, so I often spend part of my day reading or writing quietly at home. Cats and dogs tend to enjoy their daytime naps during this time, which creates a peaceful environment for both of us. During the day I may take a short walk or explore the local area, but I generally keep a calm routine and spend much of my time at home. I always make sure pets have fresh water, a comfortable environment, and regular attention and lots of love throughout the day. I am also very comfortable following specific feeding instructions, special diets, and medication routines. I have cared for cats and dogs who required medication, and my own cat Penelope required subcutaneous fluids for a time when she was ill. Because of this, I’m familiar with watching for signs of illness and ensuring animals remain safe and comfortable. I’m also mindful of things like plants, foods, and household items that may be unsafe for pets, and always make safety a priority. Most importantly, I approach every animal with patience, kindness, and genuine affection. My goal is always to make sure your pets feel relaxed, secure, and well cared for while you are away. You can expect someone who is responsible, respectful of your home, attentive to routines, and truly happy spending time with your pets.

Why they want to house sit

I’m at a new stage in life where I have the freedom to travel and explore the world a little more slowly and intentionally. I’m approaching 50, and much of my life has been spent in very structured, demanding careers that required strict schedules and constant responsibility. While those roles were meaningful, I’m now excited to experience life in a different way — one that allows me to travel, connect with new places, and enjoy a quieter rhythm. One thing that has always been central to my life, however, is the companionship of animals. Sadly, my beloved cat Penelope passed away in September. I also recently completed four amazing months of caring for my brother and sister-in-law’s cats while they were away. When these amazing chapters ended, I realized that I suddenly had the freedom to travel — but it also highlighted how much I value and miss having animals in my life. House sitting feels like the perfect way to combine both of those things. Animals have always been drawn to me, and I truly believe that’s because I meet them with patience, gentleness, and respect for their personality. My rescue cat Penelope needed years before she felt comfortable enough to be petted, and I learned to let her lead the way and show me what she needed. Over time we developed an incredibly special bond, and I’m grateful that I was able to give her many peaceful and loving years after she had such a difficult start in life. I carry her in my heart every day. That experience reflects how I approach all animals: with patience, kindness, and understanding that each one has their own personality and comfort level. When I house sit, my goal is to make sure your pets feel safe, calm, and cared for while you’re away. I’m also very happy to send regular updates and photos so you can see that they are doing well. In fact, during my time with the Ontario SPCA I managed social media and often created videos and posts highlighting the personalities of the animals in our care. Check them out on Instagram @ospcaorillia - If you enjoy seeing little updates or funny moments with your pets, I’m always happy to send them your way throughout your trip. Ultimately, house sitting allows me to travel while still doing something that genuinely brings me joy — spending time with animals and making sure they feel loved and comfortable in their own home while their families are away.

Their experience

I’ve had pets throughout my entire life, beginning in childhood and continuing through raising my own family. My children grew up with cats, dogs and other small pets; caring for animals has always been a normal part of our household. Professionally, I spent over two and a half years working with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society as a Community Outreach Coordinator, where I gained extensive hands-on experience working with animals of many different personalities and needs. During this time I cared for kittens, puppies, adult cats and dogs, and senior cats and dogs, and helped support animals that required patience, observation, and gentle handling. I also completed training related to animal behavior and humane animal care through my work with the organization. Part of my role included teaching the AnimalSmart humane education program, which helps children understand animal behavior, body language, and responsible pet care. This experience gave me a strong understanding of how animals communicate their needs and how to ensure they feel safe and comfortable. In addition to direct care, my work with the Ontario SPCA involved coordinating community programs that supported pets and their families. I helped organize wellness clinics, vaccination programs, and pet food distribution to local food banks so that families could continue caring for their animals. I also expanded community initiatives such as Pawsitive Packs, which provided seasonal supplies and support to pets living in difficult circumstances within the community. Because of this role, I built strong relationships with local veterinarians and animal welfare organizations, and I have many references who can speak to my dedication and reliability when it comes to animal care. Beyond my professional experience, I have also cared for animals for friends and family over the years. Most recently, I spent four months caring for my brother and sister-in-law’s cats, maintaining their feeding routines, litter care, and daily companionship while they were away. I’m also very attentive to maintaining a clean and well-kept home environment. I take pride in keeping living spaces tidy, hygienic, and well organized. This includes regular cleaning, vacuuming, maintaining litter boxes daily, washing food and water bowls properly, and ensuring the home remains just as welcoming as when the owners left. I am comfortable following detailed care instructions, including special diets, grooming needs, or medications. I am also attentive to changes in an animal’s behavior or health and will communicate promptly with owners if I notice anything that may require attention. Because I live a quiet and responsible lifestyle, homeowners can expect their homes to be treated with respect and care. I do not drink alcohol and live a very calm, independent lifestyle, so I do not host guests or gatherings while house-sitting. My focus while sitting is always on providing a safe, peaceful environment for the pets and maintaining the home responsibly. Ultimately, my goal when caring for someone’s pets and home is simple: to ensure animals feel comfortable, routines remain consistent, and homeowners can travel knowing everything is being cared for with attention and respect.

What can they bring to the assignment

Care, safety and reliability!