Seeking experienced dogsitters in Turin, Italy

About this assignment

** This sit is suited for 2 adults who have SOLID DOGSITTING EXPERIENCE and the knowledge / ability to handle big dogs.

Hello! We are avid dog lovers living on the edge of Turin (literally on the border of the city, but a 7 minute drive from the city center). We are the happy and loving "dog parents" to Lucy, Syria and Elton. We occasionally need someone to look after them while using this time to explore this beautiful and underestimated city. Turin is often referred to as the "mini Paris", and is known to be a "human size" city, very green and foot-friendly. Piedmont is famous for its food, wine, landscapes and of course, the surrounding Alps!

We have 2 kinds of sits, depending on the duration. Please check the dates to see which applies :

SHORT SITS (max 15 days) :
Responsibilities are to feed (2 x a day) and clean up after 3 dogs, walk TWO dogs (see below), water the plants (if applicable), check the mail and generally spend some time with the dogs.
During this time Elton (see below) will be walked 2 x a day by my local sitter so you will only need to care for him at home.

*** LONGER SITS (15+ days)
Responsibilities are to feed (2 x a day) and clean up after 3 dogs, walk the dogs 45-60 mins, water the plants (if applicable), check the mail and generally spend some time with the dogs. During this time you will need to walk Elton 2 x a day. THIS IS ONLY SUITABLE FOR VERY EXPERIENCED SITTERS.

Longer sits also have the possibility, if available, to spend some time in our country house, 90 minutes south of Turin, in the Unesco Heritage region of the "Alte Langhe". (The dogs love it up there!). To be discussed on a case by case basis.

ABOUT THE DOGS :

LUCY : 14 years old and generally in great shape. She is friendly, independent, and gets along with everyone and all dogs. Does not like cats! She loves her daily walks and is very easy to manage.

SYRIA : 9 year old Great Pyrenees mix. She was rescued at 14 months, is very friendly, loves cuddles and being brushed. She does not like to be walked on a leash but we have a large, gated park 2kms from the house where she will happily walk off leash (once she knows you). Syria had a hip prosthetic since 2023 so she gets tired easily. Her walks are usually max 45 minutes, only once a day, and sometimes even only every other day. She is a homebody. Loves cuddles, LOVES food, hates cats.

ELTON : 9 year old Great Pyrenees. Elton was rescued aged 6,5. He spent 6 years in a cage (in at 6 months, out at 6,5 years). He is an absolutely LOVELY dog, but because of his history, he was never properly socialized with other dogs. He has improved tremendously since I have had him, but he can still be fear reactive towards dogs who come too close (his "safety space" is 10 meters or more). Because of this, for shorter sits we have opted to have him walked by our local dog sitter who knows him and vice versa. For longer sits though, if he is not traveling with me, you will have time to get to know one another and if so long as you are experienced, understand his triggers and are fit, you will have no trouble walking him. All instructions / indications will be provided. At home is he very affectionate, calm and loving. He doesn't mind cats, enjoys his walks, does NOT like to be brushed.

The dog walker comes M-F, on Saturday and Sundays (morning) we ask that you take the dogs to a nearby, gated dog park where they ALL run around off leash for 1 hour. The park is private, by appointment only, and for exclusive use during that hour so it will just be you and the dogs.

All 3 dogs have slowed down (and are slow walkers) in recent times and need 1-2 40/45 minute walks a day (except Syria). Often Syria will only walk in the morning, and that is fine, we don’t force her to walk if she is blatantly unwilling (she will always happily go to the gated private dog park mentioned above). Syria and Lucy take a pill with their food (1 pill each every 12 hours).

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES : The dogs can be left about 6 hours at a time on normal days. Exceptionally, they can be left for up to 8 hours (if they are WELL walked beforehand), and it is possible to arrange for a solution if you wish to be absent for longer on a specific day.

We prioritize sitters who are experienced with rescue (and big) dogs. You can read prior reviews on this profile and see for yourself that the dogs are fine, but even so, this explains why we prefer experienced sitters.

Overall, Candidates should be easygoing, calm, flexible, TRULY experienced with rescue (and big) dogs (and love them!), PROACTIVE (take initiative), detail oriented and (ideally) have their own car. Good communication and independent are greatly appreciated qualities.

We request that candidates come to Turin 1 day prior to the beginning of the sit for proper introductions and routine. These dates are already included in the "dates requested". Unfortunately, as there is only one bedroom available we are not always to accommodate you for that night but are available to help you find suitable accommodation in the area.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy the wonders of living in Italy (Piedmont).

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Our sit is for 2 dogs whom require daily walks of 1,5 + 0,5 hours per day. We have a large garden which the dogs can access during they day, but the walks are predominantly for stimulation and social exposure, as well as exercise. They are often slow walks (Elton is a slow walker and Syria has a Titanium Hip so her walking ability is limited). Often times the afternoon/evening walk is only enjoyed by Elton as Syria is a homebody, and likes to stay in. She is never forced to walk if she is not willing (Elton is always willing!)
Additional requirements are feeding the dogs 2 x a day (7:30 am and 7:00 pm), giving basic medication if needed (pills in food), cleaning up the garden (dog waste but also watering the plants) and generally keeping the house in order.

We have a large fenced garden for your (and the dogs') pleasure. The dogs are very calm and happy to relax nap once they have had a satisfying walk. That done, you would be free to do your own thing in or out of the house. The dogs live indoors including when we are out, and at night. Please note : Syria DOES get on the couches whereas Elton is not allowed. If you are not comfortable having Syria on the couch, then unfortunately we are not a match.

I keep on hand a number of emergency medications to be used JUST IN CASE. This medication is NOT to be administered regularly (if at all), and to date it has NEVER had to be administered by a sitter. Please be sure that you are both experienced and comfortable handling potential medical issues. The complete list of emergency medication, and it's administration, will be provided in the Housesitting Guide.

What are the good features of the property and location

Our house is part of a 2 family home located in a small, private street on the edge of the city, surrounded by woods. We are on the upper floor (street level) in a eclectic, colourful and bright 3 bedroom flat of about 135m, plus a wrap around terrace overlooking the mountains and a large patio and garden, all of which can be used at leisure. IMPORTANT : we are accessible by public transport (bus) - the schedule is quite restrictive and does not run on Sundays nor in the evenings. A taxi ride from the city center is approximately 15 euros should you wish to dine out and return by taxi. However, for your own comfort we highly recommend you come by / rent a car. It is not mandatory but recommended. In some instances my car can be used within limits (insurance limitations) ; to be discussed directly. **

Our sits are always for a maximum of 2 adults, without children.

Unfortunately, we cannot host other animals on the property.

Thank you for your consideration.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

IDEAL CANDIDATES :

- A couple 35+ with "hands on" experience and who have a good knowledge/awareness of dog care and the ability to recognize an ailment, should it arise and how to handle it (vet/no vet).
- Early risers (a MUST) and good walkers
- Candidates who have their own car are prioritized
- Good knowledge of garden maintenance

Overall, Candidates should be easygoing, calm, flexible, TRULY experienced with rescue (and big) dogs (and love them!), PROACTIVE (take initiative), detail oriented and (ideally) have their own car. Good communication and independent are greatly appreciated qualities.

We request that candidates come to Turin 1 day prior to the beginning of the sit for proper introductions and routine. These dates are already included in the "dates requested". When possible, we will offer for you to stay with us, but if we are unable to accommodate you for that night we will help you find suitable accommodation in the area.

We strive to hand over a tidy and well cleaned house, and appreciate finding the same upon returning. The dogs DO shed quite a bit so vacuuming daily is highly recommended, but other than that, our favorite sitters are those who are careful and considerate with our home, as we try to be when inviting them in. Thank you

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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