Pet and House Sitting Thetford, Norfolk, UK

About this assignment

I am looking for a mature person / couple at this moment in time, who feel able to look after my rescue dog and 3 cats whilst I am away for work abroad. You must love dogs and cats and have some experience in looking after more than one animal and are happy to do so.

My rescue dog is really sweet but still a bit nervous but settles quite quickly now with new people. It is important though to be calm and predictable around him to gain confidence.

None of the animals are hard to look after, Daisy my female is very affectionate and the boys Felix and Fly most of the time do their own thing hunting mice.

Jake the dog is a bit of a couch potato, can stay at home happily max. 6 hours when you want to go out and has his own garden. He likes a 20 minute walk morning and afternoon and the rest of the time he is happy to go around the adjacent field or be in the garden.

Since you will be using my home as if it was your own, I look for flexibility, reliability and honesty.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Your responsibilities will be to look after my 3 cats and 1 dog. To make sure they are fed and watered and made a fuss of, especially Daisy and Jake.

During your stay you will be able to walk the dog in a park across the quiet street. Jake doesn't need long walks and he can have access to the garden at the back of the house.
I walk him 20 minutes first thing in the morning, then again around 4 or 5 PM, another 10 minute walk. Last wee can be flexible, Jake can hold his wee easily for 10 hours :-)

All animals are good being left alone, so this means you could go out on a short trip during the day. They can be left for about 6 hours or so if you wanted to go out and explore the surrounding area, but preferably don't leave Jake longer than this. They do need some input when you return ;-) They love cuddles and structure.

The general care of the house: I live in a very nice semi-detached house in a quiet street close to shops and other amenities. You will have your own bedroom and bathroom.
I have all the mod cons including a tumble dryer. When you leave I don't expect you to leave it immaculate, but just generally tidy.
The animals are not allowed upstairs.

In the summertime the flower pots need regular watering.

What are the good features of the property and location

I live just north of Thetford, whic is a really old town. It has amny beautiful walks along the river Thet, Thetford Forest is just on the other side of the A11 and walking is 5 or 10 minutes away by car. It has the Burrell steam engine museam in the town and the historic town of Bury st Edmunds in Suffolk is only 14 miles away (25 minutes).
There are markets in Thetford on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the town centre and in Bury town on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Bury also has a beautiful cathedral worth visiting.

There are the stunning medieval villages of Lavenham and Long Melford at about 45 minutes away. Popular places to visit is Ickworth Hall and Kentwell Hall (Long Melford).
The city if Norwich is 40 minutes away and is a lovely town to mosey around in for the day. And of course it has its castle which has had a recent make over.

Our nearest airport is London Stansted and the nearest port is Harwich with twice daily sailings to and from Holland.
The nearest hospital is Bury st Edmunds, about 25 mins by car in case you need medical help.

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

It is advisable to have a car so you can explore the area better.
There is a railroad station and there are bus services, but in case one of the animals need the vet, it is better for me to know you would be able to take them.
I will let you know which vet I use.

If you come from abroad, you need to be comfortable to drive on the left hand side.

There may be some medical care involved: 1 of my cats can get a weepy eye. I have eyedrops in the fridge for him. Jake the dog may need some Metacam liquid when he gets a bit sore, but not regularly.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

Enlarge map