Winter by the sea in Sicily with two dogs and two cats

About this assignment

I’m looking for responsible, independent and caring house sitters who enjoy spending time with animals and feel comfortable living in the countryside. You would be caring for my two dogs, Peppino and Paola, and my two cats, Emi and Rico. Reliability, cleanliness, respect for their routines and open communication are especially important to me.

I’m arranging house sitting between November 2026 and March 2027, with exact dates to agree together. Ideally, you would be available for at least 4–6 weeks, and longer stays are very welcome. Different sitters may cover different parts of the winter.

I will return home periodically. We can discuss in advance whether to share the house temporarily during my visits or arrange your stay around them.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

The main priority is the wellbeing and daily routine of my two dogs, Peppino and Paola, and two cats, Emi and Rico. The dogs are very well behaved and trained. They need two walks every day, each lasting approximately 45–60 minutes. All four animals need feeding, fresh water, clean living areas, attention and companionship. I will explain food quantities and individual care instructions when you arrive.

There is no fixed maximum number of hours they can be left alone during the day, provided their routine and needs are respected. Someone must be at the house every night, and the dogs sleep indoors. Overnight trips or absences of one or two days require prior agreement and alternative care arrangements; I can help organise these.

Please keep the house clean and tidy, including the shared bathroom, kitchen, fridge and pantry. Some light garden tidying may also be needed. I appreciate updates about the animals and prompt communication if anything needs attention.

What are the good features of the property and location

My private country house is in Santa Maria del Focallo, near Ispica, in southeast Sicily. It is approximately 500 metres from the sea and 6 km from Pozzallo, with a garden and a nearby natural area with pine and eucalyptus trees. It is a lovely setting for coastal walks and enjoying everyday life in Sicily.

You will have a guest bedroom with a double bed and a single bed, a shared bathroom, and access to an equipped kitchen. Wi-Fi is available. A centrally located pellet stove heats the house, and the bedrooms have air conditioning for heating and cooling. Outdoor parking is available immediately beside the house.

Accommodation and all household utilities are included and paid by me.

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

Please be comfortable with a rural setting and organising your days around the animals’ routines, including two daily dog walks and being at the house overnight.

A car can be made available if you hold a suitable valid driving licence. I cover fuel for essential trips, such as grocery shopping, necessary journeys with the dogs and emergencies. Leisure use requires my prior authorisation, and you pay for fuel for your own outings.

Sitters with their own animals are welcome, provided their pets are compatible with my dogs and cats; we must discuss this beforehand.

The periods currently needed are 3–12 November 2026, 20 November–6 December 2026, and, most importantly, from 15 December 2026 through the end of February 2027, possibly extending to around mid-March. The final end date is flexible and to be agreed. I prefer stays of at least 4–6 weeks for the longer winter period, but the shorter November periods are also needed. Different sitters may cover different periods.

I return home periodically, so we will agree how to organise my visits. Please tell me your availability, relevant animal-care experience and whether you would bring any pets.

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: Your animals must be compatible with my two dogs and two cats. Please discuss any pets you wish to bring with me before we agree the stay.

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