Frequently Asked Questions

I currently offer a professional, high-value service strictly on a Value Exchange basis.

This means I provide meticulous live-in care for your home and pets in exchange for free accommodation, with no monetary fees.

I am highly flexible and available for professional housesitting assignments Australia-wide ~ happy to confirm long-term sits across any state or territory.

While I consider all opportunities, I generally prefer sits longer than two weeks. This allows me to establish and maintain comprehensive routines for both your pets and your home.

I am a solo professional sitter, and consistent with security protocols, I must be the sole point of access and accountability for the property's security during the sit.

As my business (Management Consulting) allows me to Work From Home (WFH), I maintain a consistent presence. I may be away intermittently for a few hours at a time to run errands or attend in-person meetings.

Yes, for maximum security and risk mitigation, a working alarm system and secure, off-street parking for my vehicle are non-negotiable requirements.

While I carry my own mobile broadband for work, reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi is highly preferred for necessary streaming and daily connection/updates.

I maintain high personal integrity: I am a non-vaper, and I never use narcotics. If you are a light outdoors smoker that is acceptable, but indoor smoking, vaping, narcotics, and heavy chemical treatments are absolute deal breakers. (Please also see the comprehensive list of Deal Breakers.)

Based on local government guidelines, I can manage up to 2 dogs AND 3 cats, plus other small domestic critters (birds, rabbits, etc.), on a case-by-case basis.

No sorry. Consistent with my high standards for hygiene and cleanliness, pets are strictly not permitted to sleep on human beds or bedding.

Yes. For the safety and hygiene of the assignment, all pets must be fully vaccinated and currently treated for fleas, ticks, and worms prior to the sit.

Pets with routine medication needs (e.g., pills mixed in food) are ok. However, I must respectfully decline sits involving sick/contagious pets or complex, high-risk health needs (e.g., injections), which are better served by a veterinary practices trained sitter (eg. vet nurse, veterinarian).

My experience is extensive, including cats, dogs, caged birds, rabbits, Guinea pigs, and freshwater aquariums. I decline sits involving reptiles, rodents (as pets), and native Australian fauna.

I offer specialised stewardship for young and vulnerable animals, including hand-rearing litters of kittens and puppies, and caring for hatchlings and juvenile small pets. My experience extends to intensive rescue cases requiring strict hygiene and complex feeding schedules. [Read my article Nurturing Hand: A Home Stewardship Approach]

I manage all light, routine maintenance including watering pots & gardens, mail collection, light cleaning, and normal upkeep of pools & lawns (e.g., skimming/pool cleaner management), but no heavy lifting or major repairs.

My motivation is driven by professional necessity and genuine passion. The value exchange enables me to maintain a secure, stable base for my WFH business, while fulfilling my passion for high-standard pet and home care.

Prior to accepting an offer, I require detailed information about the location, dates, the house, and pets.

Proor to final confirmation, I require clear proof of vaccinations and required treatments.

Upon arrival for the sit, I require detailed mandatory written instructions, including detailed pet routines, emergency contact information (vet/local contact), and instructions for utilities, necessary appliances, mail management, and any other instructions unique to your particular circumstances plus emergency procedures.

I will follow the agreed-upon emergency protocol to the letter. This includes immediate contact with the local emergency person/vet and informing the homeowner only after securing the pet's safety or containing the home situation.

Yes, I provide references related to my house sitting and pet care, as well as positive guest references from my previous AirBnB stays. I also have a National Police Check Certificate

NB: there is actually no such thing as a "Police Clearance" unless you work in classified fields in which case the security clearance process is very different.

Where possible I prefer to do an on-site meet-and-greet prior to the sit, or a video walk-through for interstate sits.

The assignment begins with a clean, safe & well-maintained home and healthy pets. I must decline sites with active pest infestations, dangerous clutter, or pets showing signs of serious illness upon my arrival.

Barring unforseen emergencies, the assignment ends with a clean, safe & well-maintained home and healthy pets.