HOUSE SITTING
Welcome to our HOUSE SITTING page – a positively comprehensive resource of information for anyone interested in combining exploring the world with looking after two, four or even six-plus legged friends. And why wouldn’t you?!
We like to combine the relaxed comforts of house sitting with adventurous bursts of backpacking. But that’s just us. If you haven’t tried house sitting before you might just find that it’s the lifestyle you had no idea existed. And, indeed a lifestyle that’s easier to have than you might think.
Intrigued?
BLOG POSTS
PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE – A HOUSE SITTER’S GUIDE
You’re house sitting in the tropics and a potential Category 5 hurricane is heading your way? How do you prepare? Based on our life-changing experience surviving Hurricane Irma in 2017, here’s our guide to help you make the right decisions
HOUSE SITTING FOR BEGINNERS – 1. WHAT IS HOUSE SITTING?
What’s house sitting all about and how can you determine if it’s for you?
HOUSE SITTING FOR BEGINNERS – 2. HOW TO GET HOUSE SITTING JOBS
How to find a suitable house sit and what steps you should take to give yourself the best chance of being accepted for it
HOUSE SITTING FOR BEGINNERS – 3. HOUSE SITTING TIPS TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION
What to look out for on your first house sitting assignment and how you can start to build a reputation as a skilled and reliable sitter
5 RANDOM THINGS WE’VE LEARNED ABOUT HOUSE SITTING
From flooded bedrooms and being locked out of the house to forever regretting teaching the parrot a new phrase – here are our top five lessons learned from house sitting
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO HOUSESIT IN RURAL FRANCE?
Everything you need to know about house sitting in the magnificent French countryside
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO TRAVEL AND MIND OTHER PEOPLE’S PETS?
Or how we’ve managed to combine travel and pet sitting to explore South West France
WHERE WE’VE HOUSE-SAT
LES CONSTANCIES
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
36 days
DATES:
29 Aug – 6 Oct 2016
PETS:
Marjie (cat)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky housesat for me in Dordogne for about 5 weeks encompassing all of Sept. 2016. They left the house clean and neat, and the yard in good shape. My cat was well taken care of. I would recommend them for other housesitting jobs.
Greg
PAYROUX
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
12 days
DATES:
6 – 17 Oct 2016
PETS:
Norman (cat)
SEMBOUES
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
11 days
DATES:
18 – 26 Oct 2016
PETS:
Plum, Nudger, Lucky (dogs), Boo (cat)
TESTIMONIAL
What a lucky day for us when Ian and Nicky responded to our advert! Such a responsible, warm and caring couple who looked after our pets with obvious affection and conscientiousness. It was obvious that animal routines had been followed carefully but it was also plain that all of them had been given much additional love and time. On our return, we found the house immaculate and a delicious meal prepared which we all enjoyed together. We were delighted when they stayed a few extra days with us. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Maggie & Nick
ST CHRISTOPHE
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
33 days
DATES:
29 Oct – 1 Dec 2016
PETS:
Bertie (dog)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky house sat for us for a month. Our prime requirement was that they look after our dog, Bertie, who was abandoned and rescued by us when he was a one-year-old. Because of this, he suffers from separation anxiety. Ian and Nicky looked after him extremely well. They were mindful of this problem and took him everywhere with them. They gave him lots of walks and affection and we returned to find a very happy and well looked after dog. We could not have asked for more and would thoroughly recommend them to look after animals.
Hilary & Ian
Read at the Mind My House website
ST AUBIN DES CHATEAUX
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
3 months
DATES:
5 Jan – 4 Apr 2017
PETS:
Genghis, Lou (dogs), Billy (parrot), 2 Chinese geese, 2 chickens
TESTIMONIAL
A very nice couple who clearly love animals. We were very happy to have them stay in our house for 3 months and care for our dogs, parrot, geese and chicken.
Corinne & Barry
HALTON VILLAGE
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
9 days
DATES:
22 – 30 Dec 2016
PETS:
3 Chinese geese, 1 cat
TESTIMONIAL
Ian & Nicky looked after our three Chinese geese and cat over the Christmas period. They were a friendly couple who carried out all tasks asked of them. They were competent & experienced. We would gladly have them back to housesit for us should they ever return to the UK.
Mairead & Phil
Halton Village, Cheshire, England
ALFRETON
12 days
DATES:
8 – 20 Apr 2017
PETS:
3 cats
TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
19 weeks
DATES:
3 May – 13 Sep 2017
PETS:
Princess, Lucy, Oscar, Rupert (cats)
TESTIMONIAL
I would highly recommend Nicky and Ian for any house sit.
My animals were loved and taken care of like I would have done myself. I would not hesitate to have them in my house again anytime.
Chris Ball
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
LYMM
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT:
4 days
DATES:
11 – 14 Oct 2017
PETS:
Cookie (cat)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky looked after our cat, Cookie whilst we went on a short break and made every effort to ensure he was well fed and watered – and with plenty of love and affection thrown in for good measure. He just loves lots of attention and can be quite demanding on that front! Our house was immaculately clean and tidy when we returned and Cookie had a happy, smug expression which assured us that we had made the right decision in choosing Ian and Nicky for this assignment! If that wasn’t enough, we arrived home to a lovely curry they’d prepared – one of their speciality dishes picked up after many months of travelling the world. The Mackenzies are a lovely, warm couple with plenty of interesting tales to tell from their travels. We trust them implicitly and wouldn’t hesitate to have them back again or recommend them to anyone looking for house/pet sitters.
Ian & Caroline
DUNHAM ON THE HILL
10 days
DATES:
1 – 10 Oct 2017
PETS:
Pippa, Bella (dogs)
LONDON
5 days
DATES:
28 Dec 2016 – 2 Jan 2017
PETS:
Rocky (cat)
NORTH LUFFENHAM
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
6 days
DATES:
23 – 28 October 2017
PETS:
Jake, Monty (dogs); 3 guinea pigs
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky are a lovely couple who instilled confidence in us the moment they arrived that they were going to do a great job looking after our dogs and guinea pigs! They did not disappoint. We had a relaxed evening meal with them and thoroughly enjoyed their company before setting off on our holiday knowing that our animals and home were in good hands. We came back to a gorgeous home cooked meal and an immaculate house, not to mention happy and well cared for animals! I would invite them back in a heartbeat and would thoroughly recommend them for any housesit.
Samantha
Rutland, England
ANACORTES
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
5 months
DATES:
1 Dec 2017 – 5 May 2018
PETS:
None
TESTIMONIAL
See testimonial for Tortola, British Virgin Islands (same hosts)
MEDELLÍN
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
24 days
DATES:
18 Aug – 11 Sep 2018
PETS:
Sasha, Mollie, Rosa (dogs); Henry, Mooch, No Bibé (cats)
TESTIMONIAL
We recently had need of a house/pet sitter and were extremely fortunate to find Nicky and Ian Mackenzie. They were absolutely marvellous from the very beginning. We have three dogs and three cats but that did not deter them. And, for the entire month that we were gone, they kept us fully informed about our pets. Indeed, we feel fortunate to have found two extremely competent, responsible, enthusiastic, and caring people to watch over our “furry family” while we were gone. And, without hesitation, we wholeheartedly recommend them as house/pet sitters.
Dave and Cindy Thomas
Medellin, Colombia
SAN RAMON
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT:
26 days
DATES:
15 Sep – 10 Oct 2018
PETS:
Dog, cat, chickens, guinea fowl, parrot, koi carp
BOQUETE
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
1 month
DATES:
30 Oct – 29 Nov 2018 (upcoming sit)
PETS:
None
TESTIMONIAL
Nicky and Ian Mackenzie house sat for us for a month. They did an excellent job and were very conscientious, asking many questions about how we do things and how every thing worked. Nicky even took pictures of drawers and cupboard contents so that they could put everything they used back in the right place. We gave them the run of the place and the use of our vehicle, which they looked after and treated like home. They really did a good job looking after our house and cleaned it for us for so that on our return it was spic and span.In short, we would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone else as house sitters!
Cathy and Mike Joy
Boquete, Panama
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
11 weeks
DATES:
31 May – 15 Aug 2018
PETS:
Oscar, Felix (cats)
ST VINCENT
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
25 days
DATES:
22 Jun – 16 Jul 2019
PETS:
Felix, Charlie (cats)
TESTIMONIAL
Nicky and Ian, thank you so very much for being there for our 2 senior cats, who aren’t the cuddliest, but you knew how to handle them perfectly. The many plants have never been in better condition and the swimming pool is now sparkling clean. You are a delightful couple, making us feel so comfortable and giving us peace of mind during our absence with your permanent updates. We could not have asked for any better care ! Wishing you all the best in your future adventures and house sits.
Mike & Traudl Arthur
St Vincent
MAYFIELD
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
10 days
DATES:
22 Aug – 1 Sep 2019
PETS:
Cody. Lily, Tessa (dogs), McLeod (cat)
TESTIMONIAL
Nicky and Ian sat our house and large pet family (3 dogs and a cat) for 10 days while we were away in August 2019.
From the start they gave us the confidence that they would be the perfect sitters for our pets. We chatted on skype a couple of times before they sat and we could tell from the beginning that they were conscientious and very thorough. They read through the information manual that I sent them before their arrival and asked questions where clarification was required.
Everything that they promised to do they carried out, from arriving on time, to keeping us updated on our pets during our absence (sending us photos and anecdotes).
When my husband returned, even though on an early morning flight, they had very kindly already washed all the bedding and cleaned the house! The animals obviously enjoyed their company and attention and seemed to miss them after their departure.
We rate Ian and Nicky very highly, from pre-arrival communication, to the care and attention that they paid to our pets and home during their stay.
I recommend them without hesitation. They are the perfect couple to housesit your home and pets.10/10.
Kathy Jordan
East Sussex, England
CLOTTON
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT: 
10 days
DATES:
8 -18 Sep 2019
PETS: Lucy, Daisy (dogs)
TESTIMONIAL
Nicky and Ian were so organised – we had a couple of chats via skype before they arrived and they had a comprehensive list for me to complete, which made it much easier when they arrived. Whilst we were away they sent updates on the dogs and photos too, which was a nice touch. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them as housesitters. The fact that Ian also cut the lawn in our large garden was the icing on the cake for my husband!
MIDDLEZOY
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT:
13 days
DATES:
18 – 30 Sep 2019
PETS: 2 rotweiller dogs (Max and Roxy); cat
TESTIMONIAL
We felt very much at ease when first meeting Ian and Nicky. But, more importantly, our dogs, Max and Roxy, became at ease with them – especially our girl, Roxy, who at times can take quite a while to get used to new people. Nicky and Ian did a great job looking after our house and all three of our pets. They even cooked a lovely meal for us when we got back. I would have no hesitation in recommending these guys to look after your house and your pets.
COTES HEATH
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT:
10 days
DATES:
3 – 13 Oct 2019
PETS: 2 cats
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky were fantastic house sitters. They are great at communicating, took wonderful care of our cats (including sending us plenty of pictures as I had asked) and left our house clean and tidy when they left. They really are great house sitters and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
ACOCKS GREEN, BIRMINGHAM
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
8 days
DATES
6 – 14 Nov 2019
PETS
None
TESTIMONIAL
We were delighted to leave our home in the competent and careful hands of Nicky and Ian. Thorough and trustworthy, they took time to ask questions beforehand to ensure the best experience for us. Our home was spotless on our return, and we would highly recommend their housesitting services.
AXMINSTER
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
16 days
DATES
16 Nov – 2 Dec 2019
PETS
Jasper, Duke, Watson (dogs); Pippin, Tigger (cats); 4 ducks
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky were fantastic. Coping with various challenges during their stay, with us 7000 miles away. And they are coming back for more next month! Thank you for being a quadruple set of safe hands.
MARGATE
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
9 days
DATES
9 – 18 Dec 2019
PETS
Zeb & Spike (cats)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky were really amazing house sitters. From the outset they were great at setting up our initial Skype chat and we had regular updates and pictures of the cats during their stay, who were clearly very happy with their new guardians! Thanks again so much – on our return the house was lovely and clean, even the windows! I’m sorry you didn’t get out as much as you’d hoped but please come and stay again soon.
MAPPLEBOROUGH GREEN
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
12 days
DATES
22 Feb – 4 Mar 2020
PETS
Basil, Manuel & O’Malley (cats)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky were perfect cat/house sitters for us. They corresponded quickly both before we went away and during their sit. They even sent a birthday card with photos of all our cats on my birthday :). We emailed our House Info document prior to the sit so N&I had all info they needed and, when they arrived before we left, they asked some pretty good questions which proves they are very skilled and experienced sitters. We would recommend them to anyone. So, thank you Nicky and Ian for allowing us to not worry about our 3 ‘boys’, all 3 didn’t appear to miss us and the house was in the same condition as we left it (which counts for a lot). Happy travels both and come and stay again another time, we’d have you back.
BURY
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
8 days
DATES
14 – 21 Feb 2020
PETS
Oscar (Golden Retriever): Mouse, Pickle (cats)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky did a grand job of house/pet sitting for us. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t very kind to them, but they spent lots of time with our elderly dog, showering him with cuddles, massage and company. The cats loved them too. They were very clean and tidy, accepted deliveries on our behalf and looked after the house well during a week of wind, rain and storms. We’re very grateful to them for all their help whilst we were away, and would highly recommend them to others.
KINGSBRIDGE
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
14 days
DATES
30 Jan – 12 Feb 2020
PETS
Mischka (Jack Russell); Keith (cat)
TESTIMONIAL
Coming soon
FRIMLEY
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
13 days
DATES
29 Dec 2019 – 11 Jan 2020
PETS
Kaya (Hungarian Pumi); Millie (cat)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky are a lovely friendly conscientious couple who took excellent care of our pets and home while we were away. 5 stars across the board from us! Highly recommended!
SAINT-LOUIS
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
9 days
DATES
8 – 16 Mar 2020
PETS
Kenobi (dog)
TESTIMONIAL
Coming soon
MONTCARET
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
15 weeks
DATES
17 Mar – 1 Jul 2020
PETS
Bette, Midge, Ethel (cats); 5 chickens
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky have been absolutely brilliant in looking after our home in France in these exceptional circumstances. We needed a couple as we were stuck in the UK due to the virus and my husband is too poorly to travel. We cannot express enough our total gratitude for all Nicky and Ian have done for us. They took over in March just as the growing season started so they looked after the garden, even planting us vegetables for us to enjoy on our return! They also got the pool ready for summer which needed painting and everything looks so beautiful now. Also Nicky and Ian looked after our three cats and chickens plus a cockerel. Nicky sent regular updates and photos and took care of the mail. Everything was perfect. Our neighbours were also very impressed how Nicky and lan took such good care of our home and commented on what a delightful couple they are. I would highly recommend Nicky and Ian to look after your home – you would have no worries at all.
MAGOITO
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
14 days
DATES
17 – 31 Jul 2020
PETS
Gypsy (Beagle); Zizou + Cuba (cats); rabbits; chickens
TESTIMONIAL
Fantastic pet sitters who took wonderful care of our home and pets. Would not hesitate to have them back again. Thanks so much.
GALAPAGAR
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
18 days
DATES
2 – 19 Aug 2020
PETS
Ragna (Great Dane); Troya (Old English Sheepdog); Sparta (cat)
TESTIMONIAL
Ian and Nicky were fabulous house sitters. This was the first time we had left our pets with a house sitter and the experience could not have been more positive. They not only took fantastic care of the animals – including a 3-month old Great Dane puppy who needed lots of attention, but upon our return the house, garden and pool were even cleaner and tidier than when we left! They even went to the trouble of preserving some of our garden vegetables for us. Truly trustworthy housesitters.
LES PLANES DEL REI
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
12 days
DATES
24 Sep – 6 Oct 2020
PETS
Romer (German Short-Haired Pointer)
TESTIMONIAL
Nicky and Ian could be my friends if we’d met in other circumstances. Such nice, intelligent, well-traveled, and considerate people! They are not simply experienced but they love what they are doing, and they loved the dog to the extent that he didn’t want them to leave. They took great care of the house, and left it in an impeccable condition They communicated very well all throughout our interactions before and after their sitting. I do hope that if I need care for my dog in the future, the next people could match their attitude and humanity.
CASTELNAU-DE-MONTMIRAL
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
22 days
DATES
7 – 28 October 2020
PETS
Lipton, Jazz, Belle (Cocker Spaniels), Mrs Kipling (Labrador); Helix, Hiro, Haribo (cats)
TESTIMONIAL
Nicky and Ian are a lovely, friendly, reliable, and engaging couple and bring with them a wealth of house/pet sitting experience – and it shows. Simply put, they are the very safest pairs of hands in which to entrust both your pets and home. They adjusted to the animals’ feeding/grooming/exercise/medical treatment regime with aplomb and went “above and beyond” in volunteering to accompany one of the (orientationally-challenged) hosts to an appointment in Toulouse as his navigator. Communication before the sit and while we were away was tip top. Our only regret was that, with pending re-lockdown in France, the sit had to be cut short so that Nicky and Ian could make it to their next destination. We would have them back in a shot, and, should you be lucky enough to have them apply for a sit, don’t hesitate; snap them up. Nicky and Ian, thank you both very much. Safe onward travels and stay in touch.
MONTREUIL-BELLAY
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
15 days
DATES
15 – 30 Dec 2020
PETS
Widget, Guizma, Bagpuss, Quackers (cats); Ducks & chickens (x18)
TESTIMONIAL
Absolutely lovely, well organised couple whom we had the pleasure of meeting for a fairly long time due to Covid 19 restrictions. They survived a large flood whilst we managed to briefly get away and looked after all the animals outside and inside with great care. They are very self sufficient and I would say could manage any situation thrust upon them. Nicky and Ian we will miss you (and your bread Nicky) and after your extended visit we miss your company. The communications are great, the photography amazing and we hope you can manage another stay sometime in the future.
CHESTER
LENGTH OF HOUSESIT
45 days
DATES
8 May – 22 Jun 2021
PETS
Bonnie & Cody (Springer Spaniels)
TESTIMONIAL
Absolutely amazing! I really can’t rate Nicky and Ian as house sitters highly enough. We were away for over 6 weeks and communication both before and during the sit was excellent and we had regular photos and pupdates while we were away which were very much appreciated. The house was immaculate when I arrived home and I was welcomed back with home made cookies, flowers and basic supplies in the kitchen and a beautifully mown lawn! Due to Covid travel restrictions we were unable confirm arrangements until the last minute, but they took the uncertainty in their stride. Nothing was too much trouble. They took great care of the dogs and made sure that they knew all of their daily routines and individual characters before the sit . They were brilliant!
NEED A HOUSE SITTER?
WE’RE AVAILABLE
from November 2021
Hi – we’re Ian and Nicky and we’re a non-smoking English couple who’ve swapped a corporate life for one of exploring the world.
We’ve travelled extensively over the past six years, including numerous house sitting assignments in Europe and North/Central/South America. Although we’re flexible about where and what type of house sitting assignments we’d like to do in the future, we’d prefer to be around animals, particularly as our lifestyle no longer allows us to have pets of our own.
House sitting provides us with the opportunity to continue exploring the world without the need to rush around from one place to the next. And it gives us the opportunity to once again share our lives with animals – albeit temporarily. And, of course, it allows us to indulge in some of our other interests such as food (cooking and eating), walking and photography.
Our experience comes from 30 years as proud homeowners in a semi-rural part of the UK, with a lifetime of living with and loving our pets.
Having being homeowners for so long we understand what your home means to you. So you can be confident that we’ll treat yours as if it was our own. And you can rest assured that your pets will be left in loving hands, too.
What a lucky day for us when Ian and Nicky responded to our advert! Such a responsible, warm and caring couple who looked after our pets with obvious affection and conscientiousness. It was obvious that animal routines had been followed carefully but it was also plain that all of them had been given much additional love and time.
On our return, we found the house immaculate and a delicious meal prepared which we all enjoyed together. We were delighted when they stayed a few extra days with us.
I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Nicky and Ian, thank you so very much for being there for our 2 senior cats who aren’t the cuddliest, but you knew how to handle them perfectly. The many plants have never been in better condition and the swimming pool is now sparkling clean.
You are a delightful couple, making us feel so comfortable and giving us peace of mind during our absence with your permanent updates.
We could not have asked for any better care !
From the start, Ian & Nicky gave us the confidence that they would be the perfect sitters for our pets. We chatted on skype a couple of times before they sat and we could tell from the beginning that they were conscientious and very thorough. Everything that they promised to do they carried out, from arriving on time, to keeping us updated on our pets during our absence (sending us photos and anecdotes). When my husband returned, even though on an early morning flight, they had very kindly already washed all the bedding and cleaned the house!
The animals obviously enjoyed their company and attention and seemed to miss them after their departure. We rate Ian and Nicky very highly, from pre-arrival communication, to the care and attention that they paid to our pets and home during their stay. I recommend them without hesitation. They are the perfect couple to housesit your home and pets. 10/10.
Ian and Nicky looked after our cat, Cookie whilst we went on a short break and made every effort to ensure he was well fed and watered – and with plenty of love and affection thrown in for good measure. He just loves lots of attention and can be quite demanding on that front!
Our house was immaculately clean and tidy when we returned and Cookie had a happy, smug expression which assured us that we had made the right decision in choosing Ian and Nicky for this assignment! If that wasn’t enough, we arrived home to a lovely curry they’d prepared – one of their speciality dishes picked up after many months of travelling the world.
The Mackenzies are a lovely, warm couple with plenty of interesting tales to tell from their travels. We trust them implicitly and wouldn’t hesitate to have them back again or recommend them to anyone looking for house/pet sitters.
SELECTED HOUSE SITTING SITES
With over 20,000 registered homeowners and an annual fee of just $20 for sitters, Mind My House represents great value. Which is one reason why we chose it first to try out housesitting for ourselves. And we continue to use it today.
Trusted Housesitters is THE BIG ONE when it comes to housesitting sites. It has the most homeowners registered, but also the most housesitters. So, obtaining a house sit can be VERY competitive, although the choice is incredible. It costs $119 per year to be a member but you can get a special 20% discount to join by clicking here.
Established back in 2000, House Carers is one of the earliest house sitting sites and competes with Trusted Housesitters as the biggest around. But at $50 per year, it’s more affordable than the latter.
Probably the fastest-growing of all the house sitting sites, Nomador has nearly 60,000 members and costs £89 per year. It’s particularly good for European and especially French sits, but it has a growing selection of assignments all around the world, too. One advantage is that you can apply for your first three assignments free of charge before you commit to the paid membership.