Homesitter profile
1. We recruit mature, responsible people.
They are fit and active and mostly in their 50s or 60s; in the main they are retired – from a wide range of occupations – and all are securely settled in their own homes. We investigate their backgrounds covering the last 20 years, and take up reliable references from past employers and people of professional or social standing who have known them well for at least 5 years.
2. The recruitment process is lengthy and uncompromising.
Our meticulous vetting includes detailed enquiries regarding county court and high court judgments, criminal convictions and bankruptcy. We expect the highest level of integrity and reliability, but we also look for domestic and petcare skills; petsitting assignments, particularly, need aptitude and experience, and a genuine warmth towards animals.
All Homesitters attend lengthy and rigorous personal interviews where they are met by at least two of our administrators; we have no hesitation in rejecting candidates if they are not entirely suitable.
3. All Homesitters are our employees and bound by our rules and Terms of Employment.
Homesitters Ltd is not an agency; on assignment our employees are under our direction. They are given comprehensive instruction on their duties and responsibilities, and have the support of our 24 hour emergency back-up.
4. We make every effort to match the home and pet sitter to your likes, needs and situation.
If you have dogs who need walking, we’ll provide an enthusiastic dog-walker; if you have chickens, we’ll provide someone who is used to poultry; if you require your home to be occupied continuously, we’ll provide 24 hour cover.
Whatever their backgrounds and experience, all our housesitters are sensible and conscientious, with plenty of experience in looking after their own homes.
5. Legislation dictates that, generally, if housesitters are required to stay on your property all the time, they have to be paid for that time.
So we look for employees who prefer to stay in your home voluntarily. We find they are very content to occupy their free time with their own interests such as writing, embroidery and water-colours.
6. Many Homesitters like to bring their spouse/partner with them.
There is no extra charge, and if you are happy to have a second person, you have considerable advantages in security. Of course we will have met the accompanying spouse/partner and he/she will be covered by Homesitters Ltd’s insurances. If you require housesitters to be on the premises 24 hours a day, we will need to arrange a couple to undertake the sit, both of whom will be our employees.