As the cost of living crisis continues why not boost your income by becoming a home and pet sitter?

Posted on 16 May, 2022

The cost of living crisis is hitting many people’s pockets hard, especially since the recent energy price hike[i] and rising inflation is meaning household budgets are being stretched.

A new study by the Food Foundation[ii] highlights the negative impact this is having after finding that more than 2 million adults in the UK have gone without food for a whole day over the past month because they cannot afford to eat, due to the cost of living crisis.

For people on set incomes such as those who have retired the cost of living crisis can be a real worry. With energy prices due to go up again in October, more people will be looking at ways they can economise and boost their income.

One way to boost your income is to become a homesitter, a flexible part-time role that is suitable for retired people in their 50s, 60s and 70s. We are currently recruiting new home and pet sitters to join our team and we are looking for active and enthusiastic retired people who love pets.

The role is perfect for animal lovers, as part of the attraction for most of our homesitters is spending time with pets. We are mostly asked to look after dogs and cats, but our homesitters could be looking after any type of animal from pet llamas to rabbits, sheep and snakes.

It’s also a great way to make savings on your energy bills as you are staying in someone else’s home, and during the winter months especially this could mean considerable savings for those that take on a lot of assignments.

As well as savings on bills, home and pet sitters employed by Homesitters Ltd typically earn around £180 as a couple for a two-week homesit, plus they get reimbursed for mileage at 45p per mile and get a food allowance.

Whilst this is not the main reason people want to become a homesitter, it is an added bonus and this extra income comes in handy for retirees.

Retired couple, Brian and Barbara Kennedy took early retirement when they were 50 and 52 respectively, and have been homesitting ever since.

Their favourite thing is spending time with the pets, exploring new surroundings and meeting new clients. They especially enjoy walking dogs and believe they are fitter because of it.

Brian says, “In our early days of homesitting while out on a morning walk in fields with dogs cavorting in the sunshine, I would often think of my former work colleagues attending a team meeting in a windowless conference room. I knew exactly where I preferred to be. These regular walks provide us with exercise and fresh air and I believe we are fitter and healthier as a result than we might otherwise be after 18 years of retirement.”

The couple have stayed in more than 80 different homes, in areas including Northamptonshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and areas of London including Hampstead, Kensington and Chelsea, Barnes, Putney and Wimbledon, and cared for more than 140 different types of dog breeds.

Brian adds, “Homesitting is like having lots of small holidays; up to 20 times each year we pack our bags, load the car and set off on a new adventure. The payment we receive isn’t a strong motivation but it’s nice to have. It means we can enjoy occasional pub lunches during our stays while not putting a strain on the budget.”

Homesitters Ltd offer a high level of service and homesitters are carefully matched with clients, taking into account their preferences, personalities, skills and experiences. Homesitters can pick and choose their assignments and will almost always visit the home and pets before agreeing to take it on.

If this role sounds appealing and you want to find out more about becoming a homesitter click here.


[i] https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/price-cap-increase-ps693-april

[ii] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/may/09/more-than-2m-adults-in-uk-cannot-afford-to-eat-every-day-survey-finds

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