Home and pet sitting – the flexible role that keeps you fit in retirement

Posted on 24 September, 2018

Dog walking keeps you fit

A recent survey[i] amongst adults over 55 years old found that pet owners do almost double the amount of exercise – raising their heartrate five times a week, compared to just three times for non-pet owners. Nine out of ten pet claimed their pet is good for their health and wellbeing.

The benefits of pet ownership include cardio-vascular exercise from dog-walking and the light housework associated with feeding and clearing up after animals, as well as many emotional and psychological benefits.

Our homesitters often tell us that assignments work increase their fitness levels and wellbeing, as most involve looking after a pet.

The majority of our homesitters were attracted to the role because they love looking after pets but they didn’t want the commitment of owning their own. They find it’s a great way to stay active and spend time doing hobbies, including exercise and get all the benefits associated with pet ownership.

Looking after dogs often involves daily or twice-daily walking and for those that do regular assignments it can boost their fitness.

One of our homesitters, 69-year-old Sue Cabrelli from Loughborough is a self-confessed fitness enthusiast who enjoys many activities and hobbies while on assignment.

Sue has been home and pet sitting with Homesitters for ten years since she retired from her job as a service administrator. Sue wanted a role that would give her a sense of purpose and enjoyment in retirement.

She finds looking after animals is the biggest benefit, plus she loves exploring different parts of the country.

Sue explains, “I have visited so many beautiful places I wouldn’t have even considered. There are wonderful rural villages throughout the UK. I love walking and when I am on assignment I take the dogs out for long walks. If there aren’t any dogs, I just walk myself.”

Sue also learned to horse ride when she retired and takes her riding gear with her on assignments and, if there’s an equestrian centre nearby, she books a lesson and goes for a ride.

Sue loves to keep fit and homesitting allows her to do this easily.

She says, “I’m a big exercise freak – I take a Pilates class once a week, as well as horse riding. When I go on assignment I take my yoga mat and do a Pilates routine every morning, which fascinates the dogs. They always come to see what I’m doing and on a recent homesit I did my ‘rolldown’ and got my face licked at the bottom!”

If, like Sue, you would like a flexible job that helps you stay fit and active in retirement, please do get in touch. We are always on the lookout for dedicated and responsible people throughout the UK to take on home and pet sitting assignments.

Please click here to find out more.



[i] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pet-happiness-animals-dog-cat-health-wellbeing-a8479526.html

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