17 April, 2024
Sixty Surfer Plus Article - Become a homesitter
Posted on 2 July, 2019
New Year is a time when people make resolutions to seek out fresh challenges, see new places and perhaps spend some time getting fit. Becoming a homesitter could fulfil all of these goals in one.
Homesitters Limited is a national home and pet sitting company that has been caring for people's homes and pets when they go away for over 35 years.
With 1,000 homesitters employed all over the UK, the company is looking to recruit new home and pet sitters in 2016 to meet the demands of its growing business.
The role suits active, retired people in their 50s, 60s and 70s who are not working, and involves staying in people's homes whilst they are away to keep the home secure, and also to look after any pets.
The many benefits include the chance to travel throughout the UK, stay in some fabulous homes in rural and urban locations, and care for a wide variety of pets.
Homesitters are carefully matched with clients, taking into account their preferences, personalities, skills and experiences. The role is flexible, offering occasional employment, and whilst the primary rewards for home sitting are non-financial, Homesitters receive a modest remuneration to supplement a pension or other income.
Londoner Peter Green, who is in his early 70s, has been home sitting for almost 10 years since taking early retirement from a retail job with a major supermarket.
Peter enjoys the responsibility of home and pet sitting, but above all, loves looking after dogs. He finds that no two dogs are the same; they each have individual personalities and are good fun to be with.
Dog walking is a great way for him to keep fit and enjoy fresh air, and he also enjoys talking to other dog walkers and has made some good friends over the years as he regularly sits for the same clients. Having the opportunity to visit new places is another highlight of the job.
Peter says, “There is never a dull moment and I enjoy every minute. This job takes you everywhere. I often get to visit somewhere new. I am interested in historical places and find all sorts of interesting places to visit - particularly through my National Trust membership.
Even after 10 years, I still get surprised by some of the grand places I stay in. I home sit regularly at a palatial property with grounds and its own lake right next door to one of King Henry VIII's hunting lodges.”
Alan Irvine, Chairman of Homesitters comments, “We would love to hear from anyone interested in becoming a homesitter, and who is looking for a fresh challenge in 2016. The role offers a fun and enjoyable way to discover new parts of the country and many homesitters say they feel as if they are on a mini holiday themselves. For animal lovers it's also an opportunity to look after a pet. Commonly this is a dog or cat, but could occasionally be something more exotic!”
For more information on becoming a homesitter and to apply click here.
To read the story on Sixty Plus Surfer please click here.
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