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Rent free room in return for occasional live in dog sitting

30 replies

Judgedontbudge · 27/05/2024 21:34

I have a single spare bedroom in my property (bungalow). I have two dogs both of whom have mild separation anxiety- no damage etc but barking but who are otherwise lovely dogs. I’m worried about annoying my neighbours with the barking as well as the distress for the dogs. I am continuously working / training with the dogs to be able to leave the dog's. I work from home and don’t really go out too often but when I do, I’m very concerned about the situation and finding I’m going out less and less. I’m single. And I must say, I do like living alone. However, I’ve pondered the idea of “renting” my spare bedroom (single room) to a person who may want to establish a career working with dogs / animals and as this can be poorly paid in some circumstances, they may want to find cheap accommodation. They may be young and starting out. They would pay half towards all bills but no rent or a very small amount. In return for no rent charge, I would ask for the occasional dog sitting likely perhaps 4 hours a week sporadically and a day once a month or so to allow me to socialise with friends or an evening to go out to dinner for example. I could hire a dog sitter but my life feels like I pay out all the time and Im looking for solutions to recoup and spend less, not pay out more. Finanaces are tight for me. I’d be interested in hearing people’s views and thoughts on this idea. Thank you.

OP posts:
mitogoshi · 28/05/2024 14:40

How about letting local vets etc know, they may have young vets or nurses needing accommodation and would be delighted to come to an arrangement that suits you both. Student is another option

MagpiePi · 28/05/2024 22:23

Judgedontbudge · 28/05/2024 14:04

Good suggestion! I had thought that borrow my doggy meant that the dogs go off to someone’s house but maybe someone would just want to come and get away from their nagging husband / wife / partner for a few hours peace and quiet 😂

If you look at the website it does people do it for just walks or they have overnight stays or even take a dog for a few days. I think you just work out whatever suits you both.

neilyoungismyhero · 28/05/2024 22:29

Why don't you enquire around local vet practices or colleges? There may be young people who would be only too keen to help you out like this.

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Nomorecoconutboosts · 28/05/2024 22:40

I think you can ‘get round’ the minimum wage issue quite simply.
in the same way that you might (for example) ask/expect the lodger to take a turn in cleaning communal areas and this would be part of communal living arrangements rather than something they are paid minimum wage for.

I’ve had many lodgers, for various reasons, the last one was a friend of my dd. We charged a very token rent as she was in a small box room. On occasion she would cook for us and do a clean of the shared bathroom. This wasn’t part of any financial contract just a bit of an acknowledgment we were helping her out.

In your case there would be a voluntary agreement that they would be a bit of company for the dogs for however many hours, as part of the general agreement you make.

LC12 · 06/07/2025 13:20

Hi if this is still available, and depending on where, I would definitely be interested. I love dogs, have volunteered in kennels for years, and work remotely so have the flexibility this requires. Can you pm me or how else? Thanks

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