To wonder if Trusted House Sitters is too good to be true?

[mumofkyle]

Has anyone used Trusted House Sitters? It sounds too good to be true - you pay an annual subscription and you get access to people who will come and live at your home and look after your pets free.

This would be ideal for us as our beloved dog hates being anywhere other than our home.

Anyone with any experiences I would be really grateful to hear.

I've used it a few times (live abroad).

First sitter really was too good to be true. Sent photos all the time of the dog living the absolutely best dog life, house was spotlessly clean (more than we left it), mowed the lawn , washed the sheets, left cards and gifts for the kids, milk in the fridge, and a delicious home cooked meal to be put in the oven ready for our return. Aaaah, she was great.

No one has ever quite lived up to that legendary first sitter and some didn't leave the house so nice but no disasters and all seemed very kind to the pets.

You need to do due diligence: skype calls, check previous references etc. Ideally, have neighbours or friends ready to step in and help out if any problems. We live in a popular destination so i think we can had a good choice of sitters. if you live somewhere less attractive then you might find it harder.

Good luck!

I know someone who does this- can give you details. Loves animals- you can see her reviews/pics etc on her fb page.

My friend and his wife do this. He is a retired senior academic and they travel a lot. They adore looking after animals and will quite often head off on their travels to house sit some dogs in exotic locations.

Thank you very much. We've joined and have quite a few applicants to wade through. Fingers crossed we will find an ideal sitter for our dog, and home!

I would so love to join up for this - I'm semi retired with a property background, love animals, mega-responsible.

Do it OP, there's bound to be loads of people like me who fancy a change of scene and lavishing love of other people's pets!

I have used it twice so far so that I can go for 4 days to a music festival in Wales. The first couple were from Brazil and had spent a year travelling the world. We are still in touch via Facebook.

The second sitter was a lovely woman from Tasmania. She stayed a couple of days beyond the "official" end time with my consent and with me there. We continue to keep in touch too.

I have 3 big dogs and they (and my house) was very well looked after. I have not been brave enough to use the service for a long holiday break but am working up the courage so that I can have a proper holiday in 2021.