A Pet and Home Owners guide to House Sitting
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A Pet and Home Owners guide to House Sitting Whilst this booklet has been produced to help home and pet owners new to the concept of house sitting, enjoy a stress free time away from their property and pets, the information contained is also helpful to house sitters. At first it may seem rather a lot for people to take in and that’s because we have tried to cover most aspects of house sitting so that even the simplest things are not overlooked. Many home owners looking for a house sitter for the first time are naturally concerned about having people they do not know live in their home. Included in this book are steps you can take to overcome those concerns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Expectations of the Home Owner and House/Pet Sitter 3
What is expected of the home owner? 3
Setting the standard 3
What is expected of the house sitter? 4
Utilities usage 4
Things to be considered 4
Rent 4
Home insurance 4
Bonds 5
Use of vehicles 5
House Sitting Agreement or Contract 5
Informing friends, neighbours and relatives 5
A local contact 5
Securing your fragile items 6
Valuables 6
House keys 6
Storage space 6
House sitter vehicle parking 6
Pet check list 6
The 5 stages of House Sitting 7
1. Finding a house sitter that is right for you: 7
2. Agreeing on the duties, responsibilities and acceptable expenses 8
3. Preparation for the event 9
4. Handover to the house sitter 12
5. Preparing for your return 13
In conclusion 13
House Sitting Agreement example 14
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 2Expectations of the Home Owner and House/Pet Sitter
With any house sitting position there are certain expectations of both the
home owner and the house sitter. House sitting assignments are guaranteed to
be a pleasant experience for both parties if they are aware of these
expectations and do their best to comply with them.
Keep in mind that a house sitting engagement is beneficial for both parties.
Plenty of communication throughout your dealings with each other creates a
comfortable experience for all concerned.
What is expected of the home owner?
Each house sitting position is different and everything is negotiable. However
there are some things that you, as a home owner, are expected to do in
preparation for your house sitters arrival.
You need to provide all the necessary items that will enable your house sitter
to look after your home and pets. Some of those items could be:
cleaning products
pet food
kitty litter
lawn mower fuel
house alarm security numbers
appliance manuals
Many house sitters prefer to bring their own bathroom products and toiletries,
although it is wise to clarify this with them before they arrive.
Setting the standard
You need to make clear to the house sitter at the outset, the standard of
cleanliness and maintenance you expect your home and property to be in
when you return. The best way to do this is by making sure your home is clean
and tidy before they arrive.
Experienced house sitters always try to leave a house in as good a condition
(if not better), than when they took it over; they do not expect to have to clean
a house on their arrival or have to bring it up to a standard that they are
comfortable to live in.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 3What is expected of the house sitter?
House sitters are expected to perform agreed tasks regarding the care of the
home owners’ property and pets. These tasks will have been discussed and
agreed to prior to acceptance of the house sitting position.
Some experienced house sitters will prefer to bring and use their own linen
and household cleaning products and some even like to use their own cooking
utensils.
The house sitter is expected to supply their own food. If there is anything you
will need on your return you can leave money with the house sitter and
arrange for them to shop for you just prior.
Utilities usage
For short stays – a few days to a week or two, most home owners do not
expect the house sitter to pay for gas and electricity. However, for longer stays
it is not unusual for the house sitter to pay for their utilities usage. The amount
they pay can be determined from past utility bills and agreed on prior to the
house sitter accepting the assignment.
Things to be considered:
Rent
It is unusual for the house sitter to pay rent although some home owners do
request it. If some form of rental payment is to be considered, the home
owner should take into account their house and contents insurance. Most
domestic home and contents policies are no longer valid if the house is rented.
Home Insurance
Although you will find that most Insurance companies are happy to have the
home occupied while you are away, it is wise to check with your insurance
company to ensure your property and contents remain fully covered.
Also check to see if the house sitters belongings brought into your home are
covered by the policy. If not, they should be notified so that they can make
their own insurance arrangements.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 4Bonds
Most home owners do not require a bond but you might feel that one is
desirable. As mentioned before, everything is negotiable.
If you do require a Bond, it should be negotiated with the house sitter in
advance. When it is paid, you need to provide a receipt and details should be
included in the House Sitting Agreement if you have one. You could consider
lodging your bond with a solicitor.
Use of vehicles
Does the house sitter have use of a vehicle? You may decide that your house
sitter can use your vehicle in which case you need to check that they are
licensed. You should also ring your insurance company and put their name on
your policy which means you will need their full name and date of birth.
Confirm in your House Sitting Agreement that the sitter is responsible for any
repairs and damages that may occur, and for any insurance excess.
House Sitting Agreement or Contract
Although not always used, an Agreement or Contract is a good idea. It can
spell out the duties and expectations of both parties in black and white, leaving
little room for misunderstanding.
Mindahome has a sample Agreement for your use in this booklet which can be
modified as required.
Informing friends, neighbours and relatives
To avoid misunderstandings with neighbours, relatives and friends you should
inform them that you are going away and that you have engaged house sitter
to take care of your property.
A local contact
If you have a friend or a relative close by it is a good idea to ask them to be a
contact for your house sitter. They would need to have a good knowledge of
your local area, and be familiar with your home and pets. If possible they
should meet you house sitter before you leave or as soon as possible
afterwards.
Secure your fragile items
Although house sitters will do their best to take care of your possessions, they
are only human and accidents in the home can occasionally occur. If you have
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 5any fragile or expensive furniture, ornaments or fittings that you are
concerned about you should pack them away somewhere safe such as an
unused room.
Valuables
Make a list of your valuables, including any identifying features and put them
in a secure place, preferably under lock and key. Do the same with breakable
items that you would hate to lose. Keep your list with your private papers.
House keys
Your sitter will need a set of house keys, two sets if there are two of them as
they may go out at different times, and a spare set if possible. Consider giving a
set of keys to your local contact person as well.
Storage Space
You house sitter will need storage space for things they bring with them so it is
a good idea to make cupboard and draw space available.
House sitter vehicle parking
Is there space or do you need to make space for your house sitter to park their
car. Some house sitters are travelling with their caravan or trailer, is there
space for such a vehicle?
Pet check list
Apart from a collar tag, are your pets identifiable in other
ways? Have they been micro chipped or tattooed? Give
details.
What is their local government registration number and is
it up to date? Is your dog’s collar tagged and does it have
your home phone number on it?
What is the contact number of your local animal welfare
association, lost pets home or local council pound?
Where is your vet located and what are their contact and
after hours numbers?
Are your pets receiving any medication? What are they receiving and how is
it administered? Are there any existing conditions or injury problems you
should tell your sitter about such as diabetes, allergies, etc?
Do you have current photos of your pets?
Provide information on safe dog walking areas and parks.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 6Is your dog friendly towards people and other dogs? Is he likely to run if let
off the lead and be hard to catch? If unleashed is he likely to attack other
dogs or children?
Do your pets have unusual habits or phobias? List any quirks or anything else
the sitter should know about them.
What are your pets daily routines? By maintaining them it will add to their
feeling of security.
What food and how much do you give your pet each day? What about
treats? Have you enough food and supplies for the time you are away plus
extra in case you are delayed getting back?
Where are their toys kept?
If your pet cannot be found, where should the sitter look? What are their
favourite places?
What are the rooms in the house and areas of the property that are ‘off
limits’ to your pets?
Show the house sitter the location of food and water bowls, toys, leads,
balls, jackets, shampoos, brushes, towels, bathtub, hose, toilet scoops, cat
tray, kitty litter, pet carrier and anything else they might need.
Is your pets bedding clean prior to your departure? Where is spare bedding
kept?
Make sure their collars and leads are in good condition and secure.
The 5 stages of House Sitting
1. Choosing a house sitter that is right for you
At this stage you would have a list of potential house sitters, some have
contacted you via your advertisement page and others have responded to your
communication from their profile page.
Of those that fit your requirements (age, gender, experience, whether a non
smoker etc), ask them to forward you copies of their references, Police
Clearance (also known as a Police Check) and copy of their drivers licence. A
Police Clearance is obtainable from their local police station or department and
is an official document stating that they do not have a criminal record.
Try to get two or three references and make sure that you are able to contact
these referees either in person or by telephone. Experienced house sitters
will have references from past positions and serious new sitters will have
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 7references from respected members of their community who know them. We
advise that you only consider applicants with references you can verify.
We must stress the importance of checking people’s references by contacting
and speaking to the referrer. If sitters cannot provide references that can be
verified they should not be considered as potential house sitters for your
home.
Make a short list of acceptable applicants and try to arrange an interview. If an
interview is not possible due to distance, try to get to know them by having a
number of telephone or Skype chats with them to see if they are people you
feel comfortable with caring for your home and pets.
Skype is a service which allows computer users to communicate with each
other by voice using a microphone, video using a webcam, and instant
messaging over the internet. Phone calls may also be placed to recipients on
traditional telephone networks. Calls to other users within the Skype network
are free while calls to landline networks and mobile phones are charged using
a user based debit system.
Establishing a rapport with the person to whom you will intrust your home is
important. Although much of the background information is available in the
applicant’s profile, the personality of an individual will only come through in an
interview. Use the interview to find out as much as you can about the
candidate. Discuss the information provided in their profile, it’s an opportunity
to get to know them and helps make sure you are no longer strangers. The
more you get to know each other the more likely you are going to feel
comfortable with them and the more they will know of what’s expected of
them.
Once you have chosen your house sitter you should contact the unsuccessful
applicants and tell them of your decision.
2. Agreeing on the duties, responsibilities and acceptable expenses
If you are using a House Sitting Agreement form this is when you would fill in
your requirements based on the discussions you have had with your house
sitter.
You need to make 2 copies which both you and the house sitter sign in an
appropriate place and each of you keep a copy.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 83. Preparation for the event
Provide an Information pack
There is a lot of information your house sitter will need before you leave so
preparing an information pack is a good idea.
It means that all essential information is in the one place and easy to find.
There is usually a lot to remember about another person’s way of life and your
house sitter will be pleased you have provided a substantial reference for
them. Your information pack can also be re-used for future house sitting
engagements.
Suggestions as to what should go in the information pack:
Copy of House Sitting Agreement
If you do have an Agreement, keep your original and put a copy with the
rest of the information.
Agreed duties of the house sitter before the assignment commences
Is the house sitter expected to mow the lawn, attend to the garden and
maintain the pool etc? The home owner should make it clear by
providing a list and including it in the Agreement if using one.
Your travel itinerary with your contact information
List the places you are going to and the dates you will be there. Include
the names and phone numbers of hotels you will be staying at or people
you will be staying with. If you will be accessing your email account while
away, let the house sitter know your email address – your phone contact
details need only be used in an emergency.
Local contact
The name and contact details of your local contact person.
Local services contact details including emergency services
Visitors to your area may be unfamiliar with local emergency services so
you should list those contact details including local doctors, vets and
utility providers in fact anyone you think your house sitter should have
contact details of.
Area information and maps
Usually your house sitter won’t be from your area so providing a map of
the locality marked with local shops, tourist attractions, pubs, cinemas
as well as local transport system information such as bus and train
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 9services is a good idea. For local tourist attractions, perhaps you could
provide brochures?
Apartment complex regulations
If your home is part of a group of units or apartment complex, list any
rules or body corporate rules and regulations.
Visitors and guests
Include your requirements regarding the house sitter visitors and guests
staying at your home while you are away.
Boundaries
List any rooms or parts of the house and house contents you do not
want the house sitter to use.
House security system and locks
Provide information on the operation of your security alarm system and
locks for doors and windows.
Location of daily needs
Advise the location of fresh linen, towels, cleaning products etc.
Household appliances
Provide written instructions or user manuals on the operation and
idiosyncrasies of household appliances such as the stove, dishwasher,
washing machine, clothes dryer, vacuum cleaner etc.
TV and entertainment units
Leave instructions for TV’s, stereos, entertainment systems and
computers. If you subscribe to a pay TV service, leave instructions on its
operation.
Internet
If you are allowing the house sitter to use a computer and internet
service, leave instructions on the operation of the computer and
internet provider.
Indoor plants
Leave instructions for the care, watering and feeding of your indoor
plants.
Cooling and heating
Leave instructions on the use of air conditioners, heaters, heating and
cooling systems and fire places, etc.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 10Plumbers and electricians
Leave contact details of good plumbers and electricians that you know
of for emergencies.
Utilities meters
Describe the location of gas, electricity and water meters and cut off
devices such as mains power switches, taps and valves including water
mains should maintenance be required.
Water restrictions
Provide information on water restrictions and regulations in force that
your house sitter needs to be aware of.
Property maintenance requirements (if part of the Agreement)
Garden: list requirements to be able to maintain the garden at its
current standard. How often to be watered and when (are water
restrictions in effect?), leaves raked, etc.
Lawns: How often to mow and instructions on use of the mower as well
as location of the mower and required gardening tools.
Pool and Spa: What is required to maintain the pool? Location and
operation of the cleaning equipment; chemical requirements and
instructions on their use including safety instructions. Contact details of
pool maintenance/service company if applicable.
Rubbish collection
Make a note collection days and times and where to leave bins on
collection days. Which bins are for recycling and which are for rubbish?
What actually goes in the recycling bins? Some areas are different to
others.
Mail
Where to store the mail for your return? If going away for an extended
period of time should mail be redirected? Are bills expected that need to
be paid? A means of payment will need to be arranged for these. What
should be done with newspapers and junk mail?
Phone messages
Do you want to be left alone or should messages be forwarded? Is it
alright for the house sitter to give your contact details to the caller? Is a
brief email to you with details of the call along with the callers contact
details desirable? Possibly a log of the calls with dates times and contact
details are all that’s required.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 11Deliveries
Are you expecting any deliveries while away? Leave instructions as to
when you expect them to arrive so the house sitter can arrange to be
home.
Maintenance services
Do you have regular cleaners and gardeners, etc and are they expected
to call in while you are away? Leave information as to when they are
expected and what they will be doing.
Vehicles
When leaving for longer periods you may want your house sitter to look
after any cars you have left behind. This may be just simply starting
them once a week, keeping the batteries charged and keeping an eye on
tyre pressures, etc.
Use of vehicles if agreed
Specify which vehicle the house sitter may use and give instructions on
its operation such as starting quirks, what fuel to put in it and how to
operate its alarm system etc.
Is there a garage remote control? How is it operated? Are there any local
traffic regulations your house sitter needs to be aware of? Are there
limitations as to the amount of use of the vehicle you will allow and
where it’s driven?
Pets
Provide detailed information about your pets that the house sitter can
refer to. See ‘Pet check list’ in this booklet.
4. Handover to the house sitter
It is always best to give plenty of time to the process of handing over your
home and pets to the house sitter. Try to spend a few hours or even longer
with them before you leave. (Some house sitters prefer to arrive as much as a
day early). This will give them and your pets time to get to know each other as
well as give them time to become familiar with your home and the local area
while you are still there to answer questions.
Using the information folder you have prepared, go through and show them
your home and property. If your local contact is free, now is a good time to
have them call round and introduce them to your house sitter.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 125. Preparing for your return
There is always the possibility your return may be delayed by situations out of
your control. Bad weather can ground aircraft and vehicles can have
breakdowns. You need to be prepared for the unexpected. Discuss these
possibilities with your house sitter so that you both have a clear understanding
as to their availability to stay on and for how long, should it be necessary.
House sitters may have other plans or another house sitting commitment. Is
your local contact able to help in this situation? Is there someone else you can
call on if necessary?
If there is anything you might need ready for your return, you should arrange
this with your house sitter before you leave. You might be returning late at
night and would like the fridge to be stocked with perishables such as milk and
bread.
Some house sitters go out of their way to make your return as pleasant as an
experience as possible. They will have fresh flowers in vases and even pick you
up from the airport if that’s how you are travelling.
In conclusion
We hope this booklet has provided you with enough information to make your
house sitting experience pleasant, allowing you to enjoy your trip away
comfortable in the knowledge that your home and pets are being properly
cared for.
We are always striving to improve our service and if you have any feedback or
advice you would like to pass on to us we would love to hear from you.
Copyright © Mindahome
Mindahome claims copyright ownership of all material in this document. You may download, display, print and reproduce
this material in unaltered form (including this notice) for your personal use. Apart from this permission and uses permitted
under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved.
Disclaimer
The contents of this document are provided for information purposes only and no claim is made by us as to its accuracy,
authenticity, completeness or relevance. While we have attempted to make the information contained herein as accurate
as possible, it is for personal and/or educational use only and is provided in good faith without any express or implied
warranties. It is provided on the basis that all persons reading this document undertake responsibility for assessing the
relevance and accuracy of its content for their own particular circumstance.
In no event shall Mindahome be liable for any incidental, indirect, consequential or special damages of any kind, or any
damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, those resulting from loss of income, profit, contracts, goodwill,
expected savings or business relationships, whether or not advised of the possibility of such damage, arising out of or in
connection with the use of this document.
A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 13House Sitting Agreement example
Date this Agreement was signed Address of property covered in this agreement
/ /
Home Owners Name(s)
1
2
House Sitters Name(s) This Agreement Commences on:
1 / /
2 And concludes on:
3 / /
Pets and animals covered in this Agreement Registration and/or microchip number
1 1b
2 2b
3 3b
No persons other than those listed above are permitted to live at the premises during the term of the
agreement unless agreed to in writing by the home owner.
1. The House Sitter agrees to:
Provide care and attention to all pets and animals listed in this Agreement.
Keep the home owners property safe and secure and not undertake work or repairs which
may result in damage to the home owner’s property. In case of an equipment breakdown
which cannot easily be repaired, the house sitter must call in a professional in accordance
with the home owners prior instructions.
Maintain gardens and surrounding areas.
Empty mail box each day and pass on any urgent messages.
Maintain contact with the home owner regularly via phone or email (if required).
Replace or pay an agreed value of any home owners’ possessions that are inadvertently
damaged while in the house sitters Care.
Pay for any vehicle damage that may occur (if it is agreed that the house sitter has use of a
vehicle).
Pay the agreed holding bond if applicable.
Not move out of the home owners home prior to the conclusion of this Agreement and not
leave the home unoccupied for an unreasonable period (specify).
Will vacate the premises on the agreed date of the home owners return.
Provide the home owner with a forwarding address.
House Sitting Agreement examplePay for any utilities used (if applicable).
Return all keys to the home owner.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. The Home Owner Agrees to:
Give the house sitter permission to occupy the above premises on a rent-free basis for the
duration of this Agreement.
Provide the House sitter with a copy of this agreement signed by both the home owner and
the House sitter.
Provide the house sitter with at least seven days notice of any change to the agreed first or
last day of the house sitting assignment.
Leave your home and pet bedding in a clean and tidy condition for the house sitter to move in
to on the agreed first day of the house sitting assignment.
Provide all food and sundry supplies (insect control and other medicine, bedding, exercising
and cleaning equipment) for pets, or make arrangement to reimburse the house sitter for any
food or supplies bought for the pets.
Make arrangements for payment for any services provided by a qualified veterinarian in the
treatment and care of the home owners’ animals.
Make payment, either directly to the service provider or as a reimbursement to the house
sitter, for any urgent repairs such as, plumbing, electrical, gas, storm damage etc.
Inform neighbors, relative and friends a house sitter is taking care of your home while you are
away.
Give the house sitter contact names and phone numbers in case of an emergency.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Signatures
Signature of Home Owner Signature of House Sitter
Printed Name of Home Owner(s) Printed Name of House Sitter
Signed on this date Signed on this date
/ / / /
House Sitting Agreement exampleYou can also read
