I am a 74 yrs old catsitter, done 13 sittings so far in Europe and in Scandinavia, and I am really regretting that I did not find this “job” earlier. Unfortunately also Covid-time disturbed this activity for two years.
I have followed people’s messages here and been surprised for so many complaints about this and that. Personally I have had only positive experiences as to this site, cat owners, homes, cats, trust etc etc.
My only worry is that the hosts might find me too old for this. Anyway, I am going to continue trying (with all my 13 pcs 5 star references).
Thank you for sharing your positivity. There will be many other members like @Pawtastic, who join you in expressing how a TrustedHousesitters pet and housesitting lifestyle has truly changed their lives in a positive way, allowing pet loving travelers to have unique and authentic experiences in the company of beloved pets while connecting with like minded people and building relationships. Sometimes lifelong friendships.
This has been my story with TrustedHousesitters too. …
With any and every product there will always be room for improvement and at TrustedHousesitters we will always strive to make the experience the very best for all of our members.
As for those concerns around your age, being a great sitter is about attitude, commitment and applying for sits that are the right fit for you, the pets and owners. Your wonderful reviews speak for themselves owners first priority is the best care for their pets …
“Marjatta was the perfect cat sitter. Her love of cats is apparent as soon as she walks in the door! My cats were immediately comfortable with her”
I’m sure that you will continue your journey and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Hello @JATTA in Finland - a country I have yet to visit. I started this lifestyle as a mature sitter when I retired and am just about to leave my 43rd housesit. So far I’ve housesat at home (UK) and New Zealand. I should have housesat in Oz also but the pandemic put paid to that. However, I’ve a housesit booked north of Perth next August!
Don’t worry about your age, just keep housesitting as long as you can while you’ve got your health and energy. I must admit I’ve made the odd complaint but have never been happier since housesitting via THS.
Long may your adventures continue!
I’m in the same age group as you I’m probably fitter than my grown up grandchildren. Hate ageism in any form .I’m definitely a cat lady as well. I like dogs but there is just something about cats that I love.
Like many forums people only search for it when they are having problems (perceived or real). Like you we have 50+ reviews and definitely no complaints.
I learnt early on communication was the key. Talking and being completely truthful with each other helps to iron out most potential problems. I also have a list of “no ways” in my head. If they are mentioned and no matter how good the sit sounds I don’t apply. If the pet owner mentions them in their listing then they must be important and if I can’t or won’t comply then it would be a waste of time for either party. It’s very important to read the listing thoroughly at least twice and not get carried away with the nice pictures or fantastic location.
Here’s to another summer of trouble free pets!
Don’t regret, you are here now so keep doing what you are doing as long as you love it.
They, the animals and the HOs will love you back and that is the best rejuvenating serum out there. you can’t buy that.
All the best Beautiful @JATTA
Well done Jutta! You go, girl!
But I think you’ll find that MOST sitters have 5 star reviews, partly because we are all too afraid of the HO giving us a less-than-glowing feedback.
So, everyone has 5 star reviews!
Hallo Jatta,
Enjoyed reading your posts, and your positive experiences.
I am somewhat new (too) though am enjoying it a lot.
Remember that 74 is the new 64 (yrs old) so it should be no issue in getting more ‘sitting’ jobs. Especially if you live a healthy lifestyle and stay in good shape.
Good luck for the rest of 2022, hope you find many many more wonderful homes and pets to take care of.
Eric
Thanks @ElsieDownie I’m very new (joined yesterday!) and I’m currently writing my first listing, I’ve already picked up some excellent tips from the moderators and others on this forum. I was wondering if it’s possible to put too much information into my listing, I’m quite a chatty person and think I can sometimes use five words where two would be enough!!!
Do sitters still look for places in the winter?
Hi @LizzieS,
As a sitter I don’t think a HO can put too much info on their listing. The more info you share the better as it will probably weed out more sitters that aren’t a good fit for you at the off.
@LizzieS I quite like to see a “chatty” listing and the more information the better, but other sitters might feel differently. And yes, sitters look for sits all year round, including winter. We are tied to school holidays unless it’s a very local sit, but we do like a Christmas housesit… Others sit full time and travel around.
