Who are we?
We lived in our beautiful home in inner-city Sydney, Australia, until September 2016, when we farewelled our corporate careers to build our own (location-independent) business and travel the world—seeking new adventures, learning about different cultures, and experiencing life after children.
We now live a minimalist lifestyle, having sold or given away most of our possessions to charities, friends and family. Travelling with carry-on luggage only gives us great flexibility and enables us to move from place to place easily.
Action, the affectionate Golden Retriever, enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors.
Feeding time for the geese and chickens at a beautiful lifestyle block in Te Onepu, New Zealand.
Diggity, an energetic and affectionate Blue Staffy, taking a moment to relax.
Why do we house-sit?
We both used to have pets when we were younger: Paul had two scatty but adorable Dalmatians, Spot and Tammy, whom he puppy-trained, and two red-eared turtles named Ernie and Bert. Sandra had a moggy rescue cat with beautiful green eyes called Lluna, who lived a long and happy life.
Sadly, as we are travelling, we don't have any pets. But we try to stay in short-term rental accommodations (or do house sits) that allow us to play and cuddle with our hosts' furry children.
Tigger, the resident tabby cat, enjoys a quiet moment with Sandra at his home in Bluff Hill, Napier.
We looked after a small flock of sheep on a farm in Warkworth in 2021 and again in 2022
Sam, was a 13-year-old Labrador cross, who enjoyed exploring the fields of the Warkworth farm.
How much does it cost?
Our house and pet-sitting services are FREE OF CHARGE.
We are flexible and tailor each engagement based on your specific needs. To give us all peace of mind, we use a questionnaire/agreement that covers all essential questions we and you may have and captures the specifics of each engagement.
If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to arrange a video call (via WhatsApp) to speak to you in person.
Willow, the playful Golden Retriever, loves her daily beach runs and a good game of fetch.
Mia, a nine-year-old Siberian Husky, from Ruakaka enjoyed her first beach walk with Paul in 2017.
Ollie, the playful Jack Russell, enjoyed a quiet moment on his blanket with his favourite toy in 2017.
We’ve been officially house and pet sitting since 2017. We find most of our sits through house sitting websites such as
- Kiwi House Sitters (when we are in New Zealand),
- Aussie House Sitters (when we are in Australia), and
- Trusted Housesitters (when we are in other parts of the world).
We (continue to) house and pet sit for friends and family, and we often do repeat house sits.
From time to time, we also volunteer in exchange for accommodation AND food via HelpX.
| Month | Year | Duration (days) | Location | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 2026 | 13 | Ballarat East, VIC, Australia | Looked after the home, and two cats named Bernie and Sisqo (aged 7 and 11, respectively) |
| May | 2026 | 7 | Daylesford, VIC, Australia | Volunteered on a permaculture property |
| April | 2026 | 20 | Brisbane, QLD, Australia | Repeat sit: Looked after the home, one 5 year old Blue Staffy named Diggity and two fish tanks |
| January | 2026 | 2 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home and one 8 year old French bulldog named Otto |
| January | 2026 | 5 | Helensville, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after a lifestyle property with two dogs, three cats, four chickens, two cows, one alpaca and seven sheep |
| April | 2025 | 20 | Brisbane, QLD, Australia | Repeat sit: Looked after the home, one 4 year old Blue Staffy named Diggity and two fish tanks |
| March | 2025 | 10 | Brisbane, QLD, Australia | Looked after the home and two Chocolate Labradors named BoJack and Billie, aged 4 and 3 |
| February | 2025 | 7 | Helensville, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after a lifestyle property with three dogs, three cats, three chickens, two cows, two alpacas and five sheep |
| January | 2025 | 8 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home and one 6 years old Labrador/ Boxer cross named Oscar |
| August | 2024 | 6 | Ilkley, England | Repeat sit: Looked after the home, one 8 year old Labrador named Dennis and two 4 year old cats named Tiddles and Bella |
| July | 2024 | 8 | Ilkley, England | Looked after the home, one 8 year old Labrador named Dennis and two 4 year old cats named Tiddles and Bella |
| July | 2024 | 9 | Trowbridge, England | Looked after the home and two Springerdoodles named Amber and Archie |
| March | 2024 | 12 | Founex, Switzerland | Looked after the home and two 5 year old West Highland White Terriers named Teddy and Tommy |
| December | 2023 | 21 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home and one 4 year old cat named Luna |
| November | 2023 | 15 | Waitoki, New Zealand | Looked after a lifestyle property with one 11 year old cat named Charlie, one 7 year old Welsh Springer Spaniel named Kassie, four chickens, three sheep (plus one lamb born on our watch) and two cows |
| October | 2023 | 8 | Te Onepu, New Zealand | Looked after a lifestyle property with 100+ free-range geese, chickens and ducks, as well as 8 sheep |
| October | 2023 | 15 | Waipukurau, New Zealand | Looked after the home and one 3 year old English Bull Terrier named Candy |
| September | 2023 | 10 | Helensville, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after a lifestyle property with two dogs (Border Collie, 11 years old and Dalmatian, 8 months old), three cats, four chickens, two cows, three alpacas and 10 sheep |
| June | 2023 | 24 | Sydney, NSW, Australia | Looked after the home and one 7 year old cat named Bootsy |
| June | 2023 | 12 | Sydney, NSW, Australia | Repeat sit: Looked after the home, garden and pool |
| May | 2023 | 7 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home and one 1 year old Cavoodle named Poppy |
| May | 2023 | 3 | Helensville, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after a lifestyle property with four dogs (two Border Collies, a Doberman and a Dalmatian puppy), three cats, four chickens, two cows and 11 sheep |
| January | 2023 | 5 | Sydney, NSW, Australia | Looked after the home and one 4 year old Border Collie Cross named Billy |
| January | 2023 | 18 | Sydney, NSW, Australia | Looked after the home, garden and pool |
| December | 2022 | 22 | Brisbane, QLD, Australia | Looked after the home, one 2 year old Blue Staffy named Diggity and a small aquarium of fish |
| November | 2022 | 10 | Sydney, NSW, Australia | Looked after the home and one 3 year old Golden Retriever named Action |
| July | 2022 | 88 | Napier, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after the home and one 12 year old cat named Tigger |
| April | 2022 | 3 | Havelock North, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after the home and one 2 year old Weimaraner named Moose |
| February | 2022 | 28 | Warkworth, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after a 4.9 hectare/12.2 acre farm with home, garden, one working dog (Big Boy/6 year old mixed breed) and 45+ sheep |
| October | 2021 | 5 | Havelock North, New Zealand | Looked after the home and one 18 month old Weimaraner named Moose |
| June | 2021 | 137 | Napier, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after the home and one 11 year old cat named Tigger |
| April | 2021 | 12 | Eskdale, New Zealand | Looked after the home, a Golden Retriever/Border Collie cross named Willow, a tabby cat named Sugar and two budgies |
| March | 2021 | 15 | Napier, New Zealand | Looked after the home and one 11 year old cat named Tigger |
| March | 2021 | 12 | Waipawa, New Zealand | Looked after a 1.9 hectare/4.8 acre farm with home, garden, and one cat named Kevin, eight working dogs (from puppy to 10+ years old), eight chickens and six guinea fowl keets |
| February | 2021 | 28 | Warkworth, New Zealand | Looked after a 4.9 hectare/12.2 acre farm with home, garden, two working dogs (Sam/13 year old Labrador Cross and Big Boy/5 year old mixed breed) and 45+ sheep |
| January | 2021 | 10 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home, garden, two 8 month old cats named Luna and Jake, and five chickens |
| December | 2020 | 10 | Auckland, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after the home and a 3 1/2 year old fox red labrador named Nina |
| December | 2020 | 5 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home and a 3 1/2 year old fox red labrador named Nina |
| July | 2020 | 10 | Hope, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after the home, an 18 month old German Short-haired Pointer named Dexter (for 3 days) and three chickens |
| March | 2020 | 6 | Ashburton, New Zealand | Looked after the home (with basic gardening) and a 10 year old Jack Russell/Fox Terrier Cross named Tilly |
| January | 2020 | 10 | London, United Kingdom | Looked after the home, and two dogs named Riff Raff (4 year old Cockapoo) and Heather (11 month old Romanian rescue puppy) |
| December | 2019 | 7 | Munich, Germany | Looked after the home, and two rescue cats named Fini and Flori |
| November | 2019 | 6 | Prangins, Switzerland | Looked after the home, a German Shepherd named Rolo and a German Short-haired Pointer named Zara |
| February | 2019 | 15 | Hope, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after a lifestyle property with three dogs (two Border Collies and a Doberman), four cats, five chickens, two cows and a horse |
| February | 2019 | 2 | Hope, New Zealand | Repeat sit: Looked after the home and a 14-week old puppy named Dexter (German Short-haired Pointer) |
| January | 2019 | 29 | Dunedin, New Zealand | Looked after a property with a sizable garden requiring daily maintenance over the Summer |
| December | 2018 | 19 | Dunedin, New Zealand | Looked after the home (with basic gardening), two dogs named Rusty (Australian Terrier Cross) and Lucy (Fox Terrier Cross), and a tabby cat called Nonu |
| October | 2018 | 17 | Hope, New Zealand | Looked after a lifestyle property with three dogs named Jackson, Abbey (both Border Collies) and Ruby (Doberman), four cats named Angel, Stevie, Furby and Daisy, five chickens and two cows |
| July | 2018 | 34 | Hope, New Zealand | Looked after the home (with basic gardening) |
| May | 2018 | 22 | Swannanoa, New Zealand | Looked after a 2.7 hectare/6.7 acre farm and home, a German Shepherd named Dora, 17 sheep (growing to 21 as several lambs were born under our watch), countless chickens, turkeys, ducks, guinea fowls, and numerous other birds in five aviaries (including peacocks, cockatiels and finches) |
| May | 2018 | 15 | Christchurch, New Zealand | Looked after the home, two Samoyeds named Tashi and Shaila, and two Birman cats named Simba and Coffee |
| December | 2017 | 27 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home (with basic gardening) and a 10 month old Jack Russell puppy named Ollie |
| December | 2017 | 7 | Tokoroa, New Zealand | Looked after the home, a Maltese named Zara, and two cats named Shadow and Panda |
| November | 2017 | 15 | Auckland, New Zealand | Looked after the home, a cat named Furby and a Beagle named Bella |
| November | 2017 | 12 | Ruakaka, New Zealand | Looked after the home (with basic gardening) and a Siberian Husky named Mia |
We have limited capacity to house sit or volunteer in 2026. If you are looking for pet sitters/helpers in
- South Australia (Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills or Barossa Valley) in August/September, or
- Greater Auckland, New Zealand in December 2026 please get in touch.
Please note, we don’t have a vehicle in Australia, so would be reliant on public transport access or the home owner’s vehicle use.
| When | Duration (days) | Location | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | 7 | Melbourne, Australia | Looking after the home, one dog and one cat |
From start to finish Paul and Sandra were amazing. We started with a FaceTime call - at their request - which I thought was brilliant. Paul and Sandra kept me informed of their arrival into England and then their arrival to our house. Paul and Sandra make their sit about the house owner - they do everything to make sure the pets and the house are the priority. They kept me well informed about Dennis, Tiddles and Bella - Dennis was well walked. On arrival home, the house was immaculate - even the sheets were on the line, having been washed. I cannot recommend Paul and Sandra enough. Thank you so much.
Paul and Sandra were great sitters and took really good care of our home and 2 dogs for a week. The dogs were really happy and the house was beautifully clean and tidy when we returned. They had looked after our garden well. They kept in touch while we were away and were very easy to get along with. Very experienced sitters who clearly were used to running a home and looking after animals. We would highly recommend them and would welcome them back without hesitation. Thank you Paul and Sandra!
As first-time users of Kiwi Housesitters, we felt very fortunate to have Paul and Sandra looking after our precious pooch and of course our house. Poppy was taken on regular walks and was given a heap of attention and care. We could not have asked for more. Paul also sent us regular updates and photos, which were much appreciated. Both Paul and Sandra were great to deal with - very open and friendly. We'd love to have them house-sit again. House was left very clean and tidy.
Thank you Paul and Sandra for a very professional house sit. I would definitely recommend you to anyone else and hopefully, our paths may cross again!.
Paul and Sandra are great housesitters. They were professional and organised from the start, communication was easy, they responded promptly to texts/emails and kept all arranged times to meet/talk. They took great care of our home and pets. They gave my dogs the required medications, fed, walked and were affectionate. They are clearly experienced and enjoy looking after animals. The house was very clean and tidy when we returned, the lawns were cared for and gardening is done that wasn't specified, but really appreciated. We would happily recommend Paul and Sandra as housesitters. They were our first housesitters and have set a very high standard!
Paul and Sandra are dream house sitters and Moose minders. I cannot recommend them more highly. Right from the get-go they were well-organised and had a comprehensive information sheet for me to complete which was excellent as they knew all they needed to know about Moose and the house even before they arrived. They are both such lovely friendly fit people ( needed with a large dog), responsible, reliable, and excellent communicators and to top it off they left the house so spic and span it was a joy to return to. Moose was super happy and relaxed and we would definitely call on them again to care for him.
Paul and Sandra were fabulous house sitters. I often think how lucky I am to meet such nice people and have them look after the dogs. Riff Raff and Heather were fit and happy on my return from Indonesia and the house was spotless. Paul and Sandra live a very minimalist life so there's no issue of clutter, which is more than I can say for myself. They're extremely tidy. They kept in touch every day, as requested, sometimes even sending details of the distance and route walked, and didn't bat an eyelid over Heather's ongoing house training issues, which we are working on daily. I'd love to have them back and hope they will sit for me again.
Paul and Sandra are the best house sitters ever! We can't thank them enough for all their enthusiasm and loving care of our wee dog Tilly. We are sure Tilly will miss them. They went above and beyond to look after our dog to the highest standard possible. We appreciated your thoroughness, both are very organised and very easy to communicate with enabling you to leave your property and pets knowing that they are in good hands. They stay in regular contact with you while on the sit giving you updates on how everything is going back home. Their house sit agreement which they have developed is an excellent way for them to learn as much as they can about your property, neighbourhood and services as well as important knowledge about your animals' routines. Thank you so much.
In need of a house/pet sit(ter) or helper/s?
We find most of our house/pet sits and volunteer engagements through professional websites that connect pet owners/hosts with sitters/volunteers. If you could use company of the furry (or feathery) kind for a while, own pets who’d rather stay at home while you’re away or need some temporary help around your property, below are the platforms we use and recommend to find your perfect match:
