[HimandMe]

Originally Posted by LaurieandKeith

We don’t mean to take business away from individuals who charge for doing pet sitting, but something you may want to consider is free in-home pet sitting. Retirees, like my husband and I, travel the world caring for homes and pets at no cost to the homeowner in exchange for free accommodations.

We are currently at The Villages doing a two month house/pet sit for two beautiful dogs. We’re writing not to have you consider us, but rather to introduce you to the concept.

Pet owners benefit by not having to kennel/board their pets and their home is safer since it’s lived in while they are on vacation/holiday. The pets get to stay in their own environment and we follow each homeowner’s specific requirements regarding exercise, feeding, etc.

You join the network, post your need (including beautiful Villages location, dates, etc.). Given you are needing someone in December, you will likely find many qualified sitters; many from around the world.

We have done free in-home pet and house sitting from 2 weeks to 3 ½ months in the U.S., Spain, Australia, New Zealand, The Caribbean, Scotland and London. The upside to us is we get to travel the world without paying for hotels or lodging. The upside for the pet owner is they get to travel stress free knowing their much loved pet(s) is being cared for in the comfort of their own home.

Although you are inviting a “stranger” into your home, there are many safeguards in this system. Those posting an upcoming sit do not provide their name or address. The connection between the two parties (the homeowner and the pet sitter) is confidential, until the two parties agree to share information. The house/pet sitters include references on their profile.

We will send you a Private Message with a website which explains more about how it works since we can’t include a URL on TOTV.

I agree. We use a service like this and have never had a problem.