Mark & Helen

We are Mark and Helen, in our early 60's and have been married for 40 years. Both of us have recently retired and now have the time to explore South East Queensland, other parts of Australia and overseas. Helen and I have had pets for most of our lives and love all animals. We are healthy, active people who enjoy exploring on foot, so if your pets love walks, we will have a great time!

For over 35 years I have worked with the ACT and QLD Fire & Rescue Service. I am safety conscious, energy conscious, a great handy man (after 4 house renovations) and mechanically minded. Helen has spent her career in the public service and retail and loves new surroundings and meeting new people. We are non-smokers and will treat your home with the upmost respect. Helen and I understand all the stresses involved when leaving your pets in the care of others, which is why we have never cancelled a house sit. We want both you and your furry family to feel at ease throughout the house-sit. Both Helen and I are fully vaccinated.

Our two main reasons for wanting to house sit is because we truly love animals and to explore new places. It's amazing how each pet we've cared for have such different personalities and with the love and attention we give them, how comfortable and trusting they are with us. We love nothing more than sharing photos of how content, relaxed (and attached) your pets are in our care.

Sadly, we lost our best mate Charlie the Jack Russell in 2021 and decided that we could not go through the grief of losing another member of the family for some time. House sitting gives us the opportunity to enjoy the company of so many wonderful pets and their families, which brings us so much joy. In addition, we have found that house sitting is a perfect way to explore the world and experience new places and culture in the most authentic way.

We have been house sitting since October 2020 on Aussie House Sitters (AHS) and completed over 20 house/pet sits (including a large number from personal referrals and return sits which we usually organised with the homeowner ). We have received excellent reviews which detail our upmost care and respect for both pets and homes alike. We also joined Trusted House Sitters (THS) as this site offers many local and overseas opportunities (which we would love to pursue). We have over 12 excellent reviews on THS, again reflecting on our love and care for both pets and homes. We have completed over 7 sits through personal referrals, as home/pet owners have recommended us to their friends and family. Through one of these personal referrals, we have already completed 5 sits on the Gold Coast as we have formed such a great bond with their Labrador 'Pino'.

Helen and I have had cats and dogs as pets most of our lives. Charlie (our Jack Russel) was 11 years old when he passed away recently, he was our best mate and is sadly missed by ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. He has left a big hole in our family. We are very competent in caring for your pets as well as your home, as all of our reviews state. So far we have cared for dogs, fish, birds and even a pony! Both Helen and I enjoy walking and we will love taking your dogs for a morning and afternoon walk or to the coffee shop, so we can easily accommodate active animals as we do enjoy exercising and exploring new areas. If your pets prefer a more sedentary lifestyle, we are full of pats and affection! You can be sure that we will care for your pets in your absence, just like our own.