Part 2: Hans & Natasha – Aussie House Sitters with 107 Reviews and Counting!

Earlier this year, Hans and Natasha reached out to share the exciting news that they had earned their 100th review on Aussie House Sitters—a remarkable achievement that felt worthy of celebration.

Naturally, we wanted to shine a spotlight on their journey. In Part 1, they reflected on how it all began. Now, in Part 2, we delve deeper into the memorable moments, valuable insights, and unforgettable adventures that continue to shape their pet sitting journey.

What is the typical response when you talk to people who’ve never heard about house sitting?

The typical response is usually a look of total bewilderment, followed quickly by: 'Wait, so you just live in other people’s houses... for free?' People who haven't heard of it often struggle to wrap their heads around the level of trust involved. Most are shocked that we’ve managed to do this consistently, and successfully, for eight years.

Just the other day, while out walking Lola, the Golden Retriever we are currently looking after, I started chatting with a random couple who had stopped to say hi to her. It turns out they had just moved to Brisbane from Sydney with their two Jack Russells and had never even heard of house sitting. Their minds were completely blown by the concept; it happens every single time!

Have you ever arrived at a house sit feeling nervous—and left feeling like part of the family? 

Yes, absolutely. Even after years of doing this, that initial walkthrough can be a bit overwhelming! You arrive at a beautiful home and suddenly you’re being briefed on any number of details: complex medical routines involving insulin injections and precise supplements, plus the unique quirks of each pet and the specific rhythms of the household.

In those first couple of hours, you do feel a flash of nerves, you just want to get every single detail right for the owners' peace of mind. But because we work as a team, we adapt incredibly fast. One of us will be taking notes while the other connects with the pets, and within 24 hours, that 'overwhelming' list has just become our new daily habit.

There’s a massive sense of pride in finishing a sit where you’ve completely mastered the routine.

Tell us about a challenge you’ve faced while house sitting—and how you worked through it together.

We’ve learned that the real test of a sitter is how you handle the unexpected, and we’ve seen it all. We’ve managed everything from trees falling on fences during summer storms to minor floods. We’ve handled undisciplined dogs that treated our clothes like chew toys, and even a cat that decided my gym bag was the perfect litter box!

Some challenges are more personal. We once had an owner who was verbally abusive toward Hans; it was a moment where we seriously considered leaving, but our commitment to the animals came first. We stayed and finished the job for the sake of the pets, though we certainly won’t be returning there! 

We once stayed in a house the owners claimed was haunted. While Hans is a total sceptic, even he couldn’t explain the localised, freezing cold air blowing on us in the middle of a sweltering Queensland summer near the room where a tragedy had occurred.

We’ve also had to pivot instantly when owners returned early due to sickness, necessitating last-minute Airbnb bookings. Through it all, we both just fall into our roles. Our goal is always to ensure the owners have a worry-free break, even if behind the scenes, we’re handling minor floods or dodging a 'haunted' breeze!

Tell us about a pet/s that completely stole your hearts. What made them so special?

After a hundred sits it’s almost impossible to pick just one, because our hearts have been stolen in so many different ways. 

There are the 'characters' who keep us laughing, like Rosie the Rottweiler in Wooloowin. She was a gorgeous, sweet soul and a loyal protector, but she had the most hilarious habit of playing with a brick as if it were a toy!

Then there are the deeply rewarding connections with rescues like Tapa in Chapel Hill; a neglected Spanish stray who was rescued by wonderful people, flown halfway around the world and given the best life she could ever have. She was cautious to start with but as the days went by, we built such a deep bond.

We also have a well-documented soft spot for Cavoodles. Over the years, we’ve become 'auntie and uncle' to some wonderful ones like Jacey in Carina, Lottie in Cannon Hill, and Murphy in Yeerongpilly. We wish we could take them with us!

Share a small, everyday moment from a house sit that perfectly captures why you love doing this.

There is a specific moment that happens on almost every sit: Hans will be at his laptop working, and one of the dogs, will just wander in and rest their chin on his foot or sigh contentedly under the desk. In that moment, the house feels 'lived in' and the pet feels completely safe. It’s a quiet, everyday moment, but it perfectly captures why we love this. We aren't just visiting; we are providing a continuous sense of 'home' for these animals, so their lives aren't disrupted while their owners are away. It’s incredibly grounding and really sums up why we continue to love what we do.

Feeling inspired by Hans and Natasha’s journey? Your own house sitting adventure could be just around the corner. Explore our latest listings and find the perfect opportunity to get started.