personHouse sitter

Donna

Gypsy mama ♥️

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Aussie House Sitters, Australia. User Gypsy mama ♥️

About me

personSolo

57, Business Owner

Hi, I'm Donna - I am honest, tidy, easy-going, non-smoker with a 'can-do' attitude who will treat your home, belongings and pets as if they were my own!

I have had the opportunity to do many housesits - both through this and another site, as well as through private recommendations.

I completely understand - to be relaxed during your time away you need to know that everything is being well looked after back home. I am happy to provide regular photo/video updates, so that you get that ... Read more
Hi, I'm Donna - I am honest, tidy, easy-going, non-smoker with a 'can-do' attitude who will treat your home, belongings and pets as if they were my own!

I have had the opportunity to do many housesits - both through this and another site, as well as through private recommendations.

I completely understand - to be relaxed during your time away you need to know that everything is being well looked after back home. I am happy to provide regular photo/video updates, so that you get that stress-free time away when needed.

If we are unable to meet face to face prior to the housesit, I am more than happy to do a facetime or zoom call so that we all get the opportunity to ensure we are the right fit for each other.

From a professional perspective, I now work from home, so I can provide lots of time and attention to your fur/feather-babies.

I like to keep fit, so no problem taking your dogs for walks and play time on the beach, dog parks or walking tracks. I'm very confident with large dogs; and am willing to assist with special requirements such as the need for medication your pets may need.

Prior to my current career I worked extensively in education - everything from classroom teaching, Life Education, preschools, swimming instructor, Youth Ambassador for World Vision, Tutor for Ronald McDonald Foundation, Link To Life Facilitator for The Smith Family; in every type of classroom imaginable, as well as the homes of seriously ill children.

I have held a number management positions in the social welfare field; as well as volunteering for many community organisations.

I've been a solo mama to 4 fantastic boys for a long time & now I'm basically an empty-nester (where did that time go???) ... although they do come back now & then LOL. Having come from a very large extended family, we are very family oriented.

Currently living in Coffs Harbour, NSW, I'm open to do many more housesits now that I have more freedom to do so. I also love to treat my mum to mini-breaks/holidays when I can, so sometimes she comes along with me as well (if OK with home owner of course!)

I am flexible time-wise, can housesit just for a weekend or an extended period of time :)

I have current Police and Working With Children Checks, and can provide a number of personal referees as required.

Thank you for the opportunity to take care of things for you :)
Looking forward to connecting with you,
Donna

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Pet care

petsWilling to care for these pets

DogsDogs
FishFish
BirdsBirds
Rabbits/Guinea PigsRabbits/Guinea Pigs
Chickens/Ducks/GeeseChickens/Ducks/Geese
Farm AnimalsFarm Animals
HorsesHorses
ReptilesReptiles

Trust

Platinum member36 months+
reviews5 star reviews
demographyPolice check
diagnosisReferences

diagnosisAbout my references

I have refernces from other housesits I have done that weren't through Aussie Housesitters.

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul

eventCurrent bookings

2026: 12-29 Aug | 1-13 Sep

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

0 - 1 week, 1 - 2 weeks, 2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +

where_to_votePreferred locations

Anywhere in Australia


Reviews (20)

From the moment we met Donna we knew she was the person for Banjo. We arrived home to a very happy, well cared for dog which was our priority and Donna did not disappoint. Banjo was obviously loved, taken to the beach and walked on a regular basis which we appreciated very much. Our home was left clean and tidy with linen washed and beds remade. There was not much garden care expected, except the watering of a few pot plants. Even though, there was no mowing or pool care expected, we received ... MoreFrom the moment we met Donna we knew she was the person for Banjo. We arrived home to a very happy, well cared for dog which was our priority and Donna did not disappoint. Banjo was obviously loved, taken to the beach and walked on a regular basis which we appreciated very much. Our home was left clean and tidy with linen washed and beds remade. There was not much garden care expected, except the watering of a few pot plants. Even though, there was no mowing or pool care expected, we received emails when she had some concerns about anything, including the pool. Communication was both initiated by Donna and and our queries answered within a reasonable time frame before and during the sit. We appreciate Donna for giving us peace of mind while we enjoyed our travels. Thank you.

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Thank you Louise! I loved your housesit... And of course Banjo!! He's an absolute little gem of a dog - he stole the hearts of us all!! Pleased you were happy with everything, appreciate the trust you placed in me to do this sit. Hopefully you'll need me again lol 😉
Donna was a good house sitter. While we were away she regularly communicated with us and send photos of our dogs. We returned home to be greeted with happy dogs and a very clean house. Thanks Donna.
Donna is such a warm caring person and we had no hesitation in her staying in our home or looking after Winston. She was easy to communicate with and sent regular updates. It is always nice to come home to a happy, healthy dog knowing he was well looked after. Donna watered the plants and left the house in immaculate condition. We would have no hesitation in having Donna back again.
Donna was a great sitter, Max and Charlie were happy and no issues. Welcome again anytime!
Thanks for sharing your gorgeous home and Max & Charlie with me :) :)
Donna was very warm and friendly towards us and our animals who were very well cared for and she followed my instructions without hesitation. I would recommend her to sit anywhere.
Donna was a fantastic housesitter. She made the time to come and meet me and my dog prior to the sit and I felt really comfortable leaving my precious pup in her care. Donna obviously loves animals and showered my dog with cuddles. I came home to an absolutely spotless house and a very healthy and happy doggo. Thanks for everything Donna!
Thanks for this great review Lou - I loved doing the sit for you. Your home is lovely, Gavin is just gorgeous (I miss him!!) and I felt like we were long lost friends LOL!! Happy to return any time you need me :)
Donna looked after our house and dogs very well. She left the house clean and tidy. Donna also sent us photos and communicated regularly during her stay. I can highly recommend her.
Thank you Yvonne. Rhykyn and I absolutely loved our time with Lily and Abby, and your lovely home was fabulous!
Can't be trusted! Donna was booked 30/5- 13/6. She turned up the 31/5 & left before the 2/6. She did not water my horses, did not let house trained dog out for toileting. (I have video for proof) There was over 20 dog wees in my house from the 2 & a half days Donna was here, (the new person video'd). Being overseas & trying to sort out another house sitter was very stressful. Donna blamed my dog for her wanting to leave, he is house trained and very friendly- I have references for this 2.8kg ... MoreCan't be trusted! Donna was booked 30/5- 13/6. She turned up the 31/5 & left before the 2/6. She did not water my horses, did not let house trained dog out for toileting. (I have video for proof) There was over 20 dog wees in my house from the 2 & a half days Donna was here, (the new person video'd). Being overseas & trying to sort out another house sitter was very stressful. Donna blamed my dog for her wanting to leave, he is house trained and very friendly- I have references for this 2.8kg dog stating he's easy, friendly & very much loved by all. He didn't like her at all, this speaks volumes of Donna. I also had video footage sent to me of Donna videoing a tour of my house starting outside and then inside of which she posted publicly on her FB. Disgraceful! No Integrity at all.

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Cheryl agreed on later start date prior to start of sit. I didn't just leave - I told Cheryl the dog barked constantly throughout the night & she said she would organise someone else if it happened the next night, which it did! I agreed to try another night - it continued. Case of very spoilt dog ... MoreCheryl agreed on later start date prior to start of sit. I didn't just leave - I told Cheryl the dog barked constantly throughout the night & she said she would organise someone else if it happened the next night, which it did! I agreed to try another night - it continued. Case of very spoilt dog - it actually nipped me There were no written instructions left - 2 horses, 1 with severe allergies: VERY STRESSFUL housesit! Interesting Cheryl complained to me about her 2 previous housesitters at our meetup. Wees in the house - that could only have been done in the area I wasn't using because I did a thorough clean up each time it dirtied (mopping area) and before I left. I understand it was stressful for Cheryl - I told her I wouldn't leave her in the lurch & she agreed to get another sitter.

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Donna stayed in our home for 34 days while we were overseas, caring for our elderly dog, Milo. We met Donna twice in person before our trip and found her to be a lovely and kind person, which gave us peace of mind. While we appreciate Donna’s willingness to take on the responsibility, there were a few communication issues early on that caused concern. We didn’t receive regular updates about Milo initially, and we later discovered, by chance, that Donna had gone on a short holiday during the ... MoreDonna stayed in our home for 34 days while we were overseas, caring for our elderly dog, Milo. We met Donna twice in person before our trip and found her to be a lovely and kind person, which gave us peace of mind. While we appreciate Donna’s willingness to take on the responsibility, there were a few communication issues early on that caused concern. We didn’t receive regular updates about Milo initially, and we later discovered, by chance, that Donna had gone on a short holiday during the sit. Unfortunately, we had not been informed or approved someone else stepping in during this period, which was unsettling for us. Once we discussed this with Donna, communication improved, and the rest of the stay went more smoothly. Overall, Donna is a genuinely kind person. We wish her well.

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Donna has been a wonderful sitter. She shared photos of Frankie nestled on her lap just hours after I had left! I knew Frankie would be well looked after. On return it was clear Frankie had been well looked after....and the apartment was immaculate! I have no hesitation in recommending Donna.
Thanks for your kind words and 5 star review Stephen - really appreciate it! Frankie absolutely stole my heart and I would love to return to care for him again.
My dog was well cared for and the house was left clean and tidy. Unfortunately, I don’t understand why there was a second person staying in the house that I had not okayed. That was never part of our original arrangement.
Judith, thanks for the review. We discussed my mum staying for a short time. I'd told you about the recent loss of her partner & wanting to get her away. You agreed to this on the phone the day you gave me instructions for the sit. I wouldn't have invited her without your approval. I'm very ... MoreJudith, thanks for the review. We discussed my mum staying for a short time. I'd told you about the recent loss of her partner & wanting to get her away. You agreed to this on the phone the day you gave me instructions for the sit. I wouldn't have invited her without your approval. I'm very disappointed to receive 2 star for communication. Prior to the sit, you rescheduled more than once our planned conversations as things popped up for you - I was always accommodating. I sent a number of messages while you were away to say everything was fine with Betty. You actually sent me a message apologising for not being in contact earlier & you would call the next night - you didn't. Considering the effort it took to care for Betty & to keep to her routine, I'm really shocked at this review.

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Donna has etched herself into the family picture with her excellent care of my beautiful pups and chooks. My house was treated with TLC and my pups were given everything that I would have given. She is a gift. I am grateful.
Hi Donna was a great pet/house sitter. She is super friendly and communication was excellent both before and through her stay, if needed. We came home to a very clean house and two happy doggies. Thanks Donna :)
1 of 3 reviews from this owner
Thrilled Donna was available again to look Ned & Lex. Would highly recommend Donna in all aspects, care of the dogs, house, communication, everything. Than you SO much Therese
2 of 3 reviews from this owner
So grateful to have Donna again to look after Lex & Ned. She updates us & loves the dogs. Walkin to a spotless house & happy dogs makes the weekend escape even better
3 of 3 reviews from this owner
Donna was great with our beloved dogs & returned to two happy & content animals & a very clean & tidy house, even stripping the bed & washing the sheets. Highly recommend Donna & hope she is available for another sit if required.
Our house and 2 fur babies were well looked after by Donna, she communicated with us whilst away and sent photos to put our mind at ease and left the house clean and tidy. Would recommend Donna and would happily have her back again to house and pet sit. Thanks again Donna
Donna did a great job of looking after our house and Dog, Bonnie. She is welcome back anytime.
Many thanks to Donna for looking after our home and 3 chooks plus many wild birds that expect a daily feed. We would definitely recommend her as a house-sitters.
No rating
Donna had confirmed the house sit a long time before the start date. Three weeks before the sit she informed me that she could not do it.
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