Let's skip the obvious things about peace of mind and first-rate care for your home and animals. You'll leave home knowing that everything's in good hands and coming home will be an enjoyable part of going away. I housesit because I enjoy seeing new places and experiencing new communities, and obviously to satisfy my love of animals. I spent the first six months of 2018 on a wonderful adventure housesitting across the UK as you'll see from endorsements shared here from Housesitters UK. For the rest of the year I housesat across Victoria and into South Australia and five years ago I settled in East Gippsland. I've made great new friends housesitting here and abroad, both human and furry, and I'm proud to say that I have been asked to return for a later housesit (or visit as a friend) by almost every host. I've had much-loved pets all my life but I don't have one now. Dogs and cats are about my limit although goldfish survived under my care, even when their pond iced over, and chooks I've looked after seemed happy with me if the reward of a daily egg is anything to go by. In North Devon I fed a hedgehog and although the food was always gone in the morning our paths never actually crossed! I'm not up for heavy gardening or mowing but happy to keep things looking nice and neat. I don't smoke and I prefer not to housesit smokers' homes. I am mostly retired after a corporate career including running my own writing business for 20+ years. I do occasional proofreading now and spent some time as a funeral celebrant. I love travel, music, reading, languages, antiques and interior decorating (OK, making cushions and sprucing up old pieces of furniture). I make metal and clay jewellery, currently for the local art gallery where I'm a regular volunteer too. I'm a keen cook who ran a gourmet catering venture with a business partner when I lived in South Gippsland for five years until 2012. I have a certificate in safe food handling and also recently got Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. I have a National Police Check certificate and Working with Children. I'd like to housesit quiet, secure properties with good neighbours and easy access to amenities and I don't want to feel isolated. It's important for me to have WiFi and a reliable mobile phone signal. On longer housesits I love being part of the local community. We can talk on the phone or a Skype video call to get a feel for whether we are a good match and after that I could come and meet you and your pets in advance if the distance is reasonable. I've stayed in Airbnb properties interstate and overseas and can share great reviews from them along with personal references. I have lovely independent endorsements from two New Zealand housesits in 2016 and one in Tasmania in 2017.
Reviews (26)
Thank you Jennifer, it was wonderful to know that my furbies were well looked after, I could relax and enjoy my holiday knowing they were well looked after and my home , It was wonderful to come home to a wonderful clean home and pets very happy , I feel they will miss you heaps, it was lovely to meet you and spend a night with you so they got to know you while I was still home and for me knowing they were left in good care, I would recommend Jennifer for any future house/ pet sitting , and ... MOREThank you Jennifer, it was wonderful to know that my furbies were well looked after, I could relax and enjoy my holiday knowing they were well looked after and my home , It was wonderful to come home to a wonderful clean home and pets very happy , I feel they will miss you heaps, it was lovely to meet you and spend a night with you so they got to know you while I was still home and for me knowing they were left in good care, I would recommend Jennifer for any future house/ pet sitting , and I look forward for our next holiday and hope I can book Jennifer again .cheers sue xx
SUE (Inverloch VIC, Sep 2018)
Right from our very first conversation we clicked and I knew Jen was right for my furbabies & our home. She's the perfect housesitter for me & my two Burmese cats, I felt blessed & very lucky not to have a worry in the world during my 10 days away. Having confidence and peace of mind that your precious pets & house are in good hands is invaluable. Jen took care of the house &, garden, & bonded with my two girls like they were her own. The house was spotless and Poppy & Molly were super ... MORERight from our very first conversation we clicked and I knew Jen was right for my furbabies & our home. She's the perfect housesitter for me & my two Burmese cats, I felt blessed & very lucky not to have a worry in the world during my 10 days away. Having confidence and peace of mind that your precious pets & house are in good hands is invaluable. Jen took care of the house &, garden, & bonded with my two girls like they were her own. The house was spotless and Poppy & Molly were super relaxed & very happy. Jen was a pleasure to meet. An extremely experienced sitter, fantastic communication & I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her or have her back to my home in the future. Jen was a pleasure to meet, & driving from VIC to NSW, staying the night before & after went above & beyond.
JAYNE (Willoughby NSW, Dec 2023 - 1 week 3 nights)
Jen was absolutely amazing at looking after our energetic 7 month mini dachshund puppy, I can't recommend her enough. She kept us informed of how Luna was and sent pictures of their trips out. Thank you so much Jen, it made our holiday so much more enjoyable knowing we didn't have to worry about her.
TAMMI (Sale VIC, Jul 2022 - 1 week 1 day)
Jennifer has been great right from the start with fantastic communication before and during the house sit, including updates and photos :) We returned home to find the house spotlessly clean and all of our animals happy. No mean feat with 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 chickens and 2 horses!! Have no hesitation in recommending Jennifer to anyone requiring a great, reliable and conscientious person to take care of their precious pet family and home!
KIRK & GLYNIS (Traralgon East VIC, Jun 2022 - 17 August - 26 August 202)
Thank you Kirk and Glynis. What a great housesit in your lovely place with such adorable and easy pets.
Jenny is an amazing house and pet sitter and we thoroughly reccommend her. Our house was very well looked after and our dog Billy was well cared for, shown genuine affection and walked daily as requested. Jenny kept us updated often which kept our minds at ease while on our holiday. Our situation is a little different to most as we have my elderly mother living on the property in a granny flat. Whilst self sufficient and able to care for herself mum was shown great kindness by Jenny, inviting ... MOREJenny is an amazing house and pet sitter and we thoroughly reccommend her. Our house was very well looked after and our dog Billy was well cared for, shown genuine affection and walked daily as requested. Jenny kept us updated often which kept our minds at ease while on our holiday. Our situation is a little different to most as we have my elderly mother living on the property in a granny flat. Whilst self sufficient and able to care for herself mum was shown great kindness by Jenny, inviting mum to eat dinner with her and preparing meals for her as well. This was not part of our housesitting requirement, but Jenny is such a lovely caring person and she went out of her way to make mum feel less lonely while we were away, which we greatly appreciated. Jenny is like a very rare gem
KATE (Bairnsdale VIC, May 2022 - 1 week)
Oh that is lovely Kate. Thank you so much. It is a joy to know you all and to be at your home for so many reasons.
Jennifer was a delight. Our girls were well looked after. The house was the way we left it.
We would highly recommend Jennifer and look forward to seeing her again.
Regards
MICHAEL & JENNIE (MAFFRA VIC, Nov 2021 - 2 weeks)
Jennifer is "the cat whisperer "
On the day we left for our holiday, leaving Jen to care for our aging and shy Siamese cat, we got a text and photo from her one hour later. Siam snuggling and relaxed with her by the fire.
It was a miracle, as it usually takes a few days to get used to strangers.
We could relax on our holiday knowing everything would be fine at home.
The chooks were feed and locked up each night. The home fires were kept burning ... very important to an old cat!
Our ... MOREJennifer is "the cat whisperer "
On the day we left for our holiday, leaving Jen to care for our aging and shy Siamese cat, we got a text and photo from her one hour later. Siam snuggling and relaxed with her by the fire.
It was a miracle, as it usually takes a few days to get used to strangers.
We could relax on our holiday knowing everything would be fine at home.
The chooks were feed and locked up each night. The home fires were kept burning ... very important to an old cat!
Our home was beautifully clean and tidy on our return, with flowers on the table.
Jen enjoyed her stay and Siam missed her when she left.
In fact it took him a day or so to get used to us again!!
I would highly recommend Jen for your house and animal sitter.
HEATHER AND IAN (Buchan South VIC, May 2021 - 2 weeks)
Jennifer has been a fantastic house sitter, our pets and home have been really cared for.
Our first experience has been 100% successful.
Thank you Jen!
CATHERINE (Maffra VIC, Mar 2021 - 2 weeks)
What a memorable housesit with adorable pets in a beautiful and comfortable home. Thank you to my lovely hosts!
Jennifer is a fantastic housesitter and communication was great. Jennifer took the time to get to know us and our dog Koko. When we returned the house was clean and tidy with our dog in good spirits. We would have no hesitation in booking Jennifer again in the future. Highly recommended.
ROBERT (Mornington VIC, Sep 2019 - 1 week)
Jen was a wonderful house sitter. To arrive home on a cold night to a warm beautifully clean house and happy pets was a dream come true. Thank you Jen
FAY (Mount Martha VIC, Jul 2019 - 1 week 6 days)
Jennifer is a wonderful pet and house sitter! Our family felt extremely lucky to have her looking after our home. We were able to relax and enjoy our 6 week holiday knowing that our dog Dusty and cat Sassy were in genuine caring and very capable hands. We had regular updates and pictures of them which was great. The house and gardens were well looked after upon our return.
Plus as an added bonus was that we have made a lovely friend. Thankyou Jennifer!
BETHANY (Bairnsdale VIC, Dec 2018 - 1 month 1 week)
Jennifer was the perfect house sitter. She accepted the original role to look after 5 cats and two spoiled dogs, and ended up being asked to tend to chooks and chickens that hatched earlier then expected. Jennifer accepted this happily and did an absolutely fantastic job.
She collected the mail and watered plants and veggies as well as tending to all the animals. The house was left spotless. Communication was fantastic and all the pets were happy and content when we returned, almost seeming ... MOREJennifer was the perfect house sitter. She accepted the original role to look after 5 cats and two spoiled dogs, and ended up being asked to tend to chooks and chickens that hatched earlier then expected. Jennifer accepted this happily and did an absolutely fantastic job.
She collected the mail and watered plants and veggies as well as tending to all the animals. The house was left spotless. Communication was fantastic and all the pets were happy and content when we returned, almost seeming non fussed that we had been away. We would recommend Jennifer to anyone.
ANNE (Cohuna VIC, Nov 2018 - 1 week 4 days)
Jennifer was lovely and kind
Highly recommended
DI (Wangaratta VIC, Nov 2018 - 2 days)
So grateful to have found Jen she was such a great house sitter for our 3 precious girls. It was easy to see that the girls were well looked after and happy. Also it was great to come home to a nice clean house. Highly recommend Jen for a house sit and would definitely use her again
Regards Jenny
JENNIFER (Mount Gambier SA, Nov 2018)
Jennifer was everything you want in a Housesitter our dogs were lovingly cared for the house was immaculate, she kept us informed via emails & photos of the boys. Highly recommend Jennifer for house sitting although not the times we want her!!
JOY (Warrnambool VIC, Oct 2018 - 4 weeks)
We were extremely happy with our lovely house sitter Jenny who cared for our home, plants and our furry friend "Bob". Due to unforseen circumstances we needed to bring our holidays forward and Jenny was more than accommodating.
The house was immaculately clean and tidy and "Bob" was sort of happy to see us. Jenny was very kind and would message us photos every few days to reassure us that all was well. We would have no hesitation to highly recommend Jenny for any house sit.
NIC (Traralgon VIC, Aug 2018 - 3 weeks)
It was great to meet you and thank you for looking after Suzie so well. We were very reassured to have you here to keep Suze company and the house was spotless on our return. I hope the rest of your trip goes well. very best wishes
Julia and Graeme
JULIA (Tooting/Furzedown , Jun 2018)
From House Sitters UK
Jennifer was a wonderful sitter. She adored our old puss and gave him loads of TLC. We feel like we have known her for years, and will definitely keep in touch with her. We couldn't recommend her highly enough. Mark and Lesley Fearn.
LESLEY (Hastings England, May 2018 - 2 weeks 2 days)
From House Sitters UK
We are so grateful for Jennifer's calm, capable and caring approach to looking after our home and two cats. She quickly made friends in our village and dealt extremely well with a plumbing problem which we couldn't sort out for her! We definitely intend to keep in touch as friends in the future. Thank you!
JOSIE (North Molton England, Apr 2018 - 3 weeks)
From House Sitters UK
Fabulous house sitter. My boys seemed so relaxed. Thanks Jen x
LORI (Sevenoaks , Apr 2018)
From House Sitters UK
Jen came to house sit for my three dogs for ten days. It was probably the worst ten days of weather that we have had in years!
Through the snow and the rain Jen made sure that she braved the elements and took the dogs out for their daily walks. I had organised a dog walker for Bertie my youngest dog as he can be fairly difficult on a walk. Unfortunately the dog walker went sick for the last two days that we were away. Jen took it all in her stride though and took Bertie for his walk before ... MOREJen came to house sit for my three dogs for ten days. It was probably the worst ten days of weather that we have had in years!
Through the snow and the rain Jen made sure that she braved the elements and took the dogs out for their daily walks. I had organised a dog walker for Bertie my youngest dog as he can be fairly difficult on a walk. Unfortunately the dog walker went sick for the last two days that we were away. Jen took it all in her stride though and took Bertie for his walk before taking Ben and Tilly out on theirs.
Ben takes regular medication and again Jen wasn't fazed at all by this.
The dogs were happy being with Jen and she sent regular photos of them sprawled on the sofa obviously extremely content!
It's a shame that Jen's home is Australia because I would ask her to sit for me in the future in a heart beat.
I'm sure that we will keep in contact because as well as caring for our precious doggies she has also become a family friend.
AMANDA (seaford England, Feb 2018 - 2 weeks)
From House Sitters UK
Jennifer housesat for us for 9 days in February 2018. She looked after our house and 2 cats very well and we would recommend her. We came back to a lovely tidy house as well as 2 very happy cats who had been well looked after by Jennifer. One of our cats is a bit timid with new people but within a couple of days she was totally at home with Jennifer. Jennifer kept us updated whilst we were away which was lovely and we were able to enjoy our holiday knowing our house and cats were being well ... MOREJennifer housesat for us for 9 days in February 2018. She looked after our house and 2 cats very well and we would recommend her. We came back to a lovely tidy house as well as 2 very happy cats who had been well looked after by Jennifer. One of our cats is a bit timid with new people but within a couple of days she was totally at home with Jennifer. Jennifer kept us updated whilst we were away which was lovely and we were able to enjoy our holiday knowing our house and cats were being well looked after.
CAROLINE (London England, Feb 2018 - 1 week 2 days)
From House Sitters UK
Jennifer is a wonderful housesitter, generous and happy.... we returned to a sparkling home and a cheese platter (much appreciated after a long road journey). Our kelpie, Wally, was relaxed and cheerful in Jen's company. I was especially relieved that she is a "doggy person", because it was no trouble for her to give Wally his daily medication, as well as take him for walks.
JULIE (Somers VIC, Oct 2017)
What an absolute pleasure to have Jennifer house sit for us and look after our beautiful fur babies. We first spoke with Jennifer in July. Jennifer made a special effort to come and meet us and our fur babies. Jennifer is genuine, kind and considerate. Our family and the animals connected with Jennifer and we immediately felt comfortable. Whilst we were away we got updates on how everything was going, including pictures of our garden and how our fur babies were doing. Our animals were well ... MOREWhat an absolute pleasure to have Jennifer house sit for us and look after our beautiful fur babies. We first spoke with Jennifer in July. Jennifer made a special effort to come and meet us and our fur babies. Jennifer is genuine, kind and considerate. Our family and the animals connected with Jennifer and we immediately felt comfortable. Whilst we were away we got updates on how everything was going, including pictures of our garden and how our fur babies were doing. Our animals were well looked after with daily snuggles, pats, brushing and play time. In addition, our home was pristine when we returned. We feel so blessed to have Jennifer in our lives and know when we travel overseas next year, our home and fur babies are in the best of care. Thank you Jennifer for all your care and making this process so easy. We look forward to catching up with you really soon. Both "Sugar and Livvy' miss you already and send big smiles and a huge purr xoxo.
LISA (Yinnar VIC, Sep 2017 - 1 week 4 days)
And a BIG thanks you Jennifer - we hardly knew you had been here ... apart from the cheeses in the fridge, the warmth of the heating, and a friendly light left switched on.
Happy to recommend you for any house sitting stay.
MAUREEN & ALLEN (Hastings, Mornington Peninsula VIC, Sep 2017)
We recently had the pleasure of having Jennifer travel to Adelaide to take care of our home, dogs and cat. We were particularly pleased with her ability to make us feel that we had known her forever, and very comfortable with our decision to leave her in charge of things whilst we holidayed. We came home to happy pets, and our home had been taken care of beautifully. We could not have been happier to have found Jennifer, she was wonderful!
KAREN (Somerton Park SA, Dec 2016)
Green garden!
Make sure the garden and pot plants are thriving when you get back - get a house sitter.
Single
Thank you Jennifer, it was wonderful to know that my furbies were well looked after, I could relax and enjoy my holiday knowing they were well looked after and my home , It was wonderful to come home to a wonderful clean home and pets very happy , I feel they will miss you heaps, it was lovely to meet you and spend a night with you so they got to know you while I was still home and for me knowing they were left in good care, I would recommend Jennifer for any future house/ pet sitting , and ... MORE
