We have had a change in circumstances. My husband was tired of living out of a suitcase for the last 9 years so we have bought a house on the Gold Coast. We will still honor our current house sits as the dogs know us and can come to our house but are unable to take on any new sits. We are keeping our profile active for the immediate future in case it is helpful to others.
As for us, we are a mature active Scottish couple, university qualified (but now retired) health professionals, with a huge passion for animals. We have been together for 50yrs and have been lucky enough to lead an exciting life having owned and fostered numerous cats and dogs as well as helping set up Scotland's Springer Spaniel Rescue. Needless to say we are at our happiest when in the company of a fur baby. We also fostered teenage boys for several decades and survived. We have been house sitting continually since arriving in Australia in May 2015. What started as a temporary adventure on our way home to Scotland from NZ has turned into a permanent lifestyle because our house owners in the Gold Coast keep re-booking us over 18months in advance and we agree because we love caring for their pets. We ourselves have never used kennels or catteries and we understand how important it can be for some animals to remain stress free in the security of their own home during their owner's absence, and for owners to have a much needed break with peace of mind, knowing their fur or feathered pets are being totally loved and cared for. We follow the owners instructions on the care of their pets and are happy to share our bed with them (the pets, not the owners). As house and pet sitters we take our responsibilities very seriously and will treat your home with respect. But more importantly, since we don't do pubs or meals out, and have seen everything there is to see in the Gold Coast, your pets have our complete attention during your absence. We also like to take the dogs for days out if the owners are happy for us to do so and own a dog stroller for any small nervous or old dogs to reduce their anxiety and ensure their comfort.. We also have seat belts to ensure their safety whilst traveling. Cats on the other hand let us know exactly what they want and we do our best to fulfill their every need whether it be constant attention, their own space or watching cat TV on our laptop. Finally, we keep a very clean home and are competent in caring for your garden and pool.
We are happy to answer any questions and genuinely look forward to hearing from you.
Stay safe and well people.
Reviews (23)
Kate and Derek looked after our house and two labradors for a week in March. They did a wonderful job. It's always really tough for us to leave our dogs in anyone's care but I felt very relaxed knowing that Kate and Derek had house-sat many times previously and were so competent and experienced.
When we got back, the house was sparkling clean, the pool looked great and the dogs were happy. Thanks Kate and Derek - from us and from Barnaby and Roger!
VIVIENNE (Arundel QLD, Mar 2018 - 1 week)
You could not find two more conscientious people to look after your pets and home. Kate and Derek came up to meet our pup and us before the sit and they took the most wonderful care while they were here. They even bought our dog a new dog mattress while they were house sitting. We couldn't rate them high enough.
BARB (Eatons Hill QLD, Jan 2024 - 1 week 4 nights)
Can't praise Kate and Derek enough for their care of our precious dogs and our house. When we arrived home the place was immaculate and the dogs very happy and content. Our house plants have flourished with their care. We would agree with all of the previous glowing comments about them and would recommend them highly.
MARK (Bonogin QLD, Dec 2023 - 1 week 6 nights)
Kate and Derek did a great job looking after our three dogs and our house. I would love to recommend them
DEBBIE (Coraki NSW, Jul 2023 - 4 days)
Kate & Derek were so wonderful. Their communication is excellent and they looked after Dash as if he was their own. They are a really lovely couple and I would not hesitate in getting them back again. Thanks again Kate and Derek.
REBECCA (Sippy Downs QLD, Feb 2022 - 1 day)
Very nervous about finding sitters for our two precious fur girls....... Then we found Kate & Derek! Or they found us! I'm not sure, but they were without doubt Heaven sent to answer our prayers and becomes Koko and Dolly's new best friends. They took such good care of our girls and even helped set up a training program. Kept our darlings safe and happy and 100% entertained and loved. Our home was absolutely immaculate and exactly as we had left it, Kate you are a beautiful soul and we ... MOREVery nervous about finding sitters for our two precious fur girls....... Then we found Kate & Derek! Or they found us! I'm not sure, but they were without doubt Heaven sent to answer our prayers and becomes Koko and Dolly's new best friends. They took such good care of our girls and even helped set up a training program. Kept our darlings safe and happy and 100% entertained and loved. Our home was absolutely immaculate and exactly as we had left it, Kate you are a beautiful soul and we thankyou for all you did. Looking forward to being able to plan some more adventures and know we will be leaving our girls in excellent hands..... We will just need to plan well in advance! � once again Kate and Derek a million thanks �
KATE (Paradise Point QLD, Nov 2021 - 5 days)
I can highly recommend Kate and Derek for their care and attention to Missy and Nessie during my time away.
My apartment was spotless on my return and well looked after as well.
No negatives only positives to relay.
PATRICIA (Broadbeach QLD, Mar 2021 - 1 week)
This is the fist time we have had a house/dog sitter so we were a bit anxious about it, but 'The Scottish Couple' (Kate & Derek) looked after our dog and house like it was their own and we think our dog (Jed) wants to adopt them as new parents. They are very experienced and focussed on keeping to our house and dog routine to minimise any disruption. No hesitation in recommending them as sitters.
SONJA, JOHN & JED (Paradise Point QLD, Feb 2021 - 2 weeks)
Kate and Derek looked after our beloved furbabies, turtles and fish as if they were their own. After our first meeting I knew that our pets were going to be very well looked after and our little dog, who is very attached to us, took to Derek and Kate straight away. While we were away the communication was excellent and they took our Wilson for much loved car rides and even walks in a stroller so his paws wouldn't burn on the hot concrete. Kate is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pet care ... MOREKate and Derek looked after our beloved furbabies, turtles and fish as if they were their own. After our first meeting I knew that our pets were going to be very well looked after and our little dog, who is very attached to us, took to Derek and Kate straight away. While we were away the communication was excellent and they took our Wilson for much loved car rides and even walks in a stroller so his paws wouldn't burn on the hot concrete. Kate is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pet care and we came home to very happy and settled pets. I would highly recommend Derek and Kate as house sitters and would definitely want them to come back when we go away next.
CAMILLE & GEOFF (Reedy Creek QLD, Nov 2020 - 5 days)
Kate and Derek are wonderful people who will love your pets almost as much as you. They kept the house in great condition and are friendly genuine people. If you get the chance I would suggest you use Kate and Derek, we sure will if we get the chance again. Thanks Kate and Derek.
GREG & MICHELLE (Kingsthorpe QLD, Nov 2020 - 4 days)
We would definitely recommend Kate and Derek to anyone whom is thinking of wanting a pet sitter.
Letting a stranger into your home and entrusting them to look after a family member(dog) is a big step.
Kate and Dereck made Sonia and myself feel so comfortable before, during and after the 10nights they looked after our Jack Russell.
This was the first but not last time for us allowing strangers into our house whilst we go holidaying.
Thanks again Kate and Derek for looking after our Jack ... MOREWe would definitely recommend Kate and Derek to anyone whom is thinking of wanting a pet sitter.
Letting a stranger into your home and entrusting them to look after a family member(dog) is a big step.
Kate and Dereck made Sonia and myself feel so comfortable before, during and after the 10nights they looked after our Jack Russell.
This was the first but not last time for us allowing strangers into our house whilst we go holidaying.
Thanks again Kate and Derek for looking after our Jack Russell and house.
I bet jack will miss you too.
Regards
Richie and Sonia
RICHARD (Carrara QLD, Sep 2020 - 10 days)
Kate & Derek looked after our two fur babies, a dog and cat whilst we were away for 10 days. Having had a previous bad experience, we were apprehensive. We had absolutely no reason to worry as Kate & Derek were absolutely wonderful. We came home to very happy and relaxed pets and a very very clean home. There were no incidents in our absence and our plants were also cared for. We will definitely be using Kate & Derek again.
SUELLEN (19 Donald Avenue, Paradise Point QLD, Jul 2019 - 1 week 4 days)
Kate and Derek were Amazing. I was overseas for 12 days leaving my fur baby. From the moment I met with them I knew everything would be ok.
They were both wonderful with Wilbur, he was just so content when I arrived home. My apartment was cleaner than when I left, and they just went out of their way to make everything so easy. I just hope I am able to have them sit again!!!!
DARLENE (Carrara QLD, Jan 2019 - 1 week 6 days)
Kate & Derek provided excellent care for both our babies as well as our home for three weeks whilst we were overseas. This included providing medicine daily to our girl.
This was the first time we had used AHS and could not be more pleased with finding Kate & Derek. They are true gems!
We would have no hesitation in recommending Kate & Derek to look after your animals or home.
DAVID & TANIA (Hollywell QLD, Jul 2018 - 3 weeks)
Kate and Derek looked after our home and Labrador (Roger) for 3 weeks in December 2017/January 2018. We found them to be totally reliable, honest and genuinely lovely people. They are well sort out for house sits in the Paradise Point community because of their caring nature and loving approach to animals. Our home was immaculate when we returned, and our Labrador well cared for. In fact, Roger kept looking for them when they left and totally ignored us for 2 days. We have had wonderful ... MOREKate and Derek looked after our home and Labrador (Roger) for 3 weeks in December 2017/January 2018. We found them to be totally reliable, honest and genuinely lovely people. They are well sort out for house sits in the Paradise Point community because of their caring nature and loving approach to animals. Our home was immaculate when we returned, and our Labrador well cared for. In fact, Roger kept looking for them when they left and totally ignored us for 2 days. We have had wonderful comments from neighbours saying what delightful people they are and how well looked after Roger was. We would highly recommend them for any house sit they apply for. In fact, they would be our first choice as house sitters whenever we consider booking holidays. Peter and Karen B.
KAREN (Paradise Point QLD, Dec 2017)
I can't thank you enough for the peace of mind it gave me knowing that you and Derek were looking after Oscar.
I came home to a very happy, settled dog, who obviously had a wonderful time with you both.
He loved his walks and excursions in the car and it was soooo much better than putting him in a kennel.
It's lovely to see how much you both genuinely love animals and I hope that next time I go away you will be available!!
Hugs and gratitute, Janice and Oscar
JANICE (Oxenford QLD, Jun 2017 - 3 weeks)
We had Kate and Derek look after our dearly loved 1yr old pooch Casper for a week. When they arrived Casper was so excited to see them again, having met them briefly previously. He was a little unwell when they arrived however they took great care in helping nursing him back to health and gave me updates whilst I was away. :) When we arrived home Casper looked happy and healthy. The house had been well taken care of and cleaned which wasn't an expectation of mine but theirs, a testament to ... MOREWe had Kate and Derek look after our dearly loved 1yr old pooch Casper for a week. When they arrived Casper was so excited to see them again, having met them briefly previously. He was a little unwell when they arrived however they took great care in helping nursing him back to health and gave me updates whilst I was away. :) When we arrived home Casper looked happy and healthy. The house had been well taken care of and cleaned which wasn't an expectation of mine but theirs, a testament to the quality of people they are :) They also spent some time taking Casper for walks, outings and doing some training with him. They even left their whistle with me so I could continue what they had started until I got my own. :)
I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a reputable house sitter and they would certainly be my first port of call when I next need Casper to be cared for whilst we are away.
Thanks for everything Kate and Derek.
Kind regards
Rach
RACHEL (Pimpama QLD, May 2017)
I would like to thank Kate and Derek for taking great care of "Princess Sophie" whilst we where off visiting relatives in Scotland. They took great care of her and she in return trained them to respond to her every demand. I would not hesitate in recommending them as pet sitters for your precious fur babies, in fact we have already booked them again for next year. Kate gave us weekly updates whilst we were away of Sophie's escapades to put our minds at ease that she was in fact coping without ... MOREI would like to thank Kate and Derek for taking great care of "Princess Sophie" whilst we where off visiting relatives in Scotland. They took great care of her and she in return trained them to respond to her every demand. I would not hesitate in recommending them as pet sitters for your precious fur babies, in fact we have already booked them again for next year. Kate gave us weekly updates whilst we were away of Sophie's escapades to put our minds at ease that she was in fact coping without us and training her new humans just as she liked them. Thank you again for a job well done, and big licks from Sophie. We cannot speak highly enough of the care you took of our baby and our home whilst we were gone. Hope to see you soon xx
BRIAN, LIZ AND THE PRINCESS (Paradise Point QLD, Aug 2016 - 4 weeks)
If you want a house sitter Kate and Derek are the people to get. They are honest, trustworthy and have an affinity somehow with your pet or pets. We have had them now three times and booked them again for next year. I am happy to speak to anyone who wishes regarding them. Kate can almost talk to your dog or cat, she is very assuring to them. Very nice people.
BRIAN AND JUNE (Isle Of Capri QLD, Apr 2016 - 2 weeks)
Kate & Derek housesat for me twice - in July & August 2015. In fact, they turned down a longer housesit in Aug to help me out when someone else cancelled at short notice - such is their love of animals that they'd put their needs in front of their own.
Kate & Derek come close to being the perfect housesitters. Not only did they nurse my Poppi through ill health in July and get her eating again when she'd virtually given up, but they loved her as much as I do, and shed tears when they said ... MOREKate & Derek housesat for me twice - in July & August 2015. In fact, they turned down a longer housesit in Aug to help me out when someone else cancelled at short notice - such is their love of animals that they'd put their needs in front of their own.
Kate & Derek come close to being the perfect housesitters. Not only did they nurse my Poppi through ill health in July and get her eating again when she'd virtually given up, but they loved her as much as I do, and shed tears when they said goodbye.
I was very moved by Kate & Derek's love and dedication to Poppi my toy poodle, who is after all my baby. It was a huge relief leaving her with two people who would go over & above the call of duty in their care of my pet and my home. In fact when I came home the bed was stripped & remade, all the sheets washed and dry, the floors vacuumed and mopped, the plants watered.
I highly recommend Kate & Derek to anyone who loves their pets. You cannot do better.
warm regards
Rachel
RACHEL (Clayfield, QLD, Aug 2015 - 6 days)
Kate & Derek looked after our 2 poodle x dogs (oh and our house) for a week while we went to Tasmania hiking. We knew that they were going to get the best of care from the first day we met them. They are warm, friendly, caring people who love animals and treat them as if they were there own. They kept us up to date with frequent emails to let us know how everything was going. Last year one of our dogs lost weight, this time he put it on!
We can highly recommend Kate and Derek to anyone! ... MOREKate & Derek looked after our 2 poodle x dogs (oh and our house) for a week while we went to Tasmania hiking. We knew that they were going to get the best of care from the first day we met them. They are warm, friendly, caring people who love animals and treat them as if they were there own. They kept us up to date with frequent emails to let us know how everything was going. Last year one of our dogs lost weight, this time he put it on!
We can highly recommend Kate and Derek to anyone! and hopefully we will be able to get them to housesit for us again in the future.
TANIA (Victoria Point West, QLD, Aug 2015 - 1 week)
Kate & Derek looked after our 3 boys (2 dogs & a bird) for a month while we travelled overseas. Kate & Derek are easy to communicate with & provided regular updates on the boys while we were away. At the last minute we were significantly delayed in our return home due to flight cancellations & Kate & Derek re-arranged their life to continue to stay at our house. Our boys were very well looked after, their routines had been maintained (even when Kate was unwell for a short period the boys still ... MOREKate & Derek looked after our 3 boys (2 dogs & a bird) for a month while we travelled overseas. Kate & Derek are easy to communicate with & provided regular updates on the boys while we were away. At the last minute we were significantly delayed in our return home due to flight cancellations & Kate & Derek re-arranged their life to continue to stay at our house. Our boys were very well looked after, their routines had been maintained (even when Kate was unwell for a short period the boys still came first!) & our house & yard were very clean & well maintained. Having fresh milk & bread left in the house was a lovely touch & much appreciated after a long flight. We would not hesitate to recommend Kate & Derek to care for your house, yard and importantly well loved pets.
TONI & WILL (Ferny Grove, QLD, Aug 2015 - 3 weeks)
Kate and Derek house sat for us in June 2015. This was a first for us, as our vet usually took our precious pups to her house when we went away. However, after the loss of our older baby, prior to Christmas, we thought we'd try a house sitter, so that our remaining baby could stay in his own environment. He is very much a home body and so precious to us. We were very nervous, but after meeting with Kate and Derek, we knew we had made the right decision. They loved and looked after our Ruff, ... MOREKate and Derek house sat for us in June 2015. This was a first for us, as our vet usually took our precious pups to her house when we went away. However, after the loss of our older baby, prior to Christmas, we thought we'd try a house sitter, so that our remaining baby could stay in his own environment. He is very much a home body and so precious to us. We were very nervous, but after meeting with Kate and Derek, we knew we had made the right decision. They loved and looked after our Ruff, as we would. We got updates and photos, while we were away, so that we could see how our baby was coping. We have because of the house sit become friends and Ruff loves seeing them when they come visiting. We also have a cockatiel called Rocky, who just loves when they visit, he talks and whistles the whole time they are here. We will have no hesitation in leaving our precious babies, with them in the future and we would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone else, who is considering them as house sitters. Your house and your precious pets will be well loved and looked after. Thank you, Kate and Derek.
LINDA (Eatons Hill, QLD, Aug 2015 - 2 weeks)
Happy you!
With a house sitter looking after your pets, house and garden - you can really relax. Happy days.
Couple
Kate and Derek looked after our house and two labradors for a week in March. They did a wonderful job. It's always really tough for us to leave our dogs in anyone's care but I felt very relaxed knowing that Kate and Derek had house-sat many times previously and were so competent and experienced.
When we got back, the house was sparkling clean, the pool looked great and the dogs were happy. Thanks Kate and Derek - from us and from Barnaby and Roger!
You could not find two more conscientious people to look after your pets and home. Kate and Derek came up to meet our pup and us before the sit and they took the most wonderful care while they were here. They even bought our dog a new dog mattress while they were house sitting. We couldn't rate them high enough.
