THE DOG & CAT MAGNETS - EXCEPTIONAL REFERENCES
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE-SITTERS AND HOME-EXCHANGERS. If your preference is definitely for dedicated animal lovers who enjoy staying around for most all of the day (and every evening) to keep your menagerie company....we are Two Authors, married, non-smokers, with exceptional reviews.
We both have current National Police Check documents.
Passport/Medicare/NSW Drivers are cross matched in a background check. Our identity is verified and registered with AHS. We will provide you with a digital copy of our National Police Check for your assurance and peace of mind.
We make sure that your pets are every bit spoiled by our very attentive presence, and are happily kept to their usual routines. Our pet-centric focus ensures they are genuinely interacted with, kept healthy, safe, secure, well-cared for, and loved, while you are away.
FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND- Excellent recent references. Both of us have up to date national police check documents. We have an outstanding record for repeat sits, being invited back to sit a record 6 years in a row.
Experienced house carers with housecarers.com, Aussie housesitters and international home exchangers with Latitudes. We have home exchanged in Canada, USA and France, and been on housesitting assignments in France, Australia, UK, and New Zealand.
FOR YOUR HOME- Absolute respect for your environment. Will take care of your home in your absence and keep you informed via email with regular updates.
Very careful. Very tidy. Very considerate and thoughtful. Leave us the key to your home and we will take care of your place beautifully, meticulously, as you expect us to do.
FOR YOUR PRIVACY- Everyone has private spaces and places, and private things like photographs. We respect your personal lives. When you entrust us with the keys to your home, the only door we open is the front door.
FOR YOUR VACATION- Professional can-do attitude. Competent in all aspects of home management. Intelligent and able to sort issues that can arise with dwellings, this awareness, from having renovated and maintained properties ourselves. And because life is often unpredictable, we will be there to trouble shoot and resolve any unexpected repair issues; take your pet to the vet if they appear suddenly unwell, or even book personal appointments for your return.
Pot plants and garden watered. Pool/spa ( salt water or chlorine) looked after as per your instructions. Your mail in neat bundles. Fresh flowers in the vase. We take care to leave everything just as you left it.
ABOUT US: We are well travelled professionals, friendly, outgoing, happy in our relationship and the creative work we do. During the year, we often take a creative break from our own living space. Or change location simply for solitude and time to write, or to do research for a specific project.
Please check our 2024 availability July/August on the calendar here. Our travel dates might just match up with your Winter break away. We look forward to seeing how we can help meet your holiday requirements.
Warmest Regards
Susan & Bruce
Reviews (22)
Susan and Bruce were the perfect house sitters. When we came home our two labradors had coats that had never been shinier. While still happy to see us, it was clear they were already missing Susan and Bruce. Our 18 year old cat was in equally great condition: shiny coat and very happy. Finally, the house was immaculate. We could not recommend Susan and Bruce more highly and would be delighted to have them back - tomorrow.
KATHERINE (Warrawee NSW, Jun 2022 - 5 weeks)
Susan and Bruce stayed at our house for about 3 weeks in early 2024 & looked after our dog, Gracie. Their communication with us prior to arriving was great & we had a nice evening getting to know them before our departure. They sent us photo's of Gracie having a good time in the park & at home & even created a small artwork of her on her favourite lounge....we think they really loved her :)
When we arrived home our house was spotless, everything was neat & tidy & Gracie was in great spirits ... MORESusan and Bruce stayed at our house for about 3 weeks in early 2024 & looked after our dog, Gracie. Their communication with us prior to arriving was great & we had a nice evening getting to know them before our departure. They sent us photo's of Gracie having a good time in the park & at home & even created a small artwork of her on her favourite lounge....we think they really loved her :)
When we arrived home our house was spotless, everything was neat & tidy & Gracie was in great spirits excited to see us (as always) - the perfect arrival home from some time away.
We would have no hesitation having Susan & Bruce in our home again, as sitters or guests, & can highly recommend them as experienced, courteous & friendly house sitters. Thank you again, Susan & Bruce, please stay in touch! :)
CAMERON (Caringbah South NSW, Mar 2024 - 3 weeks)
Sue and Bruce provided exceptional care of both our home and pet. Of paramount importance to us, they managed our old blind dog's changing needs with cheerful efficiency and kindness, and were very proactive in swiftly communicating and problem-solving some dietary issues he was having. The house was left spotless with lawns mown and gardens tended, and we received an unexpected 'welcome home' package which included croissants and jam for brunch, a pair of mini-Schnauzer coasters, and a couple ... MORESue and Bruce provided exceptional care of both our home and pet. Of paramount importance to us, they managed our old blind dog's changing needs with cheerful efficiency and kindness, and were very proactive in swiftly communicating and problem-solving some dietary issues he was having. The house was left spotless with lawns mown and gardens tended, and we received an unexpected 'welcome home' package which included croissants and jam for brunch, a pair of mini-Schnauzer coasters, and a couple of very sweet digitally modified prints of our boy. We are very grateful for it all!
PHILIP (Mayfield East NSW, Feb 2024 - 1 month 1 week)
Susan and Bruce were amazing. They provided exceptional care for our three cats, our house and garden. Their communication with us while overseas was exceptional and we always felt comfortable that everything we had left behind was totally safe and secure.
When we arrived home we were greeted by a perfectly clean house and little gifts as well as a nicely stocked refrigerator and pantry.
We would gladly have them back any time!!
Highly recommended.
GREG & TAMARA (East Tamworth NSW, Nov 2022 - 2 months 2 weeks)
Susan and Bruce were the perfect house and cat sitters. They took impeccable care of our cats and house, and kept in contact throughout their four week stay with regular updates, leaving us feeling very reassured. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Thank you!
KATIE (Maroubra NSW, Jul 2022 - 4 weeks)
We could not have been more fortunate to secure Susan & Bruce for our house and dog sit in December. We have two border collies who require daily exercise, medication, and lack in the socialization department - this was no problem for them. They handled our dogs like absolute rockstars, I'm actually convinced Bruce is a dog whisperer. Outside of their expert pet care, the house was left cleaner than when we first moved in, there was a fresh loaf of bread ready in the bread maker, and flowers in ... MOREWe could not have been more fortunate to secure Susan & Bruce for our house and dog sit in December. We have two border collies who require daily exercise, medication, and lack in the socialization department - this was no problem for them. They handled our dogs like absolute rockstars, I'm actually convinced Bruce is a dog whisperer. Outside of their expert pet care, the house was left cleaner than when we first moved in, there was a fresh loaf of bread ready in the bread maker, and flowers in every room. We owe a great deal to Susan & Bruce who were very flexible when our plans changed and we had to return home sooner than expected. We were sad to inconvenience them as they were so good to us! We will certainly be using Susan & Bruce again, no doubt about it.
ELIZABETH (Yarrawonga Park NSW, Nov 2021 - 3 weeks)
Amazing house sitters! Communication was spot on, the house was left amazingly and most importantly our beautiful pets were very well looked after.
COURTNEY (Marmong Point NSW, Jan 2021 - 3 weeks)
Susan and Bruce looked after our very spoilt 20 month old Cavalier puppy Abby. My husbands many fish are always an interesting challenge but were handled it beautifully. Lovey couple who were very nice friendly people who clearly had a true understanding and plenty of experience with dogs. The house and garden were excellently maintained. They left us a beautiful . We would definitely use their services again and would recommended them.
LYNNE AND STEPHEN (Anna Bay NSW, Oct 2020 - 8 days)
Wonderful experience with Susan and Bruce. Our travel plans changed and they were very accommodating with these alterations. They looked after our pets just wonderfully and we received regular updates from them as our changes were happening. Delighted with their care of our home
PETER (Cardiff NSW, Mar 2020 - 21 days reduced to just 7)
Wow we've had some great house sitters in the past but Bruce and Susan - they are your dream sitters - perfection - if you are fortunate enough to have them available for your place you've hit the jackpot !
Thanks so much Susan and Bruce !
CHARLES (North Gosford NSW, Jan 2020 - 3 weeks)
Sue and Bruce are a lovely, warm couple who we felt comfortable with immediately, and so did our two dogs. We returned to a clean home with thriving plants and animals - and a very clean fridge! (Thanks, Sue!)
Sue communicated throughout so we felt assured at all times.
TAMARA (Clovelly NSW, Jan 2020 - 3 nights)
Such an absolutely beautiful couple Sue and Bruce are.
They did a brilliant job of looking after my 4 girls (dogs) while hubby and I had a much needed getaway.
It's extremely important to me to have competent, capable people who have a genuine love and understanding for dogs, and Sue And Bruce fit that bill to a tee. Came home to a beautiful spotless clean house, love love love the frangapani's dotted through the house and yummy home cooked treats on the kitchen bench.
Can't recommend ... MORESuch an absolutely beautiful couple Sue and Bruce are.
They did a brilliant job of looking after my 4 girls (dogs) while hubby and I had a much needed getaway.
It's extremely important to me to have competent, capable people who have a genuine love and understanding for dogs, and Sue And Bruce fit that bill to a tee. Came home to a beautiful spotless clean house, love love love the frangapani's dotted through the house and yummy home cooked treats on the kitchen bench.
Can't recommend this gorgeous couple highly enough.
KAREN (Port Macquarie NSW, Nov 2019 - 9 days)
Susan and Bruce
We really don't know where to begin. From beginning to end everything ran smoothly, from the open communication, email updates including pics of our pooches, to returning to a spotless home.
Susan and Bruce are two incredibly lovely, thoughtful, and generous couple whom we could not recommend more highly. We even returned home to a delicious home made pumpkin soup in the fridge and chocolate cake on the bench.
Most importantly our dogs were thrilled to have had Susan ... MORESusan and Bruce
We really don't know where to begin. From beginning to end everything ran smoothly, from the open communication, email updates including pics of our pooches, to returning to a spotless home.
Susan and Bruce are two incredibly lovely, thoughtful, and generous couple whom we could not recommend more highly. We even returned home to a delicious home made pumpkin soup in the fridge and chocolate cake on the bench.
Most importantly our dogs were thrilled to have had Susan and Bruce care for them (perhaps I should say spoil them).
I absolutely recommend.
DONNA (Highton VIC, Apr 2019 - 1 month 1 week)
We have never had a house sitter before but I think we hit the jackpot with Susan and Bruce. I would say they are the Rolls-Royce of house sitters :)
They kept us updated during our 6 week overseas trip, not too much but not too little so we knew our furry and not so furry (fish, snails) pets did fabulous. When they picked us up a lovely clean house with little welcoming flowers, cat and dog were waiting. Oh and even a home made desert in the fridge! How did we get so lucky? I know our dog ... MOREWe have never had a house sitter before but I think we hit the jackpot with Susan and Bruce. I would say they are the Rolls-Royce of house sitters :)
They kept us updated during our 6 week overseas trip, not too much but not too little so we knew our furry and not so furry (fish, snails) pets did fabulous. When they picked us up a lovely clean house with little welcoming flowers, cat and dog were waiting. Oh and even a home made desert in the fridge! How did we get so lucky? I know our dog loved them as he has been sad for the passed 2 days since they have left.
I can certainly highly recommend them and will contact them again for our next trip.
NICOLE (Caravonica QLD, Apr 2017 - 4 weeks)
I could not write a more positive endorsement of Susan and Bruce. I am most grateful for the care they gave our beloved fur kids and our home.
Specifically, for anyone reading this and considering them for a sit, I would make comment on:
Their communication. From first introduction, leading up to and all through the sit it was exceptional and at all times gave us reassurance. I get a little anxious leading up to us leaving and Susan sensed this and kept me reassured of their plans to ... MOREI could not write a more positive endorsement of Susan and Bruce. I am most grateful for the care they gave our beloved fur kids and our home.
Specifically, for anyone reading this and considering them for a sit, I would make comment on:
Their communication. From first introduction, leading up to and all through the sit it was exceptional and at all times gave us reassurance. I get a little anxious leading up to us leaving and Susan sensed this and kept me reassured of their plans to get to Cairns and of their commitment to the sit. While we were away they kept in touch as much or as little as we needed. They let us drive that level of chat but were always there for an update on the home front when I needed it.
Kid care : we came home to very happy healthy fur babies. It was clear from their condition (coats, eyes, teeth, demeanour) that they had been loved and cared for from day one. Their bedding was also clean and fresh. The girls (dogs) had been walked regularly and our indoor cat had not been allowed to succeed in his ever ongoing bid for freedom.
Home care : I left our house looking its best. I came home that and more. Our home was a pleasure to walk into. Not only was it clean and fresh but there were added touches like fresh flowers and all the scents that go with that. Sheets and towels we clean and changed. There was nothing to do but sit and recover from the flight .... And enjoy our home and being home.
The final touch .... they made us a coffee ... gave us a short debrief on all things fur kids and quietly left and gave us our home back.
AMANDA (Cairns QLD, May 2016 - 2 months 1 week)
A two week quick escape to see family and friends - and Sue and Bruce were like very dear friends returning. They had sat for us for a month at the beginning of the year so a return sit was just too easy for all. Harry (dog) was delighted to see them and so well loved and looked after.
We highly recommend Sue & Bruce to all.
DULCIE & GEOFF (Northgate, QLD, Aug 2015 - 3 weeks - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Frodo n Baggins join us in saying a huge thanks to Susan n Bruce for their fantastic job in looking after them and our house whilst we were away.
From returning it to us spotless (despite the recent crappy weather) to ensuring we had regular updates on how our puppies and house was, the mail and the visitors received, we felt completely relaxed and enjoyed our holiday immensely. We would recommend you to anyone and feel you have become friends to us, our puppies n our neighbours. They will ... MOREFrodo n Baggins join us in saying a huge thanks to Susan n Bruce for their fantastic job in looking after them and our house whilst we were away.
From returning it to us spotless (despite the recent crappy weather) to ensuring we had regular updates on how our puppies and house was, the mail and the visitors received, we felt completely relaxed and enjoyed our holiday immensely. We would recommend you to anyone and feel you have become friends to us, our puppies n our neighbours. They will miss you, too.
MICK AND KIM (Kuranda, QLD, Jun 2015 - 2 months)
I left for Melbourne in a cloud of anxiety. My daughter was expecting her first child and there were serious complications requiring me to go earlier than expected.
I take in helpxers to help around the property and at that time had four teenagers in residence. I was forced into a position to leave them to mind the animals and the property on their own until Sue and Bruce arrived.
I guess I'll never know the exact state of affairs, but the kids were out surfing and when they arrived ... MOREI left for Melbourne in a cloud of anxiety. My daughter was expecting her first child and there were serious complications requiring me to go earlier than expected.
I take in helpxers to help around the property and at that time had four teenagers in residence. I was forced into a position to leave them to mind the animals and the property on their own until Sue and Bruce arrived.
I guess I'll never know the exact state of affairs, but the kids were out surfing and when they arrived home, Sue and Bruce had already cooked them dinner!
However, whatever the state the kids left it in, the animals were all still alive and Sue and Bruce had it 'bond clean' when I returned! I do hope they didn't have to do too much scrubbing!
They brought my darling dog to the airport to collect me (considerable distance) and had dinner and a lovely wine ready to go on our return.Added bonus, Sue had arranged several vases of flowers from my garden. Such a lovely surprise.
All my furniture had been polished, floors spotless (and I know how much my animals shed hair, so they had been working very hard to keep them clean!)
They had all sorts of interesting items they donated to me which had come from a relative in Noosa; I have enough kitty litter for the rest of the year! I have super containers for cat and dog food and a lovely container for oil. Did I mention all my cupboards were neat, tidy and super clean? As was the fridge.
My horse, dog, cat, chickens and horse all bonded with them and were spoiled.
My dog is a very fussy eater and Sue kindly cooked his dinner. He does like 'human' food!.
My garage was swept clean and all the lawn mown (a big job.)
All the above aside. Sue and Bruce are special people who have had so many beautiful life experiences. They are well read and well traveled and just a joy to have a conversation about any topic.
They are completely trustworthy. If you are lucky enough to have them sit your house be assured you won't find better.
Bruce even cooked a yummy breakfast the morning they left!
I welcome them back anytime they're passing through and wish them well on their adventures.
SUE (Pomona, QLD, Apr 2015 - 1 week 3 days)
Every house and pet owner contemplating an overseas trip of any length is always faced with the dilemma of finding someone reliable to oversee and care for both. How fortunate we were to have Susan and Bruce 'keep the castle' and 'care for the canine'.
A joy to receive emails and photos of happy Harry, (the border collie) and that they also were enjoying the stay with no problems. We arrived back to a spotlessly clean house and a wonderful large lasagne that kept us fed for 3 days while we ... MOREEvery house and pet owner contemplating an overseas trip of any length is always faced with the dilemma of finding someone reliable to oversee and care for both. How fortunate we were to have Susan and Bruce 'keep the castle' and 'care for the canine'.
A joy to receive emails and photos of happy Harry, (the border collie) and that they also were enjoying the stay with no problems. We arrived back to a spotlessly clean house and a wonderful large lasagne that kept us fed for 3 days while we recovered from travels. Harry was glad to see us home but just as sad to see them pack their bags and off. That tells you a lot doesn't it!
We will welcome them back as sitters and friends in the future and highly recommend them to all.
DULCIE & GEOFF (Northgate, QLD, Feb 2015 - 3 weeks - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
We had never before utilised the services of professional house-sitters so we were a little apprehensive when we booked Sue and Bruce to housesit for almost 5 weeks over the Christmas/New Year period to care for our very spoilt dog, house, pool and gardens. We met them prior to the assignment and liked them immediately. Unfortunately, just prior to our departure, our beloved fur-child had to have an operation on his foot and all post-op care and vet appointments etc were left in the hands of ... MOREWe had never before utilised the services of professional house-sitters so we were a little apprehensive when we booked Sue and Bruce to housesit for almost 5 weeks over the Christmas/New Year period to care for our very spoilt dog, house, pool and gardens. We met them prior to the assignment and liked them immediately. Unfortunately, just prior to our departure, our beloved fur-child had to have an operation on his foot and all post-op care and vet appointments etc were left in the hands of these relative strangers. Obviously, it was with some trepidation that we headed off on our travels.
Well, we couldn't have asked for more responsible and considerate carers. There were constant updates and photos via email to put our minds at ease. Post-op vet instructions were carried out in a reliable and caring manner. Vet and grooming appointments were duly attended. Any problems that arose with the property, eg pool, were dealt with speed and initiative. The house, lawn and pool were immaculate upon our return and we were welcomed home with a wonderful cooked breakfast and lunch ready in the fridge.
We cannot thank Sue and Bruce enough for allowing us to enjoy our overseas trip without worry. The level of communication while we were away made all the difference. We could not recommend them more highly. They are a friendly happy couple who are obvious animal lovers and who conscientiously care for your property as if it were their own. We won't hesitate to contact them if we need house-sitters again in the future. In the meantime, we wish them all the best and hope we stay in touch with our new-found "friends".
ANNE AND GARY PODOSKY (Nambour, Jan 2015)
We found Susan and Bruce excellent housesitters. They are very friendly, sent many emails and photos while we were away. My dog was very happy and contented and apparently behaved well. The house was presented extremely well on my return and plants were well cared for. I would have no hesitation in recommending Susan and Bruce to anyone and would be willing to give verbal recommendation if required.
CHRIS (Alexandra Hils, QLD, Nov 2014 - 1 month 3 weeks)
We were a little hesitant as first time users of web sourced house sitters as we departed overseas for a month leaving our pets and house with extensive gardens in the hands of "strangers" Well we need not have had any fear for Susan and Bruce ensured that not only was every aspect of our home and family showered with care and love but that us on the other side of the world were reassured by fun filled emails and photos that painted a picture of what had very quickly become their ... MOREWe were a little hesitant as first time users of web sourced house sitters as we departed overseas for a month leaving our pets and house with extensive gardens in the hands of "strangers" Well we need not have had any fear for Susan and Bruce ensured that not only was every aspect of our home and family showered with care and love but that us on the other side of the world were reassured by fun filled emails and photos that painted a picture of what had very quickly become their home. They went well beyond what was expected in terms of their care and attention to detail. Their joy gained from of our little oasis has also reminded us what is special about it and that part of that specialness ( if that is a word) is actually about sharing it with friends, for that is what they now are. Some warnings however. Do not leave empty cake tins they will be full of yummy baking when you return and do not leave any empty jars, they will be full of home preserves!
Kevin and John
KEVIN (Moorland, NSW, Sep 2014 - 4 weeks)
Couple
