I am Ruth, a former Deputy Principal at a Gold Coast high school who has semi-retired and now teaches online. My husband, Stuart, works in the airline industry as a Revenue Management consultant. We started travelling around Australia at the start of 2018 and whilst we have been on the road we have enjoyed undertaking a number of house-sits looking after dogs, cats, fish and birds so feel free to read our reviews.
We both grew up with and have had the pleasure of looking after dogs and cats including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Spaniels, Border Collies and German Shepherds plus chickens, guinea pigs and a hamster! We have experience of caring for and medicating pets with medical conditions including osteoarthritis in a dog and diabetes in a cat.
We are both fit and healthy and love walking so are more than happy to exercise your animals and will give them all of the love and attention they deserve. When we are doing house sits we are around all of the time to look after and keep your pets company. Stuart and I are home owners ourselves and have two properties rented out so know how important it is to have people you can trust in your home.
Reviews (29)
We can't express enough how wonderful Ruth and Stuart were in looking after our home and our animals for 5 weeks while we were on an overseas holiday.
Not only did they look after our teenage dog and teenage cat with love, care and understanding of their age and their quirks, but they patiently wrangled the fallout of a big rainstorm that blew up our pool pump. They liaised with us and the pool shop while we were away so that, when we got back, we were able to just take over the ... MOREWe can't express enough how wonderful Ruth and Stuart were in looking after our home and our animals for 5 weeks while we were on an overseas holiday.
Not only did they look after our teenage dog and teenage cat with love, care and understanding of their age and their quirks, but they patiently wrangled the fallout of a big rainstorm that blew up our pool pump. They liaised with us and the pool shop while we were away so that, when we got back, we were able to just take over the responsibility rather than start from scratch.
We would highly recommend Ruth and Stuart for house and petsitting. They did lots of walking with the dog and, as a result, the whole street has been raving about them too! That's how lovely they are.
Thanks Ruth and Stuart! Enjoy your continued adventures!
Millie had a great week with this beautiful couple, thank you so much for everything. Thanks for leaving house in great shape. Hope to meet again soon. Neryl x
WILLIAM (Redland Bay QLD, Nov 2023 - 1 week)
This is my first experience of Housesitters and I must admit to having been a little apprehensive but I have been extremely impressed. Stuart and Ruth were reassuring, competent, kind, proactive and professional. Our dogs were clearly very happy and enjoyed their holiday too. Nothing seemed to phase Stuart and Ruth - I can’t recommend or praise Stuart and Ruth highly enough.
LOUISE (Radstock England, Aug 2023 - 16days)
From House Sitters UK
We were totally happy with the care that Ruth and Stuart showed towards our three dogs and our house. They are very experienced house and pet sitters and gave us complete confidence that all would go well. They communicated really well throughout the stay and they clearly adored our dogs and cared for them really well.
PHILIP (Berkhamsted England, Jul 2023 - 5 nights)
From House Sitters UK
' Amazing house sitters '
Ruth and Stuart were amazing from the moment we met them. We felt at ease that they knew and love animals… and animals loved them. We have a very skittish rescue dog who never allows strangers close to her, but she showed immediate interest in saying hello to Ruth and Stuart. We knew we had struck gold.
While we were away, they kept us informed on how our animals were doing, which was really nice.
When we returned, our animals were looking great, our home was ... MORE' Amazing house sitters '
Ruth and Stuart were amazing from the moment we met them. We felt at ease that they knew and love animals… and animals loved them. We have a very skittish rescue dog who never allows strangers close to her, but she showed immediate interest in saying hello to Ruth and Stuart. We knew we had struck gold.
While we were away, they kept us informed on how our animals were doing, which was really nice.
When we returned, our animals were looking great, our home was spotless and they even wrote notes on how everything went.
They went above and beyond. We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Ruth and Stuart to others. Thank you so much. 😊👍🐶🐶🐹🐹🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐟🐟
JO (Ormesu QLD, Apr 2023 - 3 days)
I would highly recommend using Ruth and Stewart for house sits with pets. They clearly love animals and are very comfortable around them. The dogs took an instant liking to them and were sad to see them go! Both dogs were happy and relaxed when we got home and the house was very clean. Couldn't have been better!
NICOLA (Birkenhead North Island, Mar 2023 - 4 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Ruth and Stuart were great house sitters. Buttons was very happy and well cared for and the house was clean and tidy. They are a lovely, kind and thoughtful couple. I would highly recommend them.
JULIA (Titirangi North Island, Nov 2022 - 3 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Ruth &Stewart we're excellent house/ dog sitters.
We came home to a very happy dog & very tidy house.
Ruth even washed their sheets & towels & remade the bed!
Rufus was settled with them right away & rushed off to get his toys when they arrived.
I would absolutely recommend them to look after your pets & home!
I wish them all the best in their travels around NZ.
GAYLENE (Gulf Harbour North Island, Nov 2022 - 5 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Took a while but I've finally remembered to post a review for Ruth and Stuart, they were fantastic. Our Dog got 2 walks a day and even daily beach trips. Ruth and Stuart were easy to deal with, friendly, laid back and I came back to a lovely clean tidy house and fresh sheets on the bed.
They even put up with a plumber/builder popping in and out most of the week and our children seining by to collect stuff.
Thanks Ruth and Stuart. I hope you've had a fabulous time travelling NZ and sorry it ... MORETook a while but I've finally remembered to post a review for Ruth and Stuart, they were fantastic. Our Dog got 2 walks a day and even daily beach trips. Ruth and Stuart were easy to deal with, friendly, laid back and I came back to a lovely clean tidy house and fresh sheets on the bed.
They even put up with a plumber/builder popping in and out most of the week and our children seining by to collect stuff.
Thanks Ruth and Stuart. I hope you've had a fabulous time travelling NZ and sorry it took me so long to write this!
CHRISSY (Titirangi North Island, Oct 2022 - 1 week 2 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Ruth and Stuart were the perfect house sitters. Great communication and very caring towards our pets. Very flexible and accommodating. We would highly recommend them to anyone considering them as sitters.
KEN (Draper QLD, Dec 2021 - 1 week 1 day)
Ruth and Stuart were instantly liked by our dogs and we were not disappointed by their choice of sitter. Our home was left spotless and the animals were well cared for. We would highly recommend this couple they are professional in everything they do. They went the extra mile.
KERRY (Hope Island QLD, Dec 2021 - 5 days)
Excellent experience having Ruth & Stewart housesit for us and took great care of our Labrador and chooks. We highly recommend to anyone considering a reliable housesitter.
BELINDA (Manly West QLD, Dec 2021 - 1 week 2 days)
Just amazing. Thanks so much for taking great care of Sphinx. Loved coming home to a clean house and mowed lawn:)
JULES W - SUPER EXPERIENCED! (MITCHELTON QLD, Nov 2021 - 6 days)
Thank you Jules. As you know, Sphinx is totally adorable and we loved looking after her. Kind regards, Ruth & Stuart
Thank you Stuart and Ruth for taking such good care of our dogs, chickens and house whilst we were away. All were happy and healthy on our return. Thank you for staying until you were sure we had boarded the plane on the day of our return to make sure Charlie was ok during the severe storm that we had the afternoon of your departure. The house was beautifully clean, tidy and well cared for and the plants were thriving when we returned. We would be happy to have you to sit for us again if ... MOREThank you Stuart and Ruth for taking such good care of our dogs, chickens and house whilst we were away. All were happy and healthy on our return. Thank you for staying until you were sure we had boarded the plane on the day of our return to make sure Charlie was ok during the severe storm that we had the afternoon of your departure. The house was beautifully clean, tidy and well cared for and the plants were thriving when we returned. We would be happy to have you to sit for us again if the opportunity arose and would recommend to others. Safe travels.
KYM AND BOB (Ocean View QLD, Apr 2021 - 2 weeks 5 days)
Our sincere thanks to Ruth and Stuart for their amazing care of our home while we were away. They are the most friendly, obliging and absolutely capable couple who could not have done more to look after the garden, the birds and our home which was left spotless. Absolutely recommended for any housesit and we hope that one day they will come back again! Thank you Ruth and Stuart and safe travels.
BARBARA (Burbank QLD, Apr 2021 - 2 weeks)
Ruth and Stuart were fantastic house sitters. From the very beginning, they were great communicators and arrived exactly as planned. They were very caring and attentive with our dogs and chickens and our dogs were very content when we arrived home. The house was well looked after and immaculate on our return. Ruth and Stuart are sensible and have a professional approach to looking after your property and we look forward to having them stay again when we next go away.
ALISON (Lennox Head NSW, Mar 2021 - 4 days)
Ruth was fantastic.
If you want your dog to be chilled out and happy when you get home then look no further. It's so nice when you can go away and feel comfortable that a dog lover is looking after your fur baby!
House was super clean when we got back and Ruth was really good with communication. She ended up flying here by herself as their car needed fixing in nsw! Was nice to have someone so conscientious and caring. Would def have her back. Just a shame she doesn't live locally.
NICKI (South Brighton SA, Mar 2021 - 1 week)
Ruth and Stuart took excellent care of our animals and home. The house was immaculately clean and lawns mowed, plants thriving. Our border Collie Flossy looked happy and healthy upon our return. Excellent communication also. Would
Definitely recommend, nothing was too much trouble.
CLAIRE (BROOKFIELD QLD, Jan 2021 - 1 week 4 days)
Ruth and Stuart were wonderful pet and house sitters. Our two labs Lola and Lindsay were fed and exercised daily and extremely well looked after. When we arrived home, our dogs were very calm. The love and quality of care they received whilst we were away was evident, Total respect was also given to our home and our belongings. The was house was spotless. It was as if no-one had even been here. We were very happy with the experience and highly recommend Ruth and Stuart.
DEBBIE & ALLAN (Pacific Pines QLD, Jan 2021 - 4 days)
I was thrilled that Ruth and Stuart were able to look after our house and pets. They did a fantastic job and the house was extremely clean when we returned. I would highly recommended them and would not hesitate to have them back.
TRACY (North Boambee Valley NSW, Dec 2020 - 4 weeks)
We had our friend drop out of cat sitting with less than 3 weeks before we were going away. We posted an ad on the site & were overwhelmed with the response. From the beginning Ruth & Stuart stood out , they seemed very similar to us which was comforting as our cat is 14 years old & very set in his ways. Ruth sent 3-4 texts while we were away to update us about Irwin. On our return, Ruth & Stuart stayed to give us a quick rundown on where things were at. If I didn't know better it was as if we ... MOREWe had our friend drop out of cat sitting with less than 3 weeks before we were going away. We posted an ad on the site & were overwhelmed with the response. From the beginning Ruth & Stuart stood out , they seemed very similar to us which was comforting as our cat is 14 years old & very set in his ways. Ruth sent 3-4 texts while we were away to update us about Irwin. On our return, Ruth & Stuart stayed to give us a quick rundown on where things were at. If I didn't know better it was as if we hadn't been away, the house was how we had left it & the cat & garden was alive & well. Would highly recommend this couple & would have them house sit for us in the future.
JENNY (Broadwater NSW, Nov 2020 - 2 weeks 4 days)
I can't thank Ruth and Stuart enough for looking after our house and 2 cats.We were able to enjoy our holiday knowing that everything was fine.It is such a relief to come home to happy cats ,clean house and pool and even the lawns mowed. We highly recommend Ruth and Stuart as house sitters .
KERRY (Palm Beach QLD, Feb 2020 - 3 weeks)
I would firstly like to say a huge thankyou to Ruth and Stuart for helping me out when I really needed it.
Secondly
I would highly recommend Ruth and Stuart for house/pet sitting. These 2 people have been an absolute godsend for me. I needed a little help with my aunties 8 cats and dog whilst she has been in hospital and they volunteered there time and love for animals to do that. They will look after your furbabies like they are there own. The house was very clean when they left and all ... MOREI would firstly like to say a huge thankyou to Ruth and Stuart for helping me out when I really needed it.
Secondly
I would highly recommend Ruth and Stuart for house/pet sitting. These 2 people have been an absolute godsend for me. I needed a little help with my aunties 8 cats and dog whilst she has been in hospital and they volunteered there time and love for animals to do that. They will look after your furbabies like they are there own. The house was very clean when they left and all the cats/dog were very content. Even after the house sit ended I needed help for one nights feeding and litter trays and Ruth came to my rescue and was more than happy to help out. I truley cannot thank you enough.
BELINDA (Bilinga QLD, Jan 2020 - 2 weeks)
Ruth and Stuart were amazing house sitters! Our two Labradors had a great time - they were taken to the dog park for exercise everyday and fed twice a day. They even started to feed them in two serves to try slow them down! The house was well kept and the lawn was even mowed. Communication was great - we would receive constant updates and pictures of the dogs. I could not recommend this couple enough!
ANDREW (Everton Hills QLD, Dec 2019 - 4 weeks)
Ruth and Stuart looked after our pets and our home like they were their own. Our dogs and cat were happy and contented when we arrived home. The house was lovely and clean. They are very friendly and kind people and we would not hesitate to recommend them.
Ruth and Stewart were fantastic! I came home to a very happy puppy. They even had him trained to sit and wait for his dinner, instead of his normal rushing in and scoffing. My house was left immaculate and they were so thoughtful as they remade my bed, which was nice to come home to after a flight and being tired. Couldn't recommend them any more highly. If you are looking for someone you can trust, then these two are the perfect people to let sit your pets. Thanks Ruth and Stewart. If you were ... MORERuth and Stewart were fantastic! I came home to a very happy puppy. They even had him trained to sit and wait for his dinner, instead of his normal rushing in and scoffing. My house was left immaculate and they were so thoughtful as they remade my bed, which was nice to come home to after a flight and being tired. Couldn't recommend them any more highly. If you are looking for someone you can trust, then these two are the perfect people to let sit your pets. Thanks Ruth and Stewart. If you were in the area early December, I would most definitely have asked you to come back.
JEMMA (Brinsmead QLD, Aug 2019 - 3 days)
We can't thank Ruth and Stuart enough for a great house sit. They were able to meet us a few days before the sit to run through everything. It was a pleasure to have them at our home looking after our 2 dogs, 2 cats, bird and fish. They also left the house very clean. A very big thank you for everything.
RACHEL (Boronia VIC, Dec 2018 - 3 days)
Ruth and Stuart were excellent house and animal sitters. They communicated well from the start, provided work references as I didn't meet them til the day I left, left my house cleaner than when I left it and looked after my little old dog well. They took great care of my property and pet and are a friendly and communicative couple. I'd highly recommend them.
MELINDA (Thornbury VIC, Dec 2018 - 1 week 1 day)
Ruth and Stuart were the perfect housesitters. We had a wonderful holiday knowing that our pets were being spoilt and our house was well cared for. Thanks Guys
MELISSA (Lesmurdie WA, Sep 2018 - 3 weeks)
Safe house!
There is nothing more secure than having people at home while you're away. Get a house sitter.
Couple
We can't express enough how wonderful Ruth and Stuart were in looking after our home and our animals for 5 weeks while we were on an overseas holiday.
Not only did they look after our teenage dog and teenage cat with love, care and understanding of their age and their quirks, but they patiently wrangled the fallout of a big rainstorm that blew up our pool pump. They liaised with us and the pool shop while we were away so that, when we got back, we were able to just take over the ... MORE
