England: East of England, Greater London, North East, North West, South East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber Wales: ALL
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2024: 25 Oct - 30 Apr 2025 | 2025: 1 Jun - 29 Aug | 26 Oct - 31 Dec
On a house-sit right now
GARY & JIRAPHA (SOI)
50, National Risk & Compliance Manager
54, Housewife
Hi there,
We think we can be of help in looking after your home, garden and pets.
We are a mature, non-smoking couple currently living in Canberra Australia (originally from the UK), with experience housesitting in Australia, the UK and the USA.
We are visiting the UK in May and August 2025 (either side of a 3 month visit to the EU) and are looking to do house and pet sitting while we are in UK.
I (Gary - aged 50 yrs old) have 14 years experiencing managing properties in Australia (including being part of 66 house renovations and 23 new builds).
I also have 5 years experience working weekends in the timber and landscape yards at Bunnings in Palmerston, NT.
I also used to be a night auditor / hotel night-duty manager working weekends for almost 7 years in Darwin (working at a hotel that used to be in the Quality Hotel chain).
Real Estate & Property Management is a big part of my background and in May 2022 I received my full ACT Real Estate Licence via Access Canberra. I am also a licensed business broker and stock and station agent in the ACT.
My wife (whose nickname is "Soi" - 54 years old) also has hotel experience. She worked part-time for 6 months as a trainee housekeeping supervisor.
On the pet management side, I (Gary) had a dog for 10 years. I also grew up with cats for 20 years. Soi had a poodle for 19 years. While doing house and pet sitting assignments we have looked after a number of different types of animals including dogs, cats, chickens, horses and ponies.
We own a dual-key apartment in Darwin, Australia (mortgage-free), and until recently owned a 2 bedroom property in England as well, also mortgage free (which we sold in July 2023), so we know what is required to look after a home. As mentioned above, I have 14 years experience inspecting properties so know what is required from home owners such as yourself in passing vacate inspections to the right standard. We also have 21 x 5 star ratings on the Australian version of this website and a 5 star review from a house sitter who looked after our home in the UK in 2023 for 3 months.
In short, let us know if you think we are a good match for your house and pet sitting assignment?
We are more than happy to attend an online interview.
Full clean police clearance certificates and good references can also be provided as well as UK & Australian Passport & Drivers Licences. I can also provide my Linkedin profile as well.
Kind Regards,
Gary & Soi
Reviews (22)
After meeting and talking with Gary and Soi, we were confident to leave our dog and our home in their care for three weeks. We left detailed notes about the dog and home which we hoped would be useful. We communicated only a couple of times, and received reassuring responses that our dog was fine and that everything was OK. When we returned, it proved that our confidence had been well-placed. Our dog was healthy and cheerful, and the house was clean and neat. We highly recommend Gary and ... MOREAfter meeting and talking with Gary and Soi, we were confident to leave our dog and our home in their care for three weeks. We left detailed notes about the dog and home which we hoped would be useful. We communicated only a couple of times, and received reassuring responses that our dog was fine and that everything was OK. When we returned, it proved that our confidence had been well-placed. Our dog was healthy and cheerful, and the house was clean and neat. We highly recommend Gary and Soi as trustworthy and responsible housesitters.
SUSAN (Campbell ACT, Nov 2024 - 3 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi did a wonderful job looking after our house and two dogs while we were away. Our house was spotless when we returned.
They went above and beyond, taking one of our dogs to the vet when he was unexpectedly sick while we were away. Gary and Soi treated our dogs like their own and made sure all medications were given after the vet trip. They provided updates while we were away to easy my mind and were responsive to communication.
We are planning to use Gary and Soi for an upcoming ... MOREGary and Soi did a wonderful job looking after our house and two dogs while we were away. Our house was spotless when we returned.
They went above and beyond, taking one of our dogs to the vet when he was unexpectedly sick while we were away. Gary and Soi treated our dogs like their own and made sure all medications were given after the vet trip. They provided updates while we were away to easy my mind and were responsive to communication.
We are planning to use Gary and Soi for an upcoming trip in 2025 and would definitely recommend them.
ANITA (O'Connor ACT, Oct 2024 - 4 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi were beyond excellent. Pets were well cared for and "loved" Soi bought organic meats for my old dogs! She is very caring. House was spotless. Absolutely no problems. Highly recommended.
IRENE (Reid ACT, Jul 2024 - 2 months 1 week)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary & Soi took great care of Sox, although I don’t think they were quite prepared for the amount of energy & separation anxiety our young working dog puppy has :) Despite having them take care of him, he still managed to chew the carpet and rugs, dig 2 holes in the garden, chew his bed & chew the hose reel handle.
I’m so grateful they loved him, let him sleep on the bed and snuggle on the couch with them as I suspect he would have needed that comfort & reassurance with us being away for the ... MOREGary & Soi took great care of Sox, although I don’t think they were quite prepared for the amount of energy & separation anxiety our young working dog puppy has :) Despite having them take care of him, he still managed to chew the carpet and rugs, dig 2 holes in the garden, chew his bed & chew the hose reel handle.
I’m so grateful they loved him, let him sleep on the bed and snuggle on the couch with them as I suspect he would have needed that comfort & reassurance with us being away for the first time.
Soi spoilt him with cooked chicken & pikelets for breakfast everyday, something I’m sure he misses since they left.
Whilst Gary & Soi were very quick to respond to all messages, I would have appreciated much more unsolicited updates & photos to set our minds at ease.
Thank you Gary & Soi
TAMMY (Braddon ACT, Jul 2024 - 3 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi communicated well and we came home after a month away to a well-fed and spoiled doggo and a tidy house. It was a relief to know that our precious pup was well looked after in our absence.
JESS (Throsby ACT, Jun 2024 - 3 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary & Soi looked after my home & cats very well. The house was left in an immaculate manner. I will be very happy to seek their services again!
ANNA (Nicholls ACT, Feb 2024 - 2 months 1 week)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi were great housesitters. The house was immaculate when we came home, cleaner and tidier than we keep it ourselves. The plants were in great condition and our fur babies were happy and healthy. We highly recommend them for house sitting placements. Very professional and easy to communicate with.
DONNA (Conder ACT, Dec 2023 - 2 months 2 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Garry & Soi we’re available for a last minute sit for us. They stayed in contact the whole time, the house was clean and tidy(cleaner than we left probably) when we returned and our dogs well looked after and they were comfortable providing daily medication to our sick dog. Would definitely use them again for a future sit.
SHANI (Isabella plains ACT, Dec 2023 - 3 nights)
From Aussie House Sitters
Another great experience with Gary and Soi taking excellent care of our puppy and home. We had a lengthy and enjoyable holiday knowing that these guys would be on top of everything. Came home to a sparkling house and a very happy healthy dog. I'd give them ten stars if it were possible!
FIONA (Duffy ACT, Sep 2023 - 1 month 1 week - 1 of 3 endorsements from this owner )
From Aussie House Sitters
We were very happy with the condition of our home and garden. We were very happy with the care and communications from the sitter with our dog Dakota.
JULIA (Bonython ACT, Jul 2023 - 2 months 1 week)
From Aussie House Sitters
Once again Gary and Soi provided an excellent house and pet sitting experience for us. We were able to get away for a much needed break with full confidence that our pets and home were in extremely capable and competent hands. It's great to come home to happy healthy pets and the house in excellent condition.
FIONA (Duffy ACT, Jun 2023 - 1 week - 2 of 3 endorsements from this owner )
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi did a great job looking after our precious cat Mowgli, who was well fed and well cared for.
Our home was just as we left it - tidy and clean.
Gary and Soi are kind and gentle people, and we recommend them as responsible and caring house-sitters.
THEONA (Hawker ACT, May 2023 - 2 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi are excellent house sitters and I recommend them highly. They cared for our property, garden, 3 dogs and cat while we were overseas for 6 weeks. The house was maintained in a clean and tidy state and the animals were well cared for. Communications were always prompt and courteous. We were able to enjoy our time away with complete confidence that everything back home was in capable and trustworthy hands.
KAY (Ainslie ACT, Apr 2023 - 1 month 1 week)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi looked after our house and pets, a large Sheepadoodle dog and older cat, while we were away from 5 to 30 March 2023. They took fantastic care of everything and followed all of our instructions. We came home to very happy pets and an immaculately clean home. We would definitely love to have them in the future again.
KRISTY (Taylor ACT, Mar 2023 - 3 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi left everything very clean and tidy. The pot plants and gardens looked good despite the hot , dry weather. Percy (our dog) clearly enjoyed their company and was happy and very spoilt. He was fed well and had plenty of exercise including his favourite, ball games. We received good, clear and prompt communications that made us comfortable that all was going well. We would be quite happy to have Gary and Soi back if another opportunity arises and it fits their schedule.
TERRY (Duffy ACT, Feb 2023 - 3 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi were great house sitters. They looked after our dog and rabbit and they were clearly well looked after. Soi spoilt our dog with cuddles and we got plenty of updates and photos of the animals whilst we were away. They left the house very clean and tidy after they left and overall communication was also excellent. Highly recommended
JO (Kambah ACT, Feb 2023 - 2 days)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi took such great care of my two dogs and my apartment. Their communication was great and they were very attentive to my dogs. They left my apartment very clean and my dogs were very happy and well taken care of. I would definitely recommend Gary and Soi and would absolutely reach out to them again in the future!
BRIDGET (Forrest ACT, Jan 2023 - 1 week)
From Aussie House Sitters
If I could give six stars to Gary and Soi, I would do so without hesitation. Gary and Soi went above and beyond with this sit. Communication was impeccable, our cat was very well cared for and the house was genuinely cleaner then when we left. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gary and Soi to any prospective pet owners. Many thanks again for such a stress free house sit!
CHRISTINE (Bungendore NSW, Jan 2023 - 2 days)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi were a delight to work with, and prompt with communication. They cared for our four cats and one fish with attention and affection. We came home to very content cats who did not seem to have missed us at all. Our house was clean and tidy when we returned. We hope to have them house sit again for us later this year.
CATHY (Rivett ACT, Jan 2023 - 2 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi were amazing. They looked after the house and dog very well. I hope to be able to make use of their service again in the future.
MAE (Denman Prospect ACT, Dec 2022 - 4 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Gary and Soi are excellent house sitters. Quiet and conscientious, they left the house and car spotlessly clean. Our pets enjoyed the experience and our golden retriever was exercised regularly even when it was raining. We would happily use them again.
LINDA (Deakin ACT, Sep 2022 - 1 month 1 week)
From Aussie House Sitters
We were so happy to have Gary and Soi look after our house and hounds while we travelled overseas. We left them with so many instructions on the various dietary and other requirements for our two ageing greyhounds, but they handled all of this with competence and compassion. They even nursed the older greyhound through a major health crisis, and we were so glad of the attention they paid to Old Man Cooper's recovery. The dogs were in fantastic condition when we returned, an indication of how ... MOREWe were so happy to have Gary and Soi look after our house and hounds while we travelled overseas. We left them with so many instructions on the various dietary and other requirements for our two ageing greyhounds, but they handled all of this with competence and compassion. They even nursed the older greyhound through a major health crisis, and we were so glad of the attention they paid to Old Man Cooper's recovery. The dogs were in fantastic condition when we returned, an indication of how well Gary and Soi looked after them. The house was left spotlessly clean and very tidy, and a pleasure to come home to. The regular messages and video clips they sent of the dogs made our travels even more enjoyable. We will be arranging our future travels around Gary and Soi's availability.
FIONA (Duffy ACT, Jun 2022 - 2 months - 3 of 3 endorsements from this owner )
From Aussie House Sitters
Happy you!
With a house sitter looking after your pets, house and garden - you can really relax. Happy days.
Couple
After meeting and talking with Gary and Soi, we were confident to leave our dog and our home in their care for three weeks. We left detailed notes about the dog and home which we hoped would be useful. We communicated only a couple of times, and received reassuring responses that our dog was fine and that everything was OK. When we returned, it proved that our confidence had been well-placed. Our dog was healthy and cheerful, and the house was clean and neat. We highly recommend Gary and ... MORE
