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Gary

Nomad Dad

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Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at House Sitters UK, United Kingdom. User Nomad Dad
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Gold (24mths)
House Sitting Preferences
  • 1 - 2 weeks, 2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +
  • Dog(s), Cat(s), Fish, Bird(s), Rabbit(s)/Guinea Pig(s), Chickens/Ducks/Geese
Preferred Locations
  • England: ALL   Scotland: ALL   Wales: ALL  
Availability
  • NEXT 6 MONTHS    
    Available    
    Unavailable
    Dec
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
  • 2025: 17 Jul - 31 Aug 2024: 21 Oct - 25 Jan 2025 | 5 Dec - 24 Jan 2025 | 2025: 25 Jan - 17 Feb | 1-28 Mar

Nomad Dad

58, Online Educator and Mentor

Hi. I'm Gary.
I have been PERMANENTLY PET & HOUSE-SITTING since April 2022, with confirmed bookings until April 2025. Actually, 2025 is about half booked. I qualify as being 'very experienced' and in demand. The reviews all say the same lovely things.

Since discovering house sitting early in 2022, I have looked after an amazing array of domiciles and residencies; and considerable numbers of animals; including goats, sheep, chooks, cats, dogs, rabbits, cockatiels, tropical fish and humans.

For twenty years to 2022, I was working and living overseas - travelling the globe - mostly teaching - from Europe to NZ to China and back to Europe - many points between. We have always had family pets.
Always a cat and/or dog owner, my 2 Chinese rescue dogs came to the UK in 2020; and are lodged with my wife - taking a break from travelling (and me) - while I rediscover the UK. Before starting my UK pet-sitting journey I was primary carer for 8 semi-feral cats in Madeira.

Ideally, I'd have a dog to walk. Exercise, nature and interacting with a canine are important to me. Inside the house, I'm more of a cat-man.

These days, I am what's called a digital nomad: I used to be analogue. All I need is a reliable (strong & stable) internet/wi-fi connection for my online work, which occupies me for 2-6 hours every day. This means I am always around to offer care and security for the pets and homes.

I am a simple, self-reliant, ramblin' man. I like walking and pottering about at home; I keep myself to myself, am self-sufficient and I make amazing soups.

I respect privacy, and honour all who embrace The Golden Rule.

I don't smoke: I wont be able to accept sits in any residence where there is ANY indoor smoking.
I expect homes to be SAFE, COMFORTABLE and CLEAN. I leave homes in the same way - or even better! - as my reviews attest.

Caveats and clauses:
I do NOT charge a daily rate for cats and up to 2x Dogs.

'Excess' animals *surreptitiously left in-situ* without significantly prior agreement will attract a charge of £10 per day for each additional dog; up to a maximum of 4 dogs and £5 a day for extra cats up to a maximum of 4.
I also now have a potential 'multiple exercise charge' (e.g. when more than 2 dogs requiring exercise are left in situ, even with early agreement, but may be rescinded when multiple dogs can easily exercise together off the lead.

Unexpected expenses are to be reimbursed IMMEDIATELY. (For example; when insufficient pet food, cat litter or snacks are left requiring my purchasing intervention). If hosts can order online for supplies to be delivered, no worries, but not everyone has the facility for that.

If you're looking for an organised, clued-up, experienced, low-key, easy-going, caring, dependable, honest, green-fingered pet-lover; that would be me.

Do my principles mesh with yours?

Reviews (21)
This was our first experience of using housitters.co.uk and it couldn’t have been better. After chatting to Gary on WhatsApp we felt very comfortable using him as our housesitter and we weren’t disappointed. Our dog and cat were extremely well cared for. Alfie was taken for regular long walks twice a day and he even managed to win round our very shy and timid cat. Gary gave us regular updates and sent photos which was reassuring. The house was left in a pristine condition. The fridge was ... MORE
 
LIZ (Taunton England, Aug 2024 - 3 weeks)
Too kind. Sometimes I took him out 3 times a day, if we were dodging showers or it was just too lovely not to... Of course, I would be willing! I got some of the best exercise I have had in recent times. large dogs are a challenge, sure, but the payback is great. And with the weather being so hot I ... MORE
Gary is a very experienced sitter and this was of great reassurance to us for such a long sit. he communicated well with us before and during the sit so we knew what was happening and that everything was well. The dog and chickens were well looked after and this was the most important thing for us. The house was clean and tidy when we returned and a nice touch of fresh milk left in the fridge for us on our late return. Good job. Thanks very much.
 
NIALL (Swansea Wales, Oct 2024 - 1 month 1 week)
Could not have asked for more from Gary. From the moment of first contact we knew he was a well organised efficient sitter. Communication was great throughout, returned to a clean and tidy house and most importantly our dog Daisy was happy and well cared for. Gary sent regular updates and photos whilst we were away and it was clear Daisy adores him. Recommend 100% and look forward to return sit next year 😊
 
LORRAINE (Oreston England, Sep 2024 - 2 weeks 6 nights)
I was contacted by Gary after posting a last minute (ish) long weekend house sit to watch over our dog Sidney. From the moment we started communicating I felt comfortable as Gary has great attention to detail and is highly organised. Everything went really well as far as I can tell and we received a couple of pics and messages. Gary left our house spotless which is great to come home to after a really long drive and Sidney seemed happy to have had a new mate/playmate for a few days and even ... MORE
 
NICKI (Canterbury England, Aug 2024 - 3 nights)
Gary was a fantastic house sitter who was unphased by an unexpected poorly puppy. She had broken a leg only weeks before we left and Gary was wonderful in his care of her. The house was immaculate on our return and he was very good at communicating with us before we left and while we were away. We would definitely recommend him and hopefully use again. Five stars!
 
LUCINDA (Abinger Hammer England, Jul 2024 - 2 weeks 5 nights)
Gary was a great housesitter and clearly very experienced. On his punctual arrival the "handover" went really smoothly and we immediately felt that we were leaving house and elderly cat Leyla in safe hands. Communication was excellent throughout and he has a great sense of humour! We came back to a very contented cat and a house that was cleaner than when we left! Would we use Gary again if available and his busy housesitting calender allowed?... Without a doubt!!
 
THOMAS (North Waltham England, Jun 2024 - 1 week 3 nights)
We were so pleased that Gary responded to our request for a dog sitter. We’d left it a little late to advertise, but his availability fitted perfectly. Gary stayed in touch regularly prior to his arrival and suggested a zoom contact too which was just great. Gary is a warm, friendly, and very understanding guy. He is clearly a very qualified house sitter. Our Pooch and Gary got on really well. We received regular updates and photos which is such a comfort. We came back to an immaculate house, ... MORE
 
SHARON (Newton Abbot England, May 2024 - 3 weeks)
Gary communicated well, and gave us confidence about leaving in charge. He answered messages very quickly both before and during the sit. He sent us photos of the dog both out on walks and in the garden during the sit. When we returned home, the house was clean and tidy. Our only minor concerns were on our return when I had a last minute message as we were flying from Australia to say that he was leaving before we got home ( we had discussed at the start that he would stay for our return). We ... MORE
 
SUE (Crich England, Apr 2024 - 1 month 2 weeks)
Your misleading review doesn't match our WhatsApp msgs: Your ETA (home) changed, as per all your plans, after I arrived. I could've stayed 50 minutes more had you NOT already accepted my earlier departure (- even telling me where to put your key), I/WhatsApp also kept you fully informed of Meg's ... MORE
Gary was sn excellent house sitter. He kept in touch before and during the sit and sent great pics of the pets whilst I was away. He is obviously experienced is all aspects of house/pet sitting and an animal lover. I returned to a clean, tidy house and pets looking happy 😊. I would definitely ask Gary again to sit if he was available.
 
KIM (Hawkhurst England, Apr 2024 - 2 weeks 2 nights)
Thanks, Kim. I try my best. And it's a pleasure to sit for such lovely people. I would love to come again if my schedule and commitments allow. Take care, G
It was a pleasure to meet Gary and we left feeling confident that Dolly and Emilio would be well looked after. He kept us updated throughout the sit and we came back to happy dogs and a tidy house. We would be very happy to see him again.
 
MARILYN (Curry Rivel, Langport England, Mar 2024 - 3 nights)
Gary is a seasoned house sitter so everything was done very professionally. Communication was great, I knew exactly when Gary would arrive and was sent messages and photos of the dogs whilst I was away. It was only a very short sit, but everything went smoothly and the dogs seemed happy when I got home.
 
KATE (Ugborough England, Jan 2024 - 3 nights)
The positive review of me (above) is strongly at odds with the later criticism of me after reading my review of the sit. This is a pity. I think my meaning was misunderstood: Apologies. The dogs couldn't settle in the pub; that's all I meant. They were great to be with. Lovely temperament. Very ... MORE
Brilliant sitter. I'm very grateful to Gary. He kept in touch, sharing photos of my beloved dog. I really trust him and have booked him again. My house was immaculate on my return. Beyond the fantastic house sit Gary is also very entertaining and I enjoyed our communications.
 
ANGELA (Ipswich England, Dec 2023 - 4 weeks)
I like to leave the world as I find it - or better. Thanks for the Christmas decorations, too. Much appreciated.
Gary was excellent to deal with and made the process super easy. We never actually met due to timings but we had a couple of video calls and he liased with my mother and a friend for the 'handover'. I felt confident my home was in safe hands. I returned to clean house and happy dog :-)
 
BECKS (Tetbury England, Dec 2023 - 2 weeks 2 nights)
I totally mucked up my review: put N/A for everything after the first review didn't submit and I lost it all. Dang!
Gary came to sit our 3 small breed dogs for 2 weeks. He is a very affable chap and the dogs took to him straightaway. Gary kept in touch and sent pics of them on their walks and about any concerns he had. He left our home clean & tidy and we have already provisionally booked him to return. Honey, Mylo & Curly are looking forward to this
 
ANDREA (Porthcawl Wales, Nov 2023 - 2 weeks 2 nights)
We returned after three weeks away to a very clean and tidy house and a happy dog. Thank you to Gary for looking after Frodo (dog), and our old and idiosyncratic property. Communication was excellent from the initial advert, through to pre-arrival and efficient contact while we were away. We would be delighted for Gary to sit again.
 
MICHAEL (Chippenham England, Oct 2023 - 3 weeks)
That's very kind. My pleasure.
Gary was an excellent house-sitter. We were concerned that our timid cat, who sulks even when our daughter comes home to visit, would react negatively to his presence, but nothing could be further from the truth. He built up an excellent rapport with her right from the start, and he sent us regular messages and photos to show how well the two of them were getting on. It was a long house-sit (five months) and some issues did crop up during our absence, e.g. a faulty nozzle installed when our ... MORE
 
ISABEL (Stornoway Scotland, May 2023 - 5 months - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
This was our first experience of having a housesitter and we'd definitely do it again. Gary was patient and consistent with our rather unsettled dog and quickly won him round. We received photos and videos along with regular updates which put our minds at ease. We returned to a house just as we left it and a well-walked and contented dog. Gary also let us know he'd enjoyed his stay in our country cottage which pleased us (especially that he'd taken our son's advice to go owl spotting!). ... MORE
 
DIANA (Market Drayton England, Apr 2023 - 2 weeks 1 day)
Gary was a delightful sitter for our home and animals. He was so attentive and thoughtful and took wonderful care of our home and 3 dogs and cat. The dogs adored him and he really spoiled them with attention and exercise. He took such care of our home and the house was spotlessly clean and tidy when we got back. I didn’t even have to wash his bedding. He did it all. We felt as if he really cared about us, our home and our animals and he kept in touch with us through our trip which was ... MORE
 
GRAEME (Bristol England, Mar 2023 - 1 week 1 day)
Too kind: You cause one to blush. You guys made it very easy for me to have a successful visit. If I can help out again it would be fortuitous indeed: (I have a space next March after I finish in Dursley on March 13th 2024... wink, wink).
Gary looked after Rowan and sent us lots of pictures of their outings during his stay. He kindly took him to the vet when needed and we came home to a happy dog a clean house and a prepared meal so would recommend him to others
 
FRANCES (Inverness Scotland, Jan 2023 - 1 month 3 weeks)
Yes, I love to take photos. I love being with animals. Putting the two together is all my pleasure. Photos of pets living their best lives help to keep hosts relaxed while away. When Rowan wasn't himself I could tell straight away. The vet was skilled and knew just what to do. I do love a clean ... MORE
This was our first pet sit.Gary is a great communicator. It was reassuring to 'meet' him online before we made a decision about our pet sitter. Gary kept in touch and by the time we finally met in person I felt like I really knew him. It was as if we were leaving our home and pets in the care of a friend. Gary regularly updated us on our cats welfare whilst we were away. It was lovely to receive the photos and know that our pets were being loved and cared for so well. Just before we left for ... MORE
 
DENISE (Haverhill England, Sep 2022 - 2 months (in the end))
Kind words, indeed. Many thanks for making the stay comfortable, pleasurable and pleasant. And the time spent cleaning the cupboards was most appreciated. I would have stayed longer if I could. Folks ask why I don't charge, but I love the dynamic exactly the way it is. Mutually beneficial, ... MORE
Gary is our first foray into house-sitting and we are delighted so far. We can hardly believe how quickly he has bonded with our very timid cat. He obviously has a magic touch with pets and we are now calling him the 'cat-whisperer'. Communication prior to, and since, his arrival has been excellent and we are confident that things will continue in the same vein for the rest of his five-month stay. He is obviously well-travelled, adaptable and flexible.
 
ISABEL (Stornoway Scotland, May 2022 - 5 months - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Thanks so much for posting a review/feedback so soon. My wife actually calls me 'The Cat Whisperer'. I talk to all the animals I meet - even in the wild. That's really kind of you to say so, too. I'll send more photos and videos of Branwen whenever I get inundated by her presence - and have the ... MORE
 
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