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Gold (24mths)
House Sitting Preferences
  • Dog(s), Cat(s), Fish, Bird(s), Rabbit(s)/Guinea Pig(s), Chickens/Ducks/Geese, Reptile(s), Farm Animals, Horse(s)
Preferred Locations
  • Anywhere in the United Kingdom
Availability
  • NEXT 6 MONTHS    
    Available    
    Unavailable
    Dec
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
  • 2024: 17 Dec - 17 Jan 2025 | 2025: 23 Feb - 27 Mar

Pets' responsible friend

30,

Hi!

I work remotely as a scientist, and enjoy the company of animals, so I look for opportunities to spend time with them while visiting different locations around Britain. I have lived with various pets for most of my life, and connecting with animals comes to me quite naturally. Earning the sympathy and trust of a pet that has not known me before is what I find most rewarding.

Enjoying each other's company is only one side of the relationship, though, the other one being the role of the responsible adult - hard as it may be for me, I will not 'spoil' your pet by giving in to those wishes that you would not grant yourself. So for example, if your pet is on a diet, you can count on me to stick to it, because the health and well-being of the pets entrusted in my care is always my priority. But I make up for any discipline you may require with lots of attention and affection, making sure they are as happy as they can be while you're away.

I believe that pets need stability, especially when separated from their owner, and my flexible working hours allow me to both maintain your established routine, for example with respect to the timing of meals or exercise, as well as to spontaneously react to needs as they arise, taking breaks for playing, etc. Aside from following specific instructions, I generally just listen to what my new pet friend is trying to signal, and respect their autonomy.

Overall, I am a rather quiet and private person, with little need for socialising. I respect private property and associated boundaries, don't smoke, and like to keep my surroundings clean and orderly (even though with animals, this sometimes means maintaining a rather dynamic equilibrium).

Following precise instructions is my second nature (especially with plant care), but I use initiative when needed. Under unpredictable circumstances, or in case of emergency, I can administer first aid, calm down and evacuate the pet (incl. horses), arrange and oversee a veterinary consult, etc. I can also administer routine injections if required. I do not currently have a car, however I do have a driving licence and could take out temporary insurance coverage if needed.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch, even if you are not sure about making the decision, or don't yet know the exact dates - I'm very open-minded, and can sometimes come on short notice. I am also open to discussing staying when you are living in - for instance, in case you need frequent but occasional sitting, interspersed over a longer period, or if you would prefer to get to know each other better before leaving (though I don't usually stay for more than one extra night). I generally aim for sits of about 1-2 months in duration, but sometimes I can make an exception, depending on exact dates, travel cost, etc.

I can provide more personal details and answer questions directly, including details of previous experience, and would be very open to videochatting over WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.

All the best!
Jan

Reviews (21)
This is the second time Jan has sat for us and on both occasions he has been absolutely brilliant. He is so conscientious and communication with him is great. He sent us lots of photos and videos of Boo, our cat. Both Boo and the house were really well looked after. I think Boo misses him. I have no hesitation in recommending Jan and look forward to having him sit for us again.
 
JUNE & ADRIAN (Edinburgh Scotland, Oct 2024 - 1 month 3 weeks - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Jan was a fantastic sitter who looked after my two cats for three weeks. He made sure to find out all about the boys' routines and what they needed so that he could make it a good experience for them. He kept in touch regularly with updates and photos, and it was a big relief to know that they were being well cared for, especially as I had never left them for so long before! I came back to two very happy cats who had obviously enjoyed having him around. I can wholeheartedly recommend Jan as a ... MORE
 
ELEANOR (Glasgow Scotland, Sep 2024 - 3 weeks)
Jan did a wonderful job watching my rabbit (Franklin) and kitten (Theo) and was a pleasure to have in my home. He listened to all my concerns about their well-being and worked hard to make sure their care needs were met. He treated my boys and home as if they were his own and provided updated whenever I requested them.
 
CATHERINE (Newcastle England, Aug 2024 - 3 weeks)
We left Jan in charge of two dachshunds (both 13) for 7 weeks...The dogs simply adored him, and the arthritic one is now moving brilliantly because Jan asked permission to experiment with his medication dosage... Jan understands the balance between authority and affection: they're more obedient now, as well!... Our house was left breathtakingly immaculate - better than the hired cleaners!!... Jan also reported a spammer asking for access: the Residents Association was grateful to me/him... ... MORE
 
ALICE (Orpington England, May 2024 - 1 month 3 weeks)
Jan's communication, upkeep of the property and mostly his care for our dogs was fantastic. Having never used a pet/house sitter before we were a little apprehensive however, having spoken to Jan we were instantly reassured. We received regular updates and on our return the house was even cleaner than how we'd left it. Would definitely have him back if available in the future! Thanks again Jan
 
TOM (Cardiff Wales, May 2024 - 3 weeks)
Simply fabulous ! If Jan offers, accept! Highly trustworthy putting the needs of your pets before his own . Wilbur enjoyed lots of walks and play and loved Jan. Lots of videos and photos - and kept me well updated Supertastic!
 
M (Richmond England, Apr 2024 - 3 weeks)
Jan is the ideal house sitter. We were lucky enough to meet him before we left for our trip. Boo, our cat took to him straight away. Jan is a bit of a cat whisperer I think, and was very inventive at coming up with new ways to entertain Boo, Communication throughout was excellent and Jan sent us lots of photos and videos of Boo. He was also really good at keeping us informed of all the little things around the flat and he dealt with everything we had forgotten to do before we left! He ... MORE
 
JUNE & ADRIAN (Edinburgh Scotland, Feb 2024 - 1 month 1 week - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Jan was an excellent housesitter from the beginning of the process to the end. Honest, trustworthy and with a genuine concern for my cats. He kept me up to date with good photographs and notified me of any little changes he had noticed in their behaviour. The house was left in an excellent condition too and the cats were chilled and happy when I returned. Cannot recommend him highly enough and I hope he found the house a peaceful and comfortable place to continue his studies. Thank you, ... MORE
 
ALEXANDRA (Pudsey England, Nov 2023 - 4 weeks)
Jan is sincerely the most reliable person! I cannot recommend him enough! He communicated with me regularly, watered the plants and the house was immaculately clean on our return. Mr Fluffy was happy, well looked after and had his daily brushes. Jan is the sweetest, kindest person ever and I'm looking forward to having him house sit in the future. Nothing but praise! He loves animals and is very respectful! Thank you for everything Jan, keep being amazing! Our door is always open for you and ... MORE
 
KRISTINA (Ipswich England, Sep 2023 - 1 month)
I can't recommend Jan enough - he is a fantastic flat and cat sitter, taking great care of our home and our two cats. Jan made sure that he was looking after our cats how we wanted - taking care to maintain their routines and arrangements - and kept us well informed about their wellbeing and their day. Jan is conscientious, friendly, and communicative, and is a really nice, interesting guy too! Its been a pleasure to get to know him, and I hope he'll come and sit for us again one day.
 
KAREN (London England, Aug 2023 - 1 week 2 nights)
Reliable, responsible, and took great care of Dougal and our home, despite the train strikes making him arrive late the evening before we left. Jan was the epitome a good guest and sitter, which is why I was more than happy to have him stay longer. Dougal loved him, and even Ollie the neighbour's dog was also partial to him despite Jan respecting the 'not too many treats' rule. Jan even had to contend with his ensuite shower not working from day 2, but he did this with good grace and made ... MORE
 
PAM (Aberdeen Scotland, Jul 2023 - 1 week 4 nights)
We feel so lucky that Jan agreed to housesit for us: our plants and Izzie thrived under his care and attention. We were particularly grateful because Izzie had suffered an attack from our other cat (banished elsewhere incase he launched a fresh offensive) and Jan was extremely attentive in checking on her wound and her well-being. Jan appeared is a better plant-owner than me as he managed to revive my wilting poinsettia and lovingly tended to an ailing succulent. In response to our invasion of ... MORE
 
HELEN (Belfast Northern Ireland, Jul 2023 - 2 weeks 2 days)
Jan has been from the outset an absolute treasure. My husband and I bonded with him straight away. Mia, our cat, loved Jan and treated him like a member of the family. He clearly has a gift for communicating with animals and allows them trust him. Jan is conscientious and committed to provide the very best care not only for our pet but also for our home and garden, He was concerned about the appropriate care for our quite demanding garden and checked with us on regular basis when questions ... MORE
 
GABRIELLE AND TONY (Bingley England, May 2023 - 4 weeks)
We never met Jan in person, which was disappointing but suited us tired travellers, but we would have been delighted to spend some time with him and to get to know him a little. His communications were detailed throughout, and he took his responsibilities very seriously, so when we returned the house was spotless, the dog was properly tired after another busy day and the plants were smiling. He always asked if he was in doubt and managed well when unexpected events occurred (thunder followed ... MORE
 
BILL (Penzance England, Apr 2023 - 2 weeks 5 days)
Perfect Housesitter, attentive to details and follows instructions really well. Jan was really cautious to do everything the way we would do it / want it to be done, be it house care or pet care. Our little bunny Dottie was really happy in his company, her habitat was kept really clean and it seems like Jan was with her a lot which is something we appreciated even though Jan knew that she could be left on her own too. Throughout his stay, Jan made sure to communicate about everything that ... MORE
 
CECILE (London England, Mar 2023 - 1 week 2 days)
What can I say? Jan was just the perfect guest and house-sitter. He was wonderful with the animals, giving them their medication and seeing to Brandy's 'little and often' feeding requirements. I'm new to this (my late wife used to handle house-sitter bookings), but he talked me through the house-sitting protocols in a Zoom call pre-arrival. His communications are first-rate: he sent pictures of the animals and of my accumulating mail - even every page of the Private Eye I would otherwise ... MORE
 
IAN (Edinburgh Scotland, Feb 2023 - 2 weeks 2 days)
Jan was perfect in every way and someone I 100% recommend. Not only a wonderful house and cat sitter who respected the house and left it beautifully clean and the cats extremely relaxed and happy, Jan was a joy to communicate with. What started as a bit of WhatsApp chat turned into a fun and stimulating virtual conversation with lots of delightful photos, videos and comments. I would definitely have Jan again if possible and absolutely think you would be lucky to have Jan housesit. Very ... MORE
 
PAULA (Alverstoke England, Jan 2023 - 1 week 1 day)
Jan was exceptionally communicative and easy to arrange things with even with my crazy schedule. He is dedicated to pet care and was providing me updates on Tom regularly which is so important and just what I was looking for. The flat was left exceptionally tidy and even when my boiler decided to trip, Jan was patient and understanding and not just communicated but also facilitated an engineer visit the very next day. You would be hard pressed to find more diligent and trusted sitter - or ... MORE
 
TANIA (London England, Jan 2023 - 2 weeks)
Jan is a most interesting and also very likeable person, who brings an unusual intelligence (and wide-ranging education) to the table. He is absolutely scrupulous; extremely conscientious. He will go the extra mile (and then some) to do the best he can for your pet, your home. He was very gentle and caring with my dog from the outset, then also nursed him assiduously through a viral illness that occurred unexpectedly in my absence. To boot, he left the house extremely clean and tidy. He's from ... MORE
 
SARAH (Steyning England, Dec 2022 - 6 days)
Jan was a fantastic sitter for our 3 animals! Our little dog Bella responded really well to Jan's gentle training and was crate trained by the time we came back! The house was spotless on our return, Jan looked after our home like it was his own. Communication was extremely thorough, Jan asked lots of questions and sent us lots of updates. Thank you Jan! We would love to have you back anytime.
 
MELANIE (Epsom England, Oct 2022 - 2 weeks 4 days)
When the sit was confirmed Jan told copious notes on what was required. He came to our house the night before and made sure that he understood everything he needed to do. He was very helpful even to the extent of helping to load our cases in the car. Jan looked after our 2 elderly cats , 2 chickens and a tortoise extremely well. He rang our daughter when he felt there was a problem with one of the cats and this situation was resolved. He kept the house clean and tidy and even had a meal waiting ... MORE
 
FRANCES (Rhyl Wales, Aug 2022 - 1 week 6 days)
 
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