Pet
and home owners gain new freedom using house sitters worldwide
NEWCASTLE, Australia, June 14, 2013 -- A
growing number of pet and home owners around the world are discovering the many
benefits of using non-paid house sitters. The number of house sitting companies
and websites has grown rapidly in recent years as home owners look for better
solutions and travelers seek richer experiences with lower costs.
Pet and home owners everywhere have always faced
the same challenge when they travel – how to care for their homes and beloved
pets. Many pet owners never travel because they refuse to leave their pets in
the care of others, while many other pet owners use house sitters to allow them
to travel with less worry, expense and effort.
Since pets are often considered members of
the family, kennel boarding is not an option for most pet owners, who won’t
subject their loved ones to a caged stay of any duration. Bringing pets along
for travel is often not realistic, especially when there are old, large, or
multiple pets involved.
“We have not put our two pets in a kennel for many years,”
says Nancy and Jerry Kamens of Arlington, Virginia, who now use house sitters. “Our dog
does much better at home in familiar surroundings.”
“I would not be able to travel if I had no-one to come to
my home to care for my pets,” says R. Guttman of Chicago, Illinois. “My
cats have never been out of the house and one is claustrophobic and cannot be
in a cage.”
Animal experts also see the benefits. “Dogs
are creatures of habit and are very emotionally connected to their home
environment,” says Francine Miller, a canine behavior specialist. “It is always
preferable to keep them in their home environment and in their normal routine
to minimize stress.”
Guttman and the Kamens are among the nearly 50,000 home
owners registered on www.housecarers.com, which has been
matching home owners and sitters since 2000. These owners are part of a large
and growing segment of home owners enjoying the care and cost advantages of
using pet-loving house sitters, who care for homes, pets, and even larger
animals such as horses and llamas. Sometimes they care for injured or dying
pets and help avert robberies and home disasters related to gas leaks, power
outages, etc.
“The popularity of housesitting is growing
rapidly and the demand for housesits is often greater than the supply,” says
Ian White, the founder and owner of HouseCarers. “Many house sitting websites
have popped up recently, but the key is to create a secure environment for both
parties to make a personalized match.”
House sitters on housecarers.com receive no money for
caring for homes, only accommodation. Home owners on the site pay no fees at
all to connect with sitters.
“Housesitting is all about mutual benefit,” adds White.
“And making new friends from around the world.”
Contact: Darren Ballegeer, APR
darren@ballegeer.net