Latest news with #TrustedHousesitters
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
'I'm a vet - you should leave your dirty laundry behind for your pet when you travel'
If you're pet can't make it on this year's holiday, this tip can help their well-being Many Scots heading on holidays this summer will want to leave the house spick and span for their return. After all, deep cleaning the house means you don't need to worry about catching up on chores straight off the plane. However, pet owners should maybe think twice about leaving no mess behind them before they leave for the airport. In fact, vets have issued surprising advice for dog and cat parents - leave your dirty laundry behind. As 36 per cent of Brits say they're planning more holidays in 2025 than last year, owners are already counting down to their getaways. But what if the key to a calm pet while you're away is leaving your house a little messy? New research from TrustedHousesitters reveals that more than half of UK pet owners worry their pets feel abandoned when they travel. But vets say small steps – like leaving familiar smells around the home – can make a surprisingly big difference to pets' happiness and wellbeing. "Everyone likes their home comforts - pets included," Dr Rebecca MacMillan explains. "Pets thrive on familiarity and routine; it helps them to feel secure. Staying in an environment where they already feel safe will often mean they cope better when their owner is gone." Dr MacMillan adds that pets take comfort from having the smell of their owner around, plus their own pheromones which they will have marked around the home. "Even small sounds like the ticking of the kitchen clock or hearing the hum of the boiler starting up in the morning will be cues that your pet associates with their home," she went on. "Owners should still leave a clean, welcoming home for any sitter, family, or friend coming to watch pets. But when it comes to helping furry friends feel secure, leaving a few familiar items with your scent can make a big difference." Vet-approved ways to help your pet stay happy while you travel Dr MacMillan recommends these simple yet effective approaches for pet owners heading off on holiday. Don't deep clean before you go "Consider leaving a couple of items of clothing that you have worn for them to smell and snuggle with," Dr MacMillan explained. "This will help them to feel comforted in your absence." "Leaving your pet's bedding, toys, and even some clothes destined for the laundry basket around can help them feel connected to you." Keep routines as normal as possible Ask your sitter to stick to your pet's usual feeding times, walk times, and sleep schedule. "Keeping your pet in a routine as close to their normal one as possible will help them to feel more settled," advises Dr MacMillan. Use calming aids if needed Consider using a synthetic pet pheromone product to help act as an additional calming agent in their environment. "Plug-in diffusers are available, or you could use an impregnated collar or food supplement," suggests Dr MacMillan. If adding to your pet's diet, make sure to consult your vet first. Brief your sitter properly "Leave your sitter with plenty of instructions so that they understand your pet's daily schedule, likes and dislikes," says Dr MacMillan. "Creating a simple welcome guide with all essential information helps your sitter provide the best care possible. Include emergency contact numbers and your pet's medication schedule if applicable. "Feeding instructions, and notes about your pet's favourite spots, habits and any little quirks that make a difference day-to-day should also be noted." Minimise disruption Try not to make big changes like moving furniture or changing pet beds right before you leave. "Even if it feels messy to you, it'll likely be comforting for your pet until you return," Dr MacMillan added. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
I live in some of the world's most expensive cities for free — here's my hack for not paying any rent or bills
A young couple recently revealed their secret to living rent-free for three months while traveling across Australia, and their little-known hack is going viral on TikTok. In the video, the woman, Esmae Lewis, explained how she and her boyfriend managed to avoid paying rent, bills, and even Wi-Fi and air conditioning costs during their travels. 'We didn't spend a single dollar,' she claimed. The pair said they wanted to live in Australia, as it's such a 'beautiful country with great weather'. However, she quickly realized it also has a high cost of living, pricey food, drinks, gyms, and hostels, which aren't always ideal for couples. 3 Esmae Lewis and her boyfriend don't pay rent by housesitting. TikTok/@esmaelewis So, they found a platform called Trusted Housesitters, where people can look after homeowners' pets and properties in exchange for free accommodation. 'We landed every sit we applied for,' she said, before sharing tips to help others succeed on the platform. These included creating a detailed profile that showcases personality and experience, asking friends and family for initial reviews, personalizing each application by referencing the pets and their quirks, and focusing on care and connection with the pets rather than the location perks. Lewis also recommended offering video calls or meetups to build trust with homeowners. The concept of house sitting is not a new one. Sitters care for pets, maintain gardens, keep homes clean and safe, and sometimes handle mail or deliveries, all in exchange for rent-free living. 3 Lewis also recommended offering video calls or meetups to build trust with homeowners. TikTok/@esmaelewis This benefits both parties as homeowners get peace of mind while away, and sitters enjoy free accommodation. Commenters loved the idea, with one saying, 'Love love loveeee this! I've had my eye on signing up and starting this'. 'This is such a cool idea!' and 'Love house-sitting!!! Such solid tips,' read other comments. 'I want to do this!' admitted a fourth. 3 Lewis said she made the annual membership fee back in a couple of days just by not having to pay any rent. TikTok/@esmaelewis 'This is so useful,' said a fifth, as someone else mentioned they live in Australia already but are keen to give this a go. 'This is goals,' another TikToker declared. House-sitting platforms like Trusted Housesitters and Aussie House Sitters have grown in popularity in recent years, offering thousands of opportunities across Australia. These services often require a membership fee but provide a trusted community and support to ensure both sitters and homeowners feel secure in the arrangement. Lewis said she made the annual membership fee back in a couple of days just by not having to pay any rent.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Young couple reveal how they lived rent-free in Australia for three months
A young couple recently revealed their secret to living rent-free for three months while travelling across Australia, and their little-known hack is going viral on TikTok. In the video, the woman, Esmae Lewis, explained how she and her boyfriend managed to avoid paying rent, bills, and even Wi-Fi and air conditioning costs during their travels. 'We didn't spend a single dollar,' she claimed. The pair said knew they wanted to live in Australia, as it's such a 'beautiful country with great weather'. However, she quickly realised it also has a high cost of living, pricey food, drinks, gyms, and hostels, which aren't always ideal for couples. So, they found a platform called Trusted Housesitters, where people can look after homeowners' pets and properties in exchange for free accommodation. 'We landed every sit we applied for,' she said, before sharing tips to help others succeed on the platform. These included creating a detailed profile that showcases personality and experience, asking friends and family for initial reviews, personalising each application by referencing the pets and their quirks, and focusing on care and connection with the pets rather than the location perks. Ms Lewis also recommended offering video calls or meetups to build trust with homeowners. The concept of house sitting is not a new one. Sitters care for pets, maintain gardens, keep homes clean and safe, and sometimes handle mail or deliveries, all in exchange for rent-free living. This benefits both parties as homeowners get peace of mind while away, and sitters enjoy free accommodation. Commenters loved the idea, with one saying, 'Love love loveeee this! I've had my eye on signing up and starting this'. 'This is such a cool idea!' and 'Love house-sitting!!! Such solid tips,' read other comments. 'I want to do this!' admitted a fourth. 'This is so useful,' said a fifth, as someone else mentioned they live in Australia already but are keen to give this a go. 'This is goals,' another TikToker declared. House-sitting platforms like Trusted Housesitters and Aussie House Sitters have grown in popularity in recent years, offering thousands of opportunities across Australia. These services often require a membership fee but provide a trusted community and support to ensure both sitters and homeowners feel secure in the arrangement. Ms Lewis said she made the annual membership fee back in a couple of days just by not having to pay any rent.
The South African
5 days ago
- The South African
A vet reveals why a 'little mess' can help keep your pet happy
With travel on the rise again, many people across the globe are planning their next adventure – and pet owners are no exception, eager to ensure a happy pet while they're away. People always plan to travel. And whether you're based in London, Lagos, Cape Town, or Calgary, one thing remains constant: the emotional bond between people and their pets. For many animal lovers, that excitement about a well-earned getaway is tempered by a nagging worry – how will my pet cope when I'm gone? According to new research from TrustedHousesitters, more than half (53%) of UK pet owners worry that their animals feel abandoned when they travel. But veterinary experts say there are simple, science-backed steps that pet owners anywhere in the world can take to help their furry companions feel safe, secure, and loved – even in their absence. 'Everyone likes their home comforts, pets included!' says Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, a UK-based vet. 'Pets thrive on familiarity and routine. It helps them feel secure. Staying in an environment where they already feel safe will often mean they cope better when their owner is gone.' Dr. MacMillan explains that familiar smells – especially those of their owner – can go a long way toward helping pets feel calm. Pets are also attuned to small, everyday sounds like the ticking of a clock or the hum of the boiler. These cues remind them that their environment is still 'home.' While it's important to prepare a clean and comfortable space for sitters, friends, or family watching your pet, experts recommend leaving a few well-loved items behind to keep your pet grounded and calm. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a two-week tropical escape, here are five simple yet effective tips from Dr. MacMillan to help ensure your pet's emotional well-being while you're gone: Avoid deep-cleaning everything before you leave. 'Leave an item or two of unwashed clothing for your pet to snuggle with,' advises Dr. MacMillan. 'Pets take comfort in their owner's scent.' Their bedding, favourite toys, and even laundry-bound items can help them feel close to you. Ask your pet sitter to keep meal times, walks, and bedtime as close to your pet's normal schedule as possible. Predictability gives pets a sense of control and safety. For pets prone to anxiety, synthetic pheromone products can help. Plug-in diffusers, collars, or calming supplements may ease stress. However, always check with your vet before introducing anything new into your pet's diet. Leave clear instructions for your sitter, including your pet's schedule, medical needs, favourite hiding spots, and quirks. Emergency contacts and vet info are a must. A well-briefed sitter is a confident one – and that translates into calmer care for your pet. Try not to rearrange furniture, switch pet beds, or introduce new environments right before departure. 'Even if it seems a bit untidy to us, pets find comfort in their familiar surroundings,' Dr. MacMillan says. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- News.com.au
Australian woman Madolline Gourley reveals how being ‘refused' at the US border has changed her life
An Australian woman who was rejected at the US border and put on the first flight back to Brisbane says the ordeal has been life-changing in the worst possible way ever since. In 2022, Queenslander Madolline Gourley arrived to the always-chaotic Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a flight in from Brisbane. Ms Gourley revealed to at the time — almost three years ago — she was detained while passing through the international terminal on June 30, 2022 — claiming officials were suspicious about her intention to house-sit while holidaying in Canada. After an interrogation barely five hours after arriving to the US, Ms Gourley was told she was being denied entry and would be sent back to Brisbane on the next available flight. The reason? According to officials, she had breached the conditions of the visa waiver program. Ms Gourley had made the mistake of attempting to enter the US (and onwards to Canada) on a tourist visa. But given she had intended to house-and pet-sit through websites like TrustedHousesitters to cut accommodation costs, this was deemed as a breach. The US Customs and Border Protection said the visa waiver program prohibited applicants from engaging 'in any type of employment' or receiving 'compensation for services rendered'. This includes house-sitting services in exchange for free accommodation. The CBP spokesperson said it took 'allegations of unprofessional behaviour seriously'. Following her detention, Ms Gourley made headlines around the world after speaking out about the interrogation experience — including the moment she was patted down by US immigration officials and even asked whether she was pregnant or had recently had an abortion. Ms Gourley at the time explained to the ordeal went from 'one disaster to the next' but three years later, the now 35-year-old said the refusal has plagued her travels and attempts at entering foreign countries around the world ever since. Speaking to from Brisbane, Ms Gourley said her most recent venture across the ditch to New Zealand was met with questioning from immigration and even having her passport blocked before she'd left Australian soil. While filling out her New Zealand Electronic Travel Declaration for a trip in April, she was met with the single question about previously being deported or refused entry to a country. 'I mulled on the question before answering, but always say yes to whether I have been deported or refused entry,' she said. 'The frustration is that the question doesn't break it down [whether a person was deported or refused] … it's just a very broad question, so when I do answer 'yes' to it, immigration doesn't know if it's a 'yes' to being deported, or a yes to being refused.' Upon arrival for her trip to Auckland, Ms Gourley said she was unable to check-in for her flights from Brisbane airport because she had answered 'yes' to the entry declaration's question: 'Have you been deported, removed, barred or refused entry to another country?' 'A Qantas staff member had to call New Zealand Immigration and I was asked several questions before the officer went to discuss my situation with his colleague,' she explained. 'The passport block was lifted and I was able to check-in and travel, but all of this happened before I'd even left Australia at Brisbane Airport. 'Being deported, removed or barred makes a traveller ineligible to enter New Zealand. But as I was only refused entry, I was permitted to enter, but not without having to explain what happened at length. 'I left [doing the declaration] until the last minute, because I knew I had to answer that particular question and it made me very nervous. I knew I should be OK to enter, but with this — I never really know if I will be OK.' Ms Gourley said because anyone deported, removed or rejected from another country has stronger barricades in place for entry into Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada — she expects this will be an issue for life. And for those who think she should simply tell a lie on the form, there's a stamp on her passport that says she was refused entry. 'My understanding is this will always happen … So while I was prepared for this, I was prepared for it to happen in New Zealand … not before I'd even checked in to Brisbane airport and left Australia,' she said. 'Travel comes with anxiety for me now. I didn't expect all this drama at Brisbane airport … I expected it once I got to Auckland. So it was even more anxiety causing because I hadn't even left the country and I was potentially being told no.' Ms Gourley said despite this refusal from the US for having the wrong visa, and the subsequent havoc that has caused for other international trips — it has not deterred her from seeing the world. 'It's not turned me off travelling, because not every country asks that question on the incoming passenger declaration,' she said, 'I do know you need a work visa … I have learnt my lesson so with that … but for it to follow me for the rest of my life without having broken laws in those countries [I am intending to visit] is a bit excessive. 'My record will never leave the US immigrations records and it will always be there. As long as you get that question on the declaration, I will always answer it truthfully'.
