Latest news with #TrustedHousesitters
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The 5 steps vets take before leaving their dogs at home when on holiday & why you should NEVER deep clean beforehand
Read on for more tips to keep your pooch comfortable while you holiday RUFF CROWD The 5 steps vets take before leaving their dogs at home when on holiday & why you should NEVER deep clean beforehand WHILE we all love our furry friends, trying to go on holiday without disturbing their routine can become a nightmare. But if you're lucky enough to know someone who can house and dog-sit at the same time, it can make life a little easier. Advertisement 2 Here's how to keep your dog relaxed while enjoying your summer holiday Credit: Getty 2 Giving the house a deep clean before headng off is a bad idea Credit: Getty With many Brits going abroad this summer, if they're not in kennels, most dogs will be left at home with a selfless friend keeping watch. But a study by TrustedHousesitters still reveals that more than half (53%) of UK pet owners worry their pets feel abandoned when they travel. But vets have provided owners with some reassuring advice say and have given few small steps that can help them stay calm and happy while you're gone. Dr. Rebecca MacMillan says: "Everyone likes their home comforts, pets included!" Advertisement "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." The vet said that dogs feel comfort having the smell of their owners around as well as other small markers that signal they're in a safe environment. She added: "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." Advertisement Here, the vet reveals five ways to keep your animals as happy as possible while you're away. Claire Byrne shares bizarre way she calms down her dog live on air KEEP ROUTINES If you're lucky enough to have a sitter staying at your house while you're away, you want to make sure they keep to your usual routine as much as possible. That includes sticking to their 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. Advertisement KEEPING CALM To help keep dogs calm while you're away, 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. THE DEBRIEF Before you leave the country, Dr. MacMillan says you must give your sitter a proper debrief. Advertisement "Make sure that you leave your sitter with plenty of instructions so that they understand your pet's daily schedule, likes and dislikes," adds Dr. MacMillan. She suggests creating a simple welcome guide with all essential information helps your sitter provide the best care possible. Include emergency contact numbers (your vet, a trusted neighbour, and your own travel contact details), 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. FRESHEN UP When you're getting your house ready to leave, it can be tempting to move furniture or change pet bedding so you come home to a fresh space. Advertisement But the vet says this can cause big problems for your dog. Sudden, big changes can be difficult for them to deal with, especially if you aren't around. She advises you to wait until you're back if you want a freshen up. DEEP CLEAN Again, it's always tempting to give your house a deep clean before going on holiday, but it can cause problems for your furry friend. Advertisement Cleaning the house and laundry can get rid of your scent, making them feel more anxious. "Consider leaving a couple of items of clothing that you have worn for them to smell and snuggle with. This will help them to feel comforted in your absence," says Dr. MacMillan. Leaving your pet's bedding, toys, and even some clothes destined for the laundry basket around can help them feel connected to you. Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, agrees: "We've found that both pets and owners are happiest when pets can stay in their own home. Advertisement "It's less stressful for the animal, and gives owners real peace of mind knowing their pet is relaxed and well cared for. It's all about keeping that sense of normality even while you're off enjoying your holiday."
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 5 steps vets take before leaving their dogs at home when on holiday & why you should NEVER deep clean beforehand
WHILE we all love our furry friends, trying to go on holiday without disturbing their routine can become a nightmare. But if you're lucky enough to know someone who can house and dog-sit at the same time, it can make life a little easier. 2 2 With many Brits going abroad this summer, if they're not in kennels, most dogs will be left at home with a selfless friend keeping watch. But a study by TrustedHousesitters still reveals that more than half (53%) of UK pet owners worry their pets feel abandoned when they travel. But vets have provided owners with some reassuring advice say and have given few small steps that can help them stay calm and happy while you're gone. Dr. Rebecca MacMillan says: "Everyone likes their home comforts, pets included!" "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." The vet said that dogs feel comfort having the smell of their owners around as well as other small markers that signal they're in a safe environment. She added: "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." Here, the vet reveals five ways to keep your animals as happy as possible while you're away. Claire Byrne shares bizarre way she calms down her dog live on air KEEP ROUTINES If you're lucky enough to have a sitter staying at your house while you're away, you want to make sure they keep to your usual routine as much as possible. That includes sticking to their 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. KEEPING CALM To help keep dogs calm while you're away, 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. THE DEBRIEF Before you leave the country, Dr. MacMillan says you must give your sitter a proper debrief. "Make sure that you leave your sitter with plenty of instructions so that they understand your pet's daily schedule, likes and dislikes," adds Dr. MacMillan. She suggests creating a simple welcome guide with all essential information helps your sitter provide the best care possible. Include emergency contact numbers (your vet, a trusted neighbour, and your own travel contact details), 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. FRESHEN UP When you're getting your house ready to leave, it can be tempting to move furniture or change pet bedding so you come home to a fresh space. But the vet says this can cause big problems for your dog. Sudden, big changes can be difficult for them to deal with, especially if you aren't around. She advises you to wait until you're back if you want a freshen up. DEEP CLEAN Again, it's always tempting to give your house a deep clean before going on holiday, but it can cause problems for your furry friend. Cleaning the house and laundry can get rid of your scent, making them feel more anxious. "Consider leaving a couple of items of clothing that you have worn for them to smell and snuggle with. This will help them to feel comforted in your absence," says Dr. MacMillan. Leaving your pet's bedding, toys, and even some clothes destined for the laundry basket around can help them feel connected to you. Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, agrees: "We've found that both pets and owners are happiest when pets can stay in their own home. "It's less stressful for the animal, and gives owners real peace of mind knowing their pet is relaxed and well cared for. It's all about keeping that sense of normality even while you're off enjoying your holiday."
North Wales Live
02-08-2025
- North Wales Live
'Lifesaver' app helps pet owners and travellers 'save a ton of money'
Over half of pet owners have reduced their frequency of travel since getting a furry friend, according to research. Plus, for those who can bring their pets on holidays, 57% try and make their trip as pet-friendly as possible by booking accommodation that suits both them and their pooch. Juggling pet ownership when there's that itch to travel is a common issue that leaves many people feeling guilty. When it's not possible to bring the pet along, the thought of leaving them in an unfamiliar environment is stressful for both parties. The concern surrounding separation anxiety and wellbeing is also strong. Nearly half (49%) of pet owners admit to worrying more about their pet's wellbeing than focusing on their own holiday enjoyment. And a third of pet parents have been reported to have spent a significant portion of their holiday checking up on their pets or video calling their sitters. However, there is an app where the ideal situation plays out: jet off on holiday, confident that your pets are safe and comfortable at home. TrustedHousesitters is an app that offers a guilt-free holiday solution for pet owners as well as travel opportunities for potential sitters. For new members, they're offering a discount on annual memberships with the code THS20SC until 30th September - terms and conditions apply. The app provides pet owners with the opportunity to travel worry-free, knowing their pets are being cared for at home by a verified sitter. A one-year membership fee for a sitter starts at £79.20 with the current discount offer, reports the Mirror. Pet parent memberships typically start at £119, but with a discount code it becomes even more affordable. Once registered, pet parents can accommodate as many sitters as required throughout the year. The platform is simply designed, making it easy to use. Pet owners can begin browsing for free before choosing a membership plan - basic, standard or premium. Rather than charging for their services, sitters offer pet care in return for accommodation during their travels. This gives pet parents the chance to go on holiday safe in the knowledge their furry friends are taken care of by verified sitters. For sitters, who must be over 21, it provides an economical way to travel. Without the added hotel accommodation costs, an annual membership on TrustedHousesitters grants unlimited pet sitting stays in homes worldwide. It's important to note that house sitting may be deemed work in some countries, and sitters might therefore require a visa before travelling. Potential sitters should verify a country's travel regulations before agreeing to house-sit. There are other platforms offering similar services that pet owners might also consider. For instance, Rover, an app and website that links dog and cat parents with pet sitters and dog walkers in neighbourhoods across the UK, US, Canada and Europe. Another option for dog lovers is Borrow My Doggy, a service that pairs dog owners with verified local borrowers for walks, weekends, and even overnight stays. Interested parties can register at no cost and have the choice to opt for premium memberships if they wish. TrustedHousesitters has garnered an impressive reputation on Trustpilot, securing a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from more than 21,000 reviews. One pleased pet owner shared their experience and said: "My family and I love the benefits of TrustedHousesitters! Nearly every holiday since joining has been as a sitter. We even sat for a month when we moved to a new city to have time to get to know the neighbourhoods and research where we wanted to live before signing a long-term lease or buying." Another member commented: "Since joining TrustedHousesitters, we are slowly but surely spreading our wings into new adventures. Not only meeting lovely people and their pets, but getting to explore parts of the UK we have traditionally driven through en route to somewhere else and commented, 'isn't this lovely! We really should come back'. "Now we're starting to spend a few days in the many treasures dotted around. And all done with an old favourite of mornings, afternoons and evenings filled with furry cuddles. Our latest trip to Hampshire has been wonderful. Two wonderful dogs, equally wonderful hosts and a gorgeous part of the world to explore." Another user said how the app was a 'life saver', explaining: "Finding this site a year ago was a lifesaver. We have had a number of sitters and all have proven reliable, trustworthy and efficient. It has freed my wife and me up to do so much travelling that would otherwise have been impossible." The only issues some users have pointed out are regarding the website. One TrustedHousesitters user gave a four star review that noted: "The app is definitely better than the website, which is not as intuitive as it could be." Highlighting this, someone else added: "The app has been so straightforward and easy to use. The saved searches have led us to stays that fit exactly what we are looking for. Our first stay was incredible! I just wish we had known about TrustedHousesitters sooner! We've already booked a second stay and referred two friends." Another individual praised the concept and raved: "Great idea for an app! Very useful, we had our first sitter recently through the app, and it went very smoothly. We saved a ton of money by using the app to find someone to house/pet sit. I'm looking forward to trying out being a sitter somewhere in the world myself through the app."
The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
We save £2.2k a month on rent in one of the most expensive cities thanks to a hack & put it towards a house deposit
A COUPLE have revealed how they don't pay a penny of rent living in London thanks to a clever hack. The savvy pair behind the Advertisement 3 A couple have revealed how much they save from house sitting each month Credit: tiktok/@couch2castle 3 They don't pay a penny of rent or bills Credit: tiktok/@couch2castle The couple are able to save money on rent by house sitting and looking after people's pets while owners are away. This means they can live rent-free and bills-free in London, which is notoriously expensive. In a video which has racked up over 1,000 likes, they wrote: 'If we rented a 1 bed flat in London we'd easily spend £1,800 rent, £400 bills (council tax, energy, WiFi, water). 'What we actually paid to live in London this month: £0. Advertisement More on money-saving 'So where did that £££ go instead?' House sitting enables them to save the £2,200 from their jobs, and put £1,400 towards their house saving fund. They then save £400 for travel, £200 for driving lessons, £100 for Christmas and gifts, and £100 in their Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). And instead of just seeing it as a money-saving chore, they love the process and get to look after a number of cute pets, including dogs and cats. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive They also get to stay in a range of homes , from flats to houses. The couple added: 'This is how we are building our future , one Housesit at a time. I'm a mum-of-2 and was a broke teaching assistant on £840 a month - now I've made 46k doing a side hustle anyone can do 'House sitting means we can save thousands while living in lovely places and looking after cute pets.' They shared how they typically make bookings though Trusted Housesitters - a company that has listings all over the world - and they didn't need any experience to start. Advertisement Now that they have built up some good reviews, they have booked out their stays for the rest of the year. They shared: 'We plan pretty far in advance - we've had our schedule locked until the end of 2025 since like March. 3 They get to look after some cute pets in the process Credit: Getty What the couple manage to save each month £1,400 House savings fund £400 travel fund £200 driving lessons fund £100 Xmas & gifts fund £100 freelance SIPP 'We plan ahead for gaps to go on a trip or stay with friends and in a pinch we book a hotel! Advertisement 'We go back to lots of the same sits regularly and it's as lovely for us as it is the pets. 'You can housesit for people who don't have pets - but for us pets are our fave part.' They said they keep the majority of their belongings in a small storage unit, but don't have many material items and have downsized since they started their nomadic lifestyle. The couple added: 'It's a bit mad but it's working for us.' Advertisement Many people were impressed, with one saying: "Such a brilliant idea." Another added: "How cool." How much can you earn as a house sitter in the UK? THE amount a house sitter can earn in the UK varies depending on a number of factors. However, the national average salary for a house sitter in the United Kingdom is £23,952, according to Glass Door. The rates can depend on factors such as: Location Length of stay - some long-term assignments of three months or more can charge a lower fee than shorter assignments. Pets - if the owner has animals that you need to look after the fee may be higher, particularly for dogs which require more work than cats Property size - the bigger the property the more care and upkeep may be required, depending on the terms.
The Sun
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
We save £2.2k a month on rent in one of the most expensive cities thanks to a hack & put it towards a house deposit
A COUPLE have revealed how they don't pay a penny of rent living in London thanks to a clever hack. The savvy pair behind the @couch2castle account said their trick allows them to save £2,200 each month, which they are putting towards a house deposit. 3 3 The couple are able to save money on rent by house sitting and looking after people's pets while owners are away. This means they can live rent-free and bills-free in London, which is notoriously expensive. In a video which has racked up over 1,000 likes, they wrote: 'If we rented a 1 bed flat in London we'd easily spend £1,800 rent, £400 bills (council tax, energy, WiFi, water). 'What we actually paid to live in London this month: £0. 'So where did that £££ go instead?' House sitting enables them to save the £2,200 from their jobs, and put £1,400 towards their house saving fund. They then save £400 for travel, £200 for driving lessons, £100 for Christmas and gifts, and £100 in their Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). And instead of just seeing it as a money-saving chore, they love the process and get to look after a number of cute pets, including dogs and cats. They also get to stay in a range of homes, from flats to houses. The couple added: 'This is how we are building our future, one Housesit at a time. 'House sitting means we can save thousands while living in lovely places and looking after cute pets.' They shared how they typically make bookings though Trusted Housesitters - a company that has listings all over the world - and they didn't need any experience to start. Now that they have built up some good reviews, they have booked out their stays for the rest of the year. They shared: 'We plan pretty far in advance - we've had our schedule locked until the end of 2025 since like March. 3 'We plan ahead for gaps to go on a trip or stay with friends and in a pinch we book a hotel! 'We go back to lots of the same sits regularly and it's as lovely for us as it is the pets. 'You can housesit for people who don't have pets - but for us pets are our fave part.' They said they keep the majority of their belongings in a small storage unit, but don't have many material items and have downsized since they started their nomadic lifestyle. The couple added: 'It's a bit mad but it's working for us.' Another added: "How cool."
