Stressing about find a suitable pet sitter! (anyone want to come to Aus?! Lol!)

[Hannah_xx]

Jon and I are planning our first trip back to the U.K. since we moved to Australia 4 years ago (would have gone soon if it wasn’t for pandemic). We are going in October for 2-3 weeks. We are going to join ‘trusted house sitters .com’ to try and find a suitable person or couple to house sit, they need to be super capable and knowledgeable about many animals, Dog, Horses, chickens, indoor and outdoor birds, fish and the Guinea pigs. I'm stressed mostly about the guineas, as you all know.. their hard work! I currently have 6 and cleaning out once a week takes at least 2 hours. And then ideally need a spot clean every couple of days. I'm worried someone wouldn’t take their special diets seriously, of course id leave strict instructions and show them etc. but what if they think I’m being silly and they just give them loss of cabbage or something! Or what if they accidentally stand on one? Or if one of them hides in the fleece and goes in the washing machine?!..or hiding in the hay tray when they throw it on the muck heap.. oh Lordy I am making it worse for myself now I know, I’m over thinking.. catastrophicising!
I can’t see anyone so far on the house sitters website that specialises in piggies. I know I’m just going to have to trust an animal lover, but it’s going to be stressful!
So…Any of you guys want to come to Australia, Victoria and have free accommodation?!.. I’m being serious lol!

 

[Claire W]

I'll do it But seriously though, try not to worry and overthink things. Pet sitters are professionals and once you have picked one, how about having a trial run to see how they get on? They could come to your house and you could show them exactly what you want them to do

 

[Hannah_xx]

I'll do it But seriously though, try not to worry and overthink things. Pet sitters are professionals and once you have picked one, how about having a trial run to see how they get on? They could come to your house and you could show them exactly what you want them to do

I wish you could
Thanks Clair! I’m sure once I meet the right sitter I will feel more at ease! We are planning on doing a trial run for a weekend to visit my uncle in Queensland. I best get a shuffle on trying to find someone..The years flying by already!

 

[Claire W]

I wish I could too. But a trial run sounds perfect and if things don’t feel right, you can always look for another

I wish you could
Thanks Clair! I’m sure once I meet the right sitter I will feel more at ease! We are planning on doing a trial run for a weekend to visit my uncle in Queensland. I best get a shuffle on trying to find someone..The years flying by already!

 

[Merab]

I’d love to but………

 

[Hannah_xx]

I’d love to but………

But what?! You know you want too..

 

[Hannah_xx]

Fergus says ‘come hang out with me and our new weird chicken friend with pom-Pom head’

 

[Swissgreys]

Have faith Hannah - you will find someone.
A friend of mine here in Switzerland has had some brilliant experiences with house sitters, and I am sure you will too.

Personally I am sorely tempted, as I have experience with all of those animals, but the fares are a bit off putting.
Not to mention with so much family in Australia they would never forgive me if I went and didn't visit them too (Sydney and Byron Bay so not super close to you unfortunately).

But I know you will find someone brilliant to take care of everyone. Maybe at the end you will have created some piggy converts and they will join the Forum too

 

[Hannah_xx]

Have faith Hannah - you will find someone.
A friend of mine here in Switzerland has had some brilliant experiences with house sitters, and I am sure you will too.

Personally I am sorely tempted, as I have experience with all of those animals, but the fares are a bit off putting.
Not to mention with so much family in Australia they would never forgive me if I went and didn't visit them too (Sydney and Byron Bay so not super close to you unfortunately).

But I know you will find someone brilliant to take care of everyone. Maybe at the end you will have created some piggy converts and they will join the Forum too

Thank you for the reassurance, I’m sure I’ll find the perfect somebody!
In all seriousness though, if you ever come to visit your family in Australia but fancy a long weekend away from them to visit a new area..such as..Maryborough, Victoria.. you’re more than welcome to stay at ours and it will give Jon and I a rare chance to also get away for a few days

 

[Betsy]

I wish I could come! I have experience with chickens, piggies (obviously), a bit of horse knowledge and OH has experience with dogs but neither of us have any knowledge whatsoever on indoor or outdoor birds (but could learn!) Unfortunately its a no as we are on a cruise until until 5th October. It's also a bit expensive and a very long flight.

 

[Hannah_xx]

I wish I could come! I have experience with chickens, piggies (obviously), a bit of horse knowledge and OH has experience with dogs but neither of us have any knowledge whatsoever on indoor or outdoor birds (but could learn!) Unfortunately its a no as we are on a cruise until until 5th October. It's also a bit expensive and a very long flight.

The outdoor birds are easy!
.. but I’ve only had the indoor boy a few days. I’m not sure yet whether he’ll go in the aviary outside or stay indoors. He was a recent ‘accidental’ rescue/buy. I didn’t realise he talked and whistled until I bought him home from the hell hole petshop. If he stays indoors he will be harder work and time consuming, but I don’t think he’s suited to aviary life!


Yes flights are SO expensive now. I was actually suddenly wanting to fly back for just a week over the next couple of months. Just on my own. but I don’t think I can justify the expense twice in one year! And yes it is a long and off putting flight. But well worth it!
Maybe one day you can visit

 

[Spaghetti & Noodles]

I think you have to go with your gut instinct when you meet the people, at least going through an agency type situation you will be covered of there were any issues.
I am trying to find pig boarding as we are hoping for a two week holiday in the summer, the dogs are good going to Kennels although I'm never 100% happy with them, but my husband doesn't like the thought of people in our house so that puts house sitters out. Also it's a lot to ask someone to clean the pigs out for a full clean.
I would love a trip to Australia again but unfortunately I don't feel it'll happen any time soon!