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groupHouse sitters

Sylvia & Rufus

Versatile Can-Doers

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Kiwi House Sitters, New Zealand. User Versatile Can-Doers
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About us

groupCouple

67, Retired Therapist

72, Retired Truckie

Active, animal-loving retired couple

favoriteWhy we love house sitting

We're in an adventure phase of our lives, and enjoy caring for different animals and getting to know their unique personalities, while seeing new places.

We're born and bred Kiwis, living on a lifestyle block in the Far North. We've both had animals all our lives and I (Sylvia) farmed for many years. Between us we've worked or lived with dogs, cats, pigs, goats, sheep, chooks, horses and cattle. (Pretty sure I earned my 'crazy cat lady' badge when I was fostering cats for a friend as well as living with a 'blended pet family', temporarily bringing the feline fur-baby total to 10!)
We're die-hard DIYers, and enjoy nutting out what makes things ... Read moreWe're born and bred Kiwis, living on a lifestyle block in the Far North. We've both had animals all our lives and I (Sylvia) farmed for many years. Between us we've worked or lived with dogs, cats, pigs, goats, sheep, chooks, horses and cattle. (Pretty sure I earned my 'crazy cat lady' badge when I was fostering cats for a friend as well as living with a 'blended pet family', temporarily bringing the feline fur-baby total to 10!)
We're die-hard DIYers, and enjoy nutting out what makes things work. Now pet-less, we're ready to have some adventures caring for other people's critters in quiet, private locations. Remote is absolutely fine, but we do like home comforts. We're house-proud and will always leave a place as we find it (or better!). We're happy to look after house plants (we have lots of our own), water gardens and mow lawns if needed.

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Pet care

As well as having shared our lives with a wide range of animals and birds, Sylvia spent a year housesitting in 2012, caring variously for dogs, cats, chooks (and their newly-hatched chickens), horses, cattle, and kunekune pigs.

petsWilling to care for these pets

DogsDogs
CatsCats
Chickens/Ducks/GeeseChickens/Ducks/Geese
Farm AnimalsFarm Animals
HorsesHorses

Trust

Silver member12 months
reviews5 star reviews

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
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Apr
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eventCurrent bookings

2026: 23 Oct - 2 Nov

event_busyAlso Unavailable

2026: 29 Apr - 31 Dec

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

0 - 1 week, 1 - 2 weeks

where_to_votePreferred locations

North Island: Auckland (Auckland - North, Auckland - South, Great Barrier Island, Rodney, Waiheke Island, Waitakere), Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Northland (Kaipara, Whangarei), Taranaki, Waikato, Wairarapa  

Reviews (8)

Sylvia and Rufus looked after our property and animals for just over 20 days . They were asked to care for our cat ( a feral puss with attitude) , 25 sheep , half a dozen heifers as well as ducks and a variety of chickens. Thank goodness we had these very sensible and capable couple stay . Just after we left a cyclone was aimed at us. We nearly returned home but when Sylvia assured us that they " had this" we continued with our journey. Sylvia , aware we were anxious soon informed us ... MoreSylvia and Rufus looked after our property and animals for just over 20 days . They were asked to care for our cat ( a feral puss with attitude) , 25 sheep , half a dozen heifers as well as ducks and a variety of chickens. Thank goodness we had these very sensible and capable couple stay . Just after we left a cyclone was aimed at us. We nearly returned home but when Sylvia assured us that they " had this" we continued with our journey. Sylvia , aware we were anxious soon informed us that she had shifted stock to a more sheltered paddock and had organised kitty litter etc in case she wanted to lock the cat inside. Luckily ( for us ) the cyclone changed path and did not cause damage. Their care of the stock was A+. The house spotless on our return. Highly recommend this couple.

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Sylvia & Rufus were the perfect housesitters. Everything was looked after very well and they left the house very clean and tidy which was a pleasure to come home too. Precious was happy and they sent photo's of her chilling out. Their communication was fantastic, and nothing was a problem. We highly recommend them to other home owners.
Sylvia & Rufus were simply delightful, friendly, helpful & accomodating. We came home to a spotless house, and very happy pets! We unreservedly recommend them for housesitting😃
Sylvia and Rufus are such a lovely couple to work with. I had fabulous communication and feedback from Sylvia before and during the housesit and Chevy looked contented and relaxed. The house was clean and tidy on my return and fresh linen was on the beds. Veges and herbs had been watered as needed. I would highly recommend Sylvia and Rufus for housesitting.
Can not recommend Sylvia and Rufus highly enough They took wonderful care of our animals and the house was lovely and clean when we arrived home so much thoughtful care for animals and house and excellent communication Many many thanks to them both
Sylvia and Rufus were wonderful house, dog and hen sitters. We returned home after a week to very happy pets and a clean house with beds made and laundry washed and dried. We thoroughly recommend them to others. Thank you so much. We will see you again I am sure.
Sylvia and Rufus took such great care of our 3 dogs, 1 cat and property while we were away. They kept us posted and left everything spotless! Thank you!
We were very grateful able to help at short notice. Animals very happy and house was beautifully clean and tidy on our return. Would definitely use this wonderful couple again
Peace of Mind

Happy you!

With a house sitter looking after your pets, house and garden - you can really relax. Happy days.

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