personHouse sitter

Irina

Travelling cat lady

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Kiwi House Sitters, New Zealand. User Travelling cat lady

About me

personSolo

40, Corporate lawyer

Hi!

I am a corporate lawyer and work remotely doing a small amount of hours each week. I've lived in Singapore for six years and Hong Kong, Moscow and Australia before that. I've travelled all over (for work and fun) and have house sat in Peru, Norway, Singapore and Australia for cats and dogs. And now for cats, dogs, bunnies, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks and fish in New Zealand!

I am staying in New Zealand long term (based in the South Island) and have been house sitting on a full time ... Read more
Hi!

I am a corporate lawyer and work remotely doing a small amount of hours each week. I've lived in Singapore for six years and Hong Kong, Moscow and Australia before that. I've travelled all over (for work and fun) and have house sat in Peru, Norway, Singapore and Australia for cats and dogs. And now for cats, dogs, bunnies, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks and fish in New Zealand!

I am staying in New Zealand long term (based in the South Island) and have been house sitting on a full time basis since arriving here in September 2022. I only intended to stay a short time but fell in love with the country and the house sitting lifestyle, which lets me combine my love of travel, animals, nature and helping others!

Cats are my favourite little animals and I am totally cat obsessed. Even after over three years of house sitting, I just can't get enough of them and giving them lots of cuddles. I've really enjoyed looking after all sorts of other animals too in my time here.

**My experience**
- Have looked after many different cat breeds including Burmese (my favourite!), Siamese, Tonkinese, Ragdolls, Persian, Birman, Bengal, British Shorthair, Maine Coon, farm cats/non-breed, rescue cats, both indoor and outdoor, elderly and young! I love chatty cats (we have many conversations haha) and cats who sleep on the bed with me!
- Looked after dog breeds including Shiba Inu, Shih tzu mix, GSP, Cockapoo, Greyhound, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Wheaten Terrier.
- Love looking after lifestyle blocks as I love being out in the country. I have looked after sheep, cows, chickens and ducks. Have experience with using a side by side, battery lawn mower and ride on mower (tractor type).
- Have experience giving tablet medications to dogs and liquid and tablet medications to cats.
- Over 50 sits completed to date!

**What you can expect**
- I will take great care of your pets and home and give your pets lots of love!
- I spend quite a lot of time at 'home' so your pets would have plenty of attention.
- Your home will be nicely cleaned for your return.
- I send regular updates with photos so that you don't miss your little ones too much and can be comfortable knowing they are doing well!

I have some great references and a police clearance, am a non-smoker and a non-drinker. I'm a pretty quiet person, I enjoy spending time at 'home', going for walks in nature, reading, learning, meditating and exploring the world.

Please get in touch if you'd like to know more about me. I'm happy to do a call or video call to connect.

Thanks!

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Pet care

petsWilling to care for these pets

DogsDogs
CatsCats
FishFish
BirdsBirds
Rabbits/Guinea PigsRabbits/Guinea Pigs
Chickens/Ducks/GeeseChickens/Ducks/Geese
Farm AnimalsFarm Animals

Trust

Platinum member36 months+
reviews5 star reviews
demographyCR check
diagnosisReferences

diagnosisAbout my references

Happy to provide references you can contact if needed

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
Jan
Feb
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eventCurrent bookings

2026: 6 Jun - 7 Sep | 13 Sep - 5 Oct

chairOn a house-sit right now

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

0 - 1 week, 1 - 2 weeks, 2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +

where_to_votePreferred locations

South Island: ALL  


Reviews (25)

1 of 2 reviews from this owner
It was geat to have Irina house and Toby sit again for me. She left the house clean and tidy and sent pictures of her with Toby throughout my trip. Toby was very happy with Irina and I'm pretty sure Irina is pretty fond of Toby too! I have no hesitation in recommending Irina as a house/pet sitter.
1 of 2 reviews from this owner
It was great to see Irina again and we have complete faith in her reliability, communication and care of our animals and belongings.
Highly recommended, great communication, considerate, left my home super clean and tidy. No pet care required but the garden was in great shape. The lawns were neatly mowed and the pot plants and shadehouse plants were thriving.
2 of 2 reviews from this owner
Irina was an awesome house sitter. She sent lots of picks of her cuddles with Toby (cat) & I could see he was happy as. It takes a load off knowing you dont have to worry about your pets. Irina left the house very clean. I would have no hesitation in using Irina again and highly recommend her.
We were very happy to arrive back to a very tidy house and a happy fur ball Zeus. Irina kept us well updated on things at home which was lovely. Would have no hesitation in getting Irina back. Zeus would love the one on one attention also. Thanks once again Irina, Happy and safe Easter.
2 of 2 reviews from this owner
Irina is a delightful and responsible person who looked after our home and animals very well. She sent photos of the cat looking very content, and the chickens happy. The house was spotless when we returned and the washing done. We enjoyed Irina's care of our house and have confidence that she would approach every sit with the same attitude. We would welcome her back.
Irina was wonderful. Great communication, looked after everything admirably, especially my cat who was very happy with her. She left the house and garden tidy and clean. There was nothing more I could have asked of her. I recommend her totally.
1 of 2 reviews from this owner
We sought Irina to house-sit for us again and we loved catching up on her travels since she was last with us. Goes without saying, that she managed the farm including the hens, and year=old kitty (called Minx and is a minx) with ease. Knowing Irina was looking after our property meant we could have a holiday free from worry and stress. Thank you, Irina! Next time!!
Irina looked after our house and pets for 10 days and was just lovely. She arrived after we had already left for our holiday and sent us regular updates and photos of the pets. It was lovely not to have to worry about our home while we were away. We would highly recommend Irina as a house sitter.
Irina has been an awesome housesitter for us. She has been very reliable and professional and looked after our animals and garden with lots of care and attention. She also communicated with us before and during the house sit and sent photos of our pets. I would recommend Irina as a great housesitter.
Irina communicated well right from the get go. She was wonderful with our cat. Irina cared for our garden well and left our house looking spotless.
Irina was fantastic, we came back to happy animals and a clean house, with lawns mowed. The dog got regular beach walks and the cat got lots of cuddles. Irina was great to deal with, and we had regular photos and updates while we were away. Highly recommend. Thanks Irina!
I’d never had a house/pet sitter before and Irina immediately made us feel comfortable and that we were leaving our two cats in safe hands. Lots of lovely photo updates which our kids particularly loved. Can’t recommend Irina enough. Thank you!
Irina was the perfect house sitter. Our cat Malfi and she became devoted to each other. We received frequent communication from Irina along with many photos of a very happy cat. Our house was impeccably kept. We highly recommend Irina. This stay was for three months.
From the beginning Irina had my confidence as she kept in contact before her arrival and was prompt in arriving on time. It was great getting all the messages she sent and with lots of pictures of my furbabies! I knew all was good when she told me my babies snuck into bed with her and pictures of them snuggled in her lap. My babies are happy, I’m happy what more can you ask for!
Irina is an awesome sitter, Maggie seemed to really enjoy her company and behaved as if we hadn't left her. Irina looked after her with the same love and affection she is used to. Maggie was sad to see her leave,, highly recommend Irina to anyone wanting a great sitter. Thanks Irina.
Irina is simply a stunning house & pet sitter. Our precious cat adored Irina and we had lovely photo updates most days. Irina is a very good communicator and was lovely to deal with. The house was immaculate upon our return and we would welcome Irina back at any opportunity. 10/10 review for Irina.
Irina was the perfect housesitter enabling us to go on holiday knowing that our home and pets would be in good hands. She gave us regular updates and photos of how things were going while we were away which was appreciated. From our first meeting via Skype, and then in person, we found Irina to be friendly, open and confident. We would highly recommend Irina for housesitting and would have her back without hesitation.
Irina is amazing. She kept in touch before and during the stay, sending pics of the animals. The animals were so well looked after and the house was immaculate on our return. I would use her again in a heartbeat and cannot recommend her highly enough. I hope we will keep in touch.
2 of 2 reviews from this owner
Irina arrived (as planned) a day ahead of the house sit, so that she could get acquainted with the property and what was needed in terms of caring for the sheep and hens. During the sit she kept us reassured that all was well through great communication and photos. She also went out of her way to ensure our elderly and blind cat was well looked after. And on our return the house gleamed! We loved having Irina house-sit for us and would thoroughly recommend her for future sits. And would welcome ... MoreIrina arrived (as planned) a day ahead of the house sit, so that she could get acquainted with the property and what was needed in terms of caring for the sheep and hens. During the sit she kept us reassured that all was well through great communication and photos. She also went out of her way to ensure our elderly and blind cat was well looked after. And on our return the house gleamed! We loved having Irina house-sit for us and would thoroughly recommend her for future sits. And would welcome her back at anytime.

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Irina looked after my house and elderly cat for 12 days. She was a great communicator from start to finish and took everything in her stride. Irina was very caring towards my cat and sent me a photo which put my mind at rest. If there was anything she wasn't sure of she contacted me. Upon my return the house was immaculate and the plants well watered. I would happily recommend Irina as a trustworthy pet/house sitter.
Irina is friendly, professional and easy to deal with. She left the property is great shape and responds to communication quickly. Our cat took a shine to her and was well cared for. Irina would be welcome back to sit for us or visit as a guest.
Irena is wonderful, she was attentive and caring with my cat who absolutely adored her ! She looked after the house and cat extremely well. I highly recommend her , and will use her again if she available, she is great !
Many thanks Irina, for taking such good care of our fur babies and home. Everything was perfect for our return home. Great communication. We welcome you back anytime and highly recommend her as a great choice. Thanks again, Pippa
Irina is a wonderful house and pet sitter. Great communication, clean, honest, and best of all, wonderful with my 2 cats. They LOVED her!! ( and miss her!!) I highly recommend her to mind your precious cats. Your pets and home are in very safe hands with this capable lady. She will be looking for longer house sits in the South Island , late Summer 2023.
Peace of Mind

Happy you!

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