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groupHouse sitters

Carolyn & David

Crowsonthego

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Kiwi House Sitters, New Zealand. User Crowsonthego
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About us

groupCouple

62, Deputy Principal

64, Real Estate Agent

Animal-loving mature NZ couple: dogs, cats, horses, livestock experience. Responsible, clean and security-minded. We’ll care for your home and pets with genuine attention and respect.

favoriteWhy we love house sitting

House sitting lets us do what we love: care for pets (and lifestyle-block animals), stick to routines, keep homes clean and secure, and enjoy each area like locals—walks, scenery, wildlife and history. We send updates and take pride in giving owners peace of mind.

Carolyn and David are an animal-loving, mature New Zealand couple with strong rural roots and decades of hands-on experience caring for homes, pets, and lifestyle-block animals. Both were born in Taranaki under the watch of Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont), with Carolyn raised in Stratford and David in nearby Inglewood—two small farming towns surrounded by dairy country. Growing up outdoors gave them a practical, capable approach to life: early mornings, muddy boots, and the kind of common sense ... Read moreCarolyn and David are an animal-loving, mature New Zealand couple with strong rural roots and decades of hands-on experience caring for homes, pets, and lifestyle-block animals. Both were born in Taranaki under the watch of Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont), with Carolyn raised in Stratford and David in nearby Inglewood—two small farming towns surrounded by dairy country. Growing up outdoors gave them a practical, capable approach to life: early mornings, muddy boots, and the kind of common sense that comes from being around animals, land, and changing weather.

Although they grew up only a short distance apart, they met later at Massey University. Carolyn completed a Bachelor of Education and went on to build a career in education, later earning a Master of Education with first-class honours. David completed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, worked in information technology through to IT Manager for a multinational company, then moved into construction, successfully running his own business for many years. He later transitioned into real estate, where he now runs his own agency. Between them, their professional backgrounds reflect reliability, good judgement, clear communication, and responsibility—qualities that matter when someone is trusting you with their home.

Animals have been part of their everyday lives since childhood. Their families shared homes with dogs and cats from the beginning—Carolyn with a pug, and David with dogs including a Labrador, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and several German Shepherds—alongside numerous cats. Their wider family lifestyle-block environments also included horses, cattle, sheep, and the ever-present “mandatory” chickens, so they’re comfortable with both companion animals and rural/property routines.

As a couple, their first “fur kid” was Kyla, an extroverted Samoyed given as an engagement present more than forty years ago. Since then they’ve been privileged to share their lives with several dogs of differing breeds and needs, including Samoyeds and Akitas—an intelligent, strong-willed breed they understand requires consistency, calm leadership, and routine—as well as a small companion crossbreed (Shih Tzu x Cairn Terrier). They’re confident supporting pets with their day-to-day needs: feeding schedules, exercise, enrichment, companionship, and keeping animals settled by sticking to familiar routines.

Their experience with horses and lifestyle properties is extensive. For nearly twenty years they bred and showed American Miniature Horses, including importing stallions from the USA and travelling the length and breadth of New Zealand through show seasons. At the height of their involvement, they cared for a herd of thirty-two horses—an undertaking that demanded organisation, attention to detail, and steady daily care.
They particularly love the magic and responsibility of foaling, and they also have experience with sheep (including lambing seasons), as well as the ongoing realities of looking after animals and property consistently.

Outside of animals, Carolyn and David enjoy music, live gigs, and exploring the places they visit—taking in scenery, local culture, wildlife, and history (including an Isle of Skye trek in search of otters… which, unfortunately, did not make an appearance!). They’re the sort of sitters who respect a quiet home, appreciate a good walk, and enjoy the simple rhythms of caring for animals and property while owners are away.

As house sitters, they are responsible, clean, and security-minded. They understand that every home has its own systems and expectations, and they take pride in following instructions carefully, keeping a home tidy and well looked after, and ensuring pets feel safe, cared for, and genuinely loved. Most of all, they offer peace of mind: your home will be treated with respect, and your animals will be cared for with attentive, experienced, and affectionate care.

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Pet care

We’ve had animals in our lives since childhood, growing up with dogs and cats and around lifestyle-block animals including horses, cattle, sheep and chickens. As a couple for over 40 years, we’ve cared for multiple dogs across breeds and temperaments—Samoyeds (Kyla, Ebony, Annie, Shelby), Akitas ... Read moreWe’ve had animals in our lives since childhood, growing up with dogs and cats and around lifestyle-block animals including horses, cattle, sheep and chickens. As a couple for over 40 years, we’ve cared for multiple dogs across breeds and temperaments—Samoyeds (Kyla, Ebony, Annie, Shelby), Akitas (Quin, Baku) and a Shih Tzu x Cairn Terrier (Monsta)—as well as cats (Mimi, Aston, Martin). We also spent nearly 20 years breeding and showing American Miniature Horses, including importing stallions from the USA, travelling NZ for shows, and caring for a herd of up to 32 horses. We’re experienced with daily feeding and care routines, and with the realities of foaling and lambing seasons.

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petsWilling to care for these pets

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

agricultureFarm experience

We’ve had animals in our lives since childhood, including dogs and cats, plus lifestyle-block and farm animals. We’re very comfortable around horses and livestock, with decades of hands-on care. We spent nearly 20 years breeding and showing American Miniature Horses, including importing stallions, ... Read moreWe’ve had animals in our lives since childhood, including dogs and cats, plus lifestyle-block and farm animals. We’re very comfortable around horses and livestock, with decades of hands-on care. We spent nearly 20 years breeding and showing American Miniature Horses, including importing stallions, travelling NZ for shows, and managing a herd of up to 32 horses—daily feeding, handling, grooming and paddock routines. We’ve also cared for cattle and sheep (including lambing seasons) and, of course, the “mandatory” chickens. David also has past (though some time ago) experience milking and handling dairy cows—making us well suited to rural and lifestyle properties as well as pet-focused homes.

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Trust

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul

eventCurrent bookings

2026: 28 Sep - 6 Oct | 16-18 Oct | 2027: 5 Jan - 2 Feb | 9-14 Feb

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

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

where_to_votePreferred locations

Anywhere in New Zealand

travelTravel plans

Carolyn still works so within commuting distance of Auckland's North Shore during school terms. Anywhere in NZ outside of those times.

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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