We are a family of three - myself (Tara), my partner Sam and our son Joe (11/8/21).
We have just sold our property in Brisbane after living here for a few years. My role is primary caregiver for Joe while Sam works a 2 on/2 off schedule in the gas industry here in Queensland. We are mixing things up lifestyle wise so that Sam can spend more time with Joe as he goes through his toddler years! Therefore, I am going to work online and Sam will be leaving his current job. We aim to do most of our house sits in NZ, as that is where we are from and where the grandparents are based.
We have been house sitting on and off since Joe was 6 months old, both in Australia and during holidays back in New Zealand. I was doing it independently for a number of years both in NZ and in the UK before meeting Sam and encouraging him to join me!
It is a true privilege to be welcomed into peoples homes/lives and entrusted with the care of their pets and homes.
Having a toddler in the mix makes things a bit more interesting and more often than not we get turned down because homes/properties are not suitable for him. We prefer to take care of homes where there is some space for Joe to run around and perhaps where he can access some basic toys and books. Some of our more successful/enjoyable sits have been caring for homes of the grandparents!
We look forward to helping you out in your time of need and can provide other references/referees via email if you would like.
Bye for now!
Reviews (19)
Good: House clean, plants watered, left gift of fruit, apologised for some of the things.
Not Good: We came home to all doors and windows open.
Put our dog at risk by having him chase car for exercise contrary to verbal and written instructions.
Let chooks out of their run causing damage to gardens contrary to all instructions.
Pool cover damaged by not following instructions.
Drove off driveway and caused significant damage to lawn after rain despite verbal and written instructions.
We ... MOREGood: House clean, plants watered, left gift of fruit, apologised for some of the things.
Not Good: We came home to all doors and windows open.
Put our dog at risk by having him chase car for exercise contrary to verbal and written instructions.
Let chooks out of their run causing damage to gardens contrary to all instructions.
Pool cover damaged by not following instructions.
Drove off driveway and caused significant damage to lawn after rain despite verbal and written instructions.
We gave access to a fridge and freezer but Tara still went into our second fridge in the garage and ate food and drank all the beer without replacing.
Scratched floor significantly by moving furniture.
Despite sleeping arrangements being agreed and having our kids bedroom doors shut, slept in daughter’s bed.
BEN (Toowoomba QLD, Mar 2024 - 2 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
I don't know what to say apart from: future applicants - please reconsider! I didn't meet the family first, and that was silly of me. Very reclusive, isolated and odd. I couldn't contact anyone for help - e.g. to help me fix the toilet seat, I was transparent with any issues, and went above and ... MOREI don't know what to say apart from: future applicants - please reconsider! I didn't meet the family first, and that was silly of me. Very reclusive, isolated and odd. I couldn't contact anyone for help - e.g. to help me fix the toilet seat, I was transparent with any issues, and went above and beyond in my duties as a house/pet sitter. Yes, I did enjoy some beers and a couple of mini Easter eggs - heaven forbid! I left behind a bottle of wine, bag of easter eggs and a big Easter egg as a nice gesture. I also cleaned their garage, the algae covered dog bowls, aired and vacuumed the dog's beds, cleaned the toilet seat and it's fittings thoroughly (gross), and also cleaned all the lounge seating that had years of dust and rubbish behind them. Never again. Dog loved us and the fun exercise!
Tara communicated well and kept us up-to-date with how our lovely dog was getting on, by sending regular photos and videos. The dog was very happy and became part of their family.
HELEN (Alexandra South Island, Dec 2023 - 1 month 1 week)
Marked low for paying someone to vacuum/mop and do the lawns upon departure as we were stretched for time. Left the house and gardens cleaner/better condition than when we arrived. Dog needed numerous visits to the vet for things that should have been dealt with before we arrived. Spent hours hand ... MOREMarked low for paying someone to vacuum/mop and do the lawns upon departure as we were stretched for time. Left the house and gardens cleaner/better condition than when we arrived. Dog needed numerous visits to the vet for things that should have been dealt with before we arrived. Spent hours hand stripping their dog, something that should be done regularly especially as the weather warms up. Much happier and healthier dog after our stay.
Tara and Sam were absolutely amazing. We felt totally confident leaving our 3 pets with them, which was such a relief as we were out of range for a while. Communication was faultless. We came home to a spotless house (still finding little drawers they cleaning and organised!!) a happy and healthy Beagle and two cats. We definitely plan on using them again. Absolutely fantastic!
KELLY (Mount Maunganui North Island, Jan 2023 - 8 nights)
Tara did a wonderful job looking after our home. Communication was fantastic before, during and after our time away. Our cat was happy and healthy when we got home, which gave us peace of mind. We appreciated the house being clean and tidy and also the flexibility Tara had around our return date.. Our plants are all happy and there were quite a few to look after. We would definitely recommend Tara as a house and petsitter. Ngā mihi
SHANA (Mangawhai Heads , Jan 2023 - One week)
Prompt communicator, good care of our home and pets, thank you!
GEORGE (Mt Cotton QLD, Jul 2022 - 2.5 months)
From Aussie House Sitters
We recently had Tara and Sam as housesitters for a month, primarily to look after our Labrador, plants and garden while we were away. Tara stayed in regular contact with us, keeping us informed of our dog's "well-being" during our absence. Our neighbours reported meeting Tara and Sam and commented on how nice they were and that they saw no issues with them while we were away. We returned to an exceptionally clean house and a washed, walked, and fed dog. ... In summary, we returned to a very ... MOREWe recently had Tara and Sam as housesitters for a month, primarily to look after our Labrador, plants and garden while we were away. Tara stayed in regular contact with us, keeping us informed of our dog's "well-being" during our absence. Our neighbours reported meeting Tara and Sam and commented on how nice they were and that they saw no issues with them while we were away. We returned to an exceptionally clean house and a washed, walked, and fed dog. ... In summary, we returned to a very happy and healthy dog, maintained plants and lawns, and a spotlessly clean house. No hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for a reliable, no-problems solution for house sitting.
TONY (Balmoral QLD, Apr 2022 - 4 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
We found Tara to be a kind thoughtful tidy person who took lovely care of our wee mini schnauzer Luger, our gardens and our home. We returned home to a spotlessly clean house. Tara collected our mail, spoke kindly with our neighbours and was happy to come and stay at our home the night before we left on our holiday so that we could leave early in the morning and our dog was not left at home alone. We would be happy to use her (and hubby Sam) again and recommend them as house sitters.
MARK AND TERINA (Bribie Island QLD, Apr 2021 - 2 weeks 1 day)
From Aussie House Sitters
Tara and Sam looked after our home and dog so well. Their communication was excellent from the start even sending us a video update. We would highly recommend them as a caring and responsible couple to look after your home and pets.
VANESSA (Redland Bay QLD, Feb 2020 - 4 days)
From Aussie House Sitters
We are so grateful to Kiwi House Sitters for connecting us with the lovely Tara who took such good care of our house and pets. The cats seem very happy and contented and the house was left immaculate.
SARAH (Birkdale North Island, Aug 2019 - 12 days)
Tara came highly praised and I now understand why. We had a minor miscommunication re our return time but other than that, the house was clean and tidy, the cats were all looking great We did find a washing machine full of wet towels but I put that down to the confusion over our return time.
NOEL (Arkles Bay North Island, Aug 2019 - 23 days)
Excellent sitter, House was left spotless, dogs were well looked after. Easy communication between myself and the sitter. Highly recommend.
MAREE (Papakura North Island, Jul 2019 - 6 days)
Tara was great when she looked after our pets and house. Pets had a great time (dog & cat) and Tara left our house immaculate. Communication was perfect as we were overseas.
I would recommend Tara and would definitely use her to house sit again.
GEORGINA (Epsom North Island, Jun 2019 - 3 and a half weeks)
Tara was a terrific house-sitter. Thank you for taking such great care of the house and animals. Pud was especially happy with all the walkies! Good luck with your future house sits : )
TOM (Beachlands North Island, Jun 2019 - 5 days)
Tara was amazing - so easy to communicate with and nothing was a problem - came home to a very happy Reggie as her and her partner took him out for lots of walks.Our house was left spotless.Definitely book her again.
JENNY (Albany North Island, Jun 2019 - 3 weeks)
Tara is amazing! She took very good care of my animals (Gaia and Julie). The house was better than when I left. I highly recommend Tara and I trust her absolutely. Thank you Tara. See you soon definitely ;-)
CORINNE (Silverdale North Island, May 2019)
Tara looked after my cats for two recent house sits and I felt so comfortable that they were in good hands. The house was left in perfect condition each time (possibly even cleaner than I left it!) and the cats were happy. Highly recommend Tara.
MARLENE (Mt Eden North Island, May 2019 - 4 days)
This was the first time we'd used a house/pet sitter and we've been blown away by how amazing Tara was. She went above and beyond our expectations in terms of communication (texted us updates and photos of our dogs out walking, left us a note when she left, etc), pet care and house care - the house was immaculate when we got home. We really appreciated the obvious extra care and time that had gone into prepping our large, new house for our arrival home. Tara is a friendly, polite, sensible, ... MOREThis was the first time we'd used a house/pet sitter and we've been blown away by how amazing Tara was. She went above and beyond our expectations in terms of communication (texted us updates and photos of our dogs out walking, left us a note when she left, etc), pet care and house care - the house was immaculate when we got home. We really appreciated the obvious extra care and time that had gone into prepping our large, new house for our arrival home. Tara is a friendly, polite, sensible, capable woman who instils absolute confidence. Her and her partner looked after the pool and spa as well and kept it in great condition. Our dogs were happy and well looked after, as well as being given plenty of exercise. I can wholeheartedly recommend Tara - we will definitely use her again.
KIRSTEN (Albany RD3 North Island, Jan 2019 - 1 week)
Thankyou Tara for taking great care of Cassie, also thanks for the lovely clean and tidy home I came back to, it was a real delight after the heavy workload I had just left.
I hope that I may be able to use your services again and would certainly recommend you to anyone looking for a reliable house sitter. Good luck with your future adventures. Thankyou again..
LILIAN (Whakatane North Island, Sep 2018 - 2 weeks)
Well what a lovely lady. Left the house clean and tidy and looked after our 2 cats and rabbit so well. Nothing was too much trouble and Tara looked after our garden as well.
Would definitely recommend Tara to anyone that needs their home or animals looking after.
Thank you so much Tara! x
LAUREN (Pontefract England, Aug 2016 - 1 week 3 days)
From House Sitters UK
Happy pets!
A house sitter provides loving, full-time, home-based pet-care while you're away.
Family
Good: House clean, plants watered, left gift of fruit, apologised for some of the things.
Not Good: We came home to all doors and windows open.
Put our dog at risk by having him chase car for exercise contrary to verbal and written instructions.
Let chooks out of their run causing damage to gardens contrary to all instructions.
Pool cover damaged by not following instructions.
Drove off driveway and caused significant damage to lawn after rain despite verbal and written instructions.
We ... MORE
Tara communicated well and kept us up-to-date with how our lovely dog was getting on, by sending regular photos and videos. The dog was very happy and became part of their family.
Tara and Sam were absolutely amazing. We felt totally confident leaving our 3 pets with them, which was such a relief as we were out of range for a while. Communication was faultless. We came home to a spotless house (still finding little drawers they cleaning and organised!!) a happy and healthy Beagle and two cats. We definitely plan on using them again. Absolutely fantastic!
Tara came highly praised and I now understand why. We had a minor miscommunication re our return time but other than that, the house was clean and tidy, the cats were all looking great We did find a washing machine full of wet towels but I put that down to the confusion over our return time.
Thankyou Tara for taking great care of Cassie, also thanks for the lovely clean and tidy home I came back to, it was a real delight after the heavy workload I had just left.
I hope that I may be able to use your services again and would certainly recommend you to anyone looking for a reliable house sitter. Good luck with your future adventures. Thankyou again..
