Hello,
I am an active, down to earth, non-smoking professional, a retired airline Captain, in my mid 50's, originally from Toronto, Canada. Since 2007 I've done almost 30 house/ pet sits. For the first 5 years my wife & I did all the house sits together, since then it has been on my own.
I have been a long time home owner and so I understand the value of caring for a house ( very handy and reliable).
In general, I prefer medium to long term housesits, also I can easily travel internationally.
Mostly I would like to housesit in Europe, North, Central & Latin America, including Mexico, as well as Australia and New Zealand ... possibly other locations. I would be delighted to hear from you.
References available, including taking care of homes, vehicles & pets in all of the above places... so far.
I enjoy the experience of meeting new people, and experiencing new placees, yet not so much as a tourists, but as "new locals"... and I enjoy looking after homes & properties like they are my own. I like to ensure that homeowners feel comfortable with entrusting their valued home, property & pets. I have been fortunate to make wonderful connections & new friends with many of the home owners!
Experience:
As mentioned above, starting in Dec 2007, my wife & I started doing housesits. And since 2012 I have done more than half a dozen on my own, now totalling almost 30. They have generally ranged from 2 weeks to 4 months. Also, on many occasions, it has been wonderful to be asked to do return housesits.
In Dec/Jan , we first took care of a renovated farmhouse in a rural area of the Dordogne, France (Sheepdog & 2 cats); then in Dec 2008 a home in Canberra, Australia (Australian Ridgeback as well as 2 cats & 1 cockateel).
In Jan 2009, a home in Cambridge, New Zealand (2 purebred Burmese cats) a condo in Toronto (1 cat) and a home in Winston Salem, North Carolina (4 months)
In 2010, a 4 month housesit near Ajijic, Mexico (standard Poodle); also returned to the home in Winston Salem, North Carolina & house sat there for similar period.
In 2011 we did a return h/s in Mexico as well as new ones in Italy, France, Scotland & England.
In 2012 we did 3 return housesits: one in Mexico, our 3rd return to the Winston-Salem home as well as returning to the home in Scotland. And since then we have done houssesits in Mexico, the UK & France.
Since 2012, through to now in 2016, I myself have done sits in Scotland, London UK, Norwich, near Toulouse France as well as both White Rock & Coquitlam in BC and taking care of both cats & dogs.
What I can bring to the assignment:
I have built an executive home in Canada and renovated a city home as well as 2 cottages. I speak beginners' Spanish. I enjoy pets and take pride in taking very good care of the home & property. I have always been offered letters of reference & will be happy to provide them. As well there are many travel experiences to be shared... usually from both sides ; )
I look forward to hearing from you,
All the best,
Brad