I have regularly house/pet sat in and around Canberra for the past year and can provide contact details for references if required. I have done short and long housesits, and have looked after just the house, houses with pets, and/or gardens and/or pools.
I like that housesitting helps both sides out. For you, it's the peace of mind that someone is taking care of your home (mail collected, garden maintained, blinds open and closed, bins put out - appears someone is living there) and also having someone to look after your pet in their home environment, feeding them, keeping them company, taking them for walks etc, reducing some of the stress and anxiety that going away might have on a pet.
For me it's having my own space, being able to save on rent & bills and put towards a home loan, and getting to have the company of your pet.
Born and raised in Canberra, I work full-time in the public service and am responsible and respectful of others privacy and property.
I love animals (down side to renting, hard to have them) and grew up with cats and a dog, as well as two birds, so you needn't worry if you have pets - can assure you they would be in good company. Have also looked after chickens, guinea pigs, lizards and a turtle.
I enjoy keeping myself busy, but also enjoy coming back to a quiet house to unwind. I'm not a party person, but don't mind the odd dinner with a few friends or family, but ultimately enjoy my space.
Happy to answer any questions you might have and hope to hear from you.
2014 Current/Upcoming Housesits: Jerrabomberra - 1 dog, 1 lizard Jerrabomberra - 2 dogs, 2 guinea pigs, 1 cat Florey - 2 dogs, Fish Evatt - 2 dogs, 5 Chickens
Previous Housesits: / Kaleen - 1 Dog 5/7 – 7/8 – Deakin – 1 cat – Holt Jerrabomberra - 2 dogs, 1 Lizard
/ Macgregor - 1 Dog Gungahlin - 2 dogs, 2 cats Holt - 1 Dog Gungahlin - 2 dogs, 2 cats Cook - 1 Cat Deakin - 1 cat Gungahlin - 2 dogs, 2 cats Macgregor - 1 dog, 1 cat, 1 turtle Macgregor - 1 dog