Hey there!
We're a couple in our thirties, living the van-life dream. We've enjoyed looking after friends' and family's homes, gardens, and pets a number of times ever since we've been together (2009!) and have been enjoying doing more of the same here through housecarers.
It's nice to get a break from van-life from time to time, and it's especially rewarding to get to know new pets and develop bonds with them - they are a wonderful comfort and it's always an honour to be entrusted with their care.
Our style.
We LOVE to be in conversation with with the pets we look after! This means literally talking to them, encouraging them, using positive reinforcement (gentle correction if necessary), and narrating the world. Of course conversation is non-verbal too - we keep an eye out for if they happen to be sensitive about anything and make sure to give them the space they need.
As far as home care goes, Karissa has been successfully operating her own housekeeping business since 2011, entrusted with keys and access codes and ensuring clean and secure homes. Jamie has helped her out from time to time and is just as attentive, especially when it comes to garden care.
We both have plenty of experience with pets who like to be escape artists so we always do our best to keep a step ahead of that, keeping a special eye out when we open and close doors and gates.
For dogs, we like to get to know them by exercising and engaging them where they are comfortable, in their home and neighbourhood. As we build up trust we could be open to taking them out to good parks, trails, and beaches nearby.
For cats, building up trust is a bit more nuanced - as introverts, our general approach is to find the balance between affection and respect of their personal space, and to always engage with care and sensitivity!
In any case, spending time with animals of all sorts is really therapeutic for us and we are happy to work with your pets' specific rituals, diets, and known phrases.
Our lifestyle.
A couple years ago we decided to give up our rental and try out van-life and we're still going! We earn a living through Karissa's cleaning business, and the majority of our free time is spent on relaxing close to "home," spending time in nature, and working on our hobbies. Karissa is into yoga, meditation, painting, guitalele, and reading the classics. Jamie's hobbies cannot be contained! He is a lifelong learner, passionate about learning, and finds a creative outlet anywhere that problem-solving and design are welcomed: from sound design to the great outdoors.
We like to live our life based on the belief that wealth is created in memories and experiences, and we do our best to prioritize rest, relaxation, and maintaining a peaceful environment. Spending time with pets is a huge plus.
Location.
These days we're sticking close to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. It's always nice to have a phone or video call before any potential arrangements. We could be available to meet in person beforehand too.
One of our goals is to find and develop relationships here for the potential of repeat visits, if the timing is right. The familiarity tends to be really valuable all-around.
Thank you for your consideration! We are happy to start a conversation and we look forward to getting in touch.