Does anyone know a good organisiation / website to find a housesitter? I know there are people who house sit as a way of travel, almost 'professional' house sitters and have looked at a couple of websites but I am hoping someone may have a personal recommendation or may have used such a service themselves and can give some feedback.

My husband and I are looking for someone to house sit and look after our animals in Mauritius for 4 months from December 2009 to April 2010 so we need to find someone very soon who can make such a commitment.

I have posted this under Africa (as well as in the lounge) as Mauritius in part of Africa.

Thanks for your advice

What a great opportunity for someone! I wish I knew who that someone could be. I'm responding to bring it back up to the top.

Good luck!

LisaG

Reminds me of "house swapping", trading homes for a vacation period. I'll swap time in my house, beautiful sunny southern California for just hut/bungalow/room at any safari camp in Sabi Sand!!! And any time of year - come spend your winter in beautiful, sunny southern California!!!!

regards - tom

We'd kill for a housesitter, they are like gold.
We have one local lady, who is so busy you have to book 2 years in advance, and now she's 70 she's threatening to retire.

Thanks LisaG

Tom - the reason we need a house sitter is because we are going to caretake a safari lodge during the green / closed season - lucky us!

Sally - that is one popular lady.

I have had some good responses today from MindMyHouse and HouseCarers - both have good websites and I am quite suprised by the quality of applicants. Our house sit offer is probably very attractive - tropical island, modern house, swimming pool, housekeeper and gardener included. At least 6 of the applicants look great and are ready and willing to come. Some of these people travel the world house sitting. Now I have to work on the questions to narrow down the list, I am sure I will get more applications today as well.

Has anyone used either of the companies listed above?

You can certainly match with responsible house sitters at housecarers.com

www.housecarers.com has been matching housesitters with homeowners since 1999. Homeowners can post a free confidential sitter required ad. This is circulated to registered sitters then applications are forwarded to the homeonwer through the housecarers confidential message system.

It is a free service for homeonwers and you can also access tips, guides and the essential house sitting agreement.


Also There are house sitting opportunities worldwide at www.housecarers.com

There have been postings from 65 countries to date. The latest is Mauritius; 4 months while ex-pat Australians travel to Zambia
There are currently 328 housesit opportunities around the world listed below:

http://www.housecarers.com/Search_Re...sit.cfm?co=all
Cheers

Ian</p>

LOL determined2be, thanks for your post, that is one of the companies we used and the advert for Mauritius is my advert

Have you used the service?