I responded to a post of yours several months ago but you might not have seen it since i was the last one to add to the post.

Caretaker.org is a reputable agency for housesitting - you have to join but it is probably worth it.

But that is a US agency and doesn't actually seem to cover UK properties.

Hi - I guess it is kind of a reach to find a housesitting position that would let a family in - but I don't see any reason not to try. I'm using one service now and I've been totally upfront about the kids etc. I haven't found the right house, but I haven't gotten terribly negative response either.

Your problems are MUCH too complicated for to get my head around . . .

But if it were me, I'd cut my losses, and head back to the States while you are still legally in Europe. You likely have more of a social/family safety net back home. There is no quarantine for the pets which will solve three of your basic problems/expenses. Go home, rent a place (or move in w/ family) until your CT house is free.

I know that for some people, their desire to stay in Europe outweighs everything realistic. Yours is kind of double jeopardy because of the baggage you carry (no offense meant for the term):children and pets. And not to be a party pooper, my friend who carries both US and German passport also told me he had a "good interview" and most likely will get the job in Stockholm but even that was not good enough. They have to choose only 1 and he was the 3rd best, unfortunately. You also have to think that even though you are already in Paris, the company in UK still has to sponsor your husband and family for a work visa, and sometimes that puts the employer off from hiring American workers (I guess they really don't want to deal with the paperwork).You have to think about all of these and be prepared that all your plans might not work at all!!

I am with janisj.....enjoy Europe until November and go home but from the tone of your responses, your excuse of NOT going back is because your house is being rented until Jun 08. You know you can likewise rent an apartment here in the US until you can get back your house, don't you??

Thank you both for your thoughts but wow - what a bummer to even think about going back to the states! Did I mention that we really don't want this European adventure to end? ;-)

I guess the bottom line is that if you DO find an agency that will provide you a free housesitting job including you and your husband, your two kids, and three pets please let us know. I think if there is anyone here looking for someone to house sit for them in the UK, they'd want to avoid any agency that would make that kind of placement. I could be wrong.

I agree with janis and others. Go home, take a deep breath and let your children get back into some kind of rhythm. Now that you've had all this experience living in Europe, and you know you want to do it again, make a long-term plan and just do it. You may be all momentarily disappointed but that may dissipate with seeing old friends, having a good night's sleep, etc. Are there French immersion schools in the U.S.? Maybe, your kids could keep up their work by going there. Perhaps, next year, your husband and you can go back to Europe for a few weeks and scout out the best locations, attend some interviews you've arranged ahead of time, etc., check prices, schools, etc. And then you won't be making decisions with an axe hanging over your head, with pets and kids in tow.

Good luck.

(In answer to your original question, this is an agency we've used in the past - http://www.housecarers.com/. I don't really think you'll find anything here, they tend to want a single person or couple only, but you never know. The agency is really only a communication middleman, they aren't actively seeking places for you.)