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HOUSE & PET SITTING PROFILE
About
ABOUT US
We are a retired couple who take great pride in caring for other people’s homes and animals as if they were our own. With farming experience, medical training, and a lifetime of animal care, we bring both competence and kindness to every house sit.
Having lived and farmed in North Canterbury, New Zealand, and now based in the Gold Coast hinterland, we’re equally comfortable on rural lifestyle blocks or suburban homes.
Over the past five years, we have also been caretaking at a Lodge and Wellness complex in the hinterland — a role that’s strengthened our skills in property maintenance, hospitality, and grounds care, as well as maintaining high standards of presentation and security.
We’ve cared for cats, dogs, chooks, goats, and deer, managed gardens and lawns, and maintained homes with the same level of attention we give our own.
We are fit, active, non-smoking, and reliable, with a straightforward approach.
After many wonderful years in Australia, we are now looking to return home to Canterbury, New Zealand, and are interested in house and pet sitting opportunities as part of that transition.
EXPERIENCE
On-Site Caretakers — Lodge & Wellness Complex, Gold Coast Hinterland (2019–Present)
- Responsible for overall property care and presentation of a multi-building lodge and wellness clinic.
- Oversaw grounds, gardens, and maintenance, ensuring facilities remained clean, functional, and secure.
House & Pet Sitters — Gold Coast, QLD & Canterbury, NZ
- Trusted by families to care for homes, animals, and gardens while they travel.
- Provided daily feeding, walking, and care for dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and other livestock.
- Maintained gardens, lawns, and watering systems.
- Kept homes secure, clean, and well cared for.
Farm Owners — North Canterbury, NZ
- Bred and raised deer, goats, and poultry.
- Experienced in feeding, handling, and observing animal health.
- Skilled in basic maintenance, fencing, and land management.
Professional Backgrounds
- Bernice: Registered Nurse — dependable, detail-oriented, and calm in any situation.
- Robert: Extensive farming and construction experience, and an accomplished ultra-endurance athlete — practical, hardworking, and committed.
SKILLS & QUALITIES
- Excellent animal care (pets and livestock)
- Property caretaking & maintenance experience
- Honest, respectful, and trustworthy
- Gardening and lawn maintenance
- Comfortable in both rural and urban settings
- Self-sufficient and tidy
- Non-smokers and physically fit
- References available upon request
- Pair
- Age Group: 67 plus
- Retired
Information
Preferred Locations
- Ashburton
- Christchurch
- Hurunui
- Kaikoura
- Mackenzie
- Marlborough
- Nelson
- Selwyn
- Tasman
- Timaru
- Waimakariri
- Waimate
Experience/Willing to care for/Duration/Additional Information
- Birds
- Cats
- Dogs
- Experience with Domestic Animals
- Experience with Farm Animals
- Farms animals/Livestock
- Fish
- Long Term House Sits (1 month +)
- Medium Term House Sits (2 – 4 weeks )
- Non smoker
- Other Pets
- Poultry
- References available
- Small pets
Availability
March 2026
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April 2026
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- Available
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