Maris & Merilyn

Hello there,
We are experienced sitters from Brazil on a working holiday visa in NZ. We have remote jobs/college commitments that allow us to come see NZ but that also means we stay home more to keep your pets company. We are non smokers and flexible to follow any house rules you might have.
Together we completed over 20 housesits in London through another platform and very happy to share those outstanding reviews with you. So far we have done three long housesits in Christchurch as well.
We have done multiple catsits, including long ones (6+ weeks), and caring for cats that needed medication or special needs. We have also cared for large and medium dogs: retrievers, dalmatian, labs, rough collies, golden doodles, as well as little ones: poodles and chihuahuas. We have cared for dogs that needed medication, 2 hours of exercise a day, puppies, and senior dogs unable to go for walks anymore, incontinent dogs, etc. we adjust to whatever routine or care our furry friends have. We have also cared for bunnies, chickens and birds.
Maris have lived in other countries before (UK, US, Ireland, Italy and Canada) and backpacked through 45 countries. Merilyn lived in the UK prior to coming to NZ and is on her 5th country at the moment.
We are extremely easy going and flexible and we take housesitting seriously - for us it’s like a second job as we do our best to watch over your house and keep it clean as well as follow your instructions to keep your pets safe, happy and healthy. We can communicate daily or as much as you want us to.
In Brazil, Merilyn worked at her family's dogs & cats groomers for years. She has experience dealing with large and small dogs, friendly and "not-so-friendly" cats. She’s also a dog walker. Whilst in London in 2021, Merilyn volunteered at a local city farm cleaning stables, feeding the animals, and assisting with school workshops. She volunteered mainly to improve her English but she could have done it anywhere else - but she chose a farm because she genuinely loves animals.
Maris has had a dog and a cat and both ended up needing special care at the end of their lives. Maris was their main caregiver. She also used a housesitter for 4 months once so she understands your side on this deal.
We are both financially stable and love the idea of exchanging pet/house care for a cosy place to stay. On the other hand, we are able to afford a place of our own which means we can be very flexible with dates. As far as our hobbies and interests apart from traveling, we are into mindfulness meditation, reading, cooking, hiking, photography and flying our drones.