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Gold (24mths)
House Sitting Preferences
  • 0 - 1 week, 1 - 2 weeks, 2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +
  • Dog(s), Cat(s), Fish, Bird(s), Rabbit(s)/Guinea Pig(s), Chickens/Ducks/Geese
Preferred Locations
  • North Island: Waikato  
Availability
  • NEXT 6 MONTHS    
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  • 2025: 13-23 Feb | 5-14 Mar

NeverEnding

68, Retired

Hello,
My name is Ian, I am a Grandfather to 5 Grandchildren, a New Zealand Citizen, Foster Dog Carer and Retired Bus Driver. Below is some information about myself and the pets in my care.

Summary:

*Moving back to NZ to be with family (Grandchildren)
*Availability is listed below.
*Available at short notice and can-do short or long stays.
*Area preferred 1 hour's drive from Hamilton.
*Have experience working for the council mowing lawns.
*Happy to look after various pets.


* The pictures you see are some of the dogs I have helped foster over the past 4 years.
* Your pet will be loved and cared for in the manner he/she is accustomed to.
*. Exercise: A brisk run/walk or a slow dawdle smelling every bush and tree.
* Grooming: I will brush, pamper, and give lots of attention and love.
* Rest: If your pet sleeps on (or in) your bed that's fine with me.
* Should it be required, I can do the basic training, sit, stay, down, and heal.
* Updates with photos of your pet/s via email for your peace of mind.
* Your home will be kept clean, tidy and secure.
* I am a house-proud non-smoker, and a good driver with a reliable vehicle.
*. Happy using public transport too.

Employment

I have been a Bus Driver for the past 25 years in Melbourne, Australia. I have a Working with Children Certificate (WWC). HR Licence. Drivers Certificate. I had Snow Licence (expired). Police Check.

History - Caring for Pets:

Present Experience: Looking after many foster dogs over the past 4 years.

* I mainly have experience with dogs but have had a cat many years ago.
* Experience with 6 dogs and 1 cat since a child.
* Bred Budgies as a child.
* My (personal) last two dogs have been rescued dogs.

Raffy (Mixed breed) :
* Got her at age 14 years (Her age)
Health Issues: Hysterectomy and Breast Cancer. Rotting teeth.
At just under 20, I had to have her put down due to dementia.

Suttie (Cocker Spaniel) :
My dog at present but is not coming to NZ with me. Suttie has been adopted by someone very good with dogs. Being in the foster community was a great advantage here.

Fostering Rescue Dogs:

* Fostered rescue dogs for the past four years as a volunteer.
* Basic training. Before the dog is adopted.
* Making the dog feel wanted and loved at a difficult time in its life.
* Making urgent journeys to pick up or drop off dogs.
* Specializing in fostering working dogs.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and giving a prompt reply.

Thank you for your time.

Warm wishes,
Ian

.
References From my recent Sydney Sits over the Christmas New Year Holidays.
1. Ian was a wonderful house sitter. Highly organised and communicated well. Our two dogs were well cared for and he even took time to do some obedience training.

2. Ian was easy to communicate with, was really caring of our little dog and obviously had loads of experience. He left the house clean and tidy and we would have no hesitation in booking him again or recommending him to others.

Reviews (27)
Ian and our 2 boisterous dogs (Labrador and Healer) seemed to have a great time together. They were happy and healthy when we arrived home, We were really pleased Ian respected our “dog rules” as they are mainly outdoor-living dogs. Ian was able to enjoy full use of our home and left it mostly clean and tidy, with linen all hung out to dry. He was in contact every few days, as we agreed, with photos of happy dogs. Very grateful that he’d watered our vege garden and potted plants (all we ... MORE
 
CLAIRE (Turangi North Island, Dec 2024 - 1 week 3 nights)
This is a repeat sit as Ian is a fantastic sitter. I know my cat is in safe hands. Thank you Ian, and highly recommended to others looking for a trustworthy and good sitter.
 
CLAIRE (Leamington North Island, Nov 2024 - 3 nights - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Ian is a great sitter. He visited a number of times before we went away so the dogs knew him. When we were away he kept us updated on how they were doing. When we came home the dogs were completely relaxed and the house was in a very tidy condition - Ian had obviously kept it clean and had even washed the sheets! We would definitely want him to look after our dogs and home again, a highly recommended sitter
 
STEVE (Flagstaff North Island, Nov 2024 - 1 week)
Ian is a great house-sitter who took great care of our place and looked after our pampered pooch and 3 chooks really well. His communication during our time away was awesome and we would have him to stay again.
 
JULIA (Leamington North Island, Oct 2024 - 2 weeks)
Fantastic house and cat sitter! Ian stayed here for about 6 days and looked after Jake. He sent me photos of Jake, and communicated really well beforehand and during the sit. I arrived home to a spotless house and a happy cat! Highly recommended!
 
CLAIRE (Leamington North Island, Oct 2024 - 5 nights - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Ian was excellent with our dog and bonded so nicely with him. He made sure our boy was happy at all times. Ian communicated well with us and followed all the instructions left for him. Our house was left neat and tidy and he even got us something for dinner. Ian is definitely a real animal person and if your dog is in need of a lot of TLC while you're away, he's your man.
 
LANA (Cambridge , Sep 2024 - 3 weeks)
Our second sit with Ian. The dogs remembered Ian and were happy to see him again. Thanks Ian!
 
LAUREN (Rototuna North , Sep 2024 - 2 nights - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Ian was a great house sitter for our dog, our 5 cows and the fish. They were all well looked after. I appreciated that Ian stripped and washed his bedding, and he even left us a cooked chicken for our meal when we arrived home. We enjoyed the photos of our dog having a play date with some other dogs - Ian is VERY good with dogs. If you have a nervous dog, he would be an ideal house sitter.
 
JANET (Tamahere North Island, Aug 2024 - 1 week 1 night)
Ian was really nice and took the time to meet us before we went away. Unfortunately, we would not have Ian house-sit for us again. When we got home the dog was very sandy and had a wound on his back which we were not told about. The house was not left in a good state, and we had to do quite a lot of cleaning as soon as we got home.
 
ABI (Hamilton East Waikato North Island, Jul 2024 - 2 weeks 3 nights)
I’d have Ian come and house sit again in a heartbeat. The way he cared for our dog and cats was next level. He was even kind enough to sort some dinner for us as we were coming home late with young kids. Such a very kind and thoughtful gesture. He kept in contact with us while we were away flicking through photos too.
 
ASHLEIGH (St Andrews , Jul 2024 - 2 weeks 1 night)
Ian took great care of my 2 dogs and cat, they loved having him. Would definitely have Ian sit for us again.
 
LAUREN (Rototuna North , Jun 2024 - 2 nights - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Ian was very pleasant and came to meet both us and the dogs before the sit. The dogs reacted well to Ian. We were away for a month and during that time Ian sent me whatsapp messages with how the dogs were, which was reassuring. We had one dog recovering from injury who needed to be crate rested but feel he was allowed to do too much and was quite sore when we returned. The dogs also climbed on the furniture a lot when we returned and Ian said he had let them sleep on the bed while we were away ... MORE
 
KATHIE (Huntly North Island, Apr 2024 - 4 weeks)
Excellent house sit, everything was looked after perfectly by Ian, the animals were very happy. Would highly recommend.
 
MELISSA (Puketaha North Island, Mar 2024 - 4 nights)
Ian clearly knows dogs and their behaviour well. Our dog loved Ian, who took our dog for car rides and walks . He made sure to check with us first what our dog would and wouldn’t like. It was a real peace-of-mind holiday for us.
 
HELEN (Hamilton North Island, Mar 2024 - 1 week 1 night)
Thank you Ian for your thoughtful care and attention to our two furr babies. We returned to two very happy girls! Much appreciated, Chris and Penny
 
PENNY (Cambridge North Island, Feb 2024 - 1 week 6 nights)
Ian was a wonderful house sitter. Highly organised and communicated well. Our two dogs were well cared for and he even took time to do some obedience training.
 
MARA (Waterfall NSW, Dec 2023 - 1 week 2 nights) From Aussie House Sitters
Ian was easy to communicate with, was really caring of our little dog and obviously had loads of experience. He left the house clean and tidy and we would have no hesitation in booking him again or recommending him to others.
 
OCHRE (Bexley North NSW, Dec 2023 - 4 nights) From Aussie House Sitters
Overall, tidy, respectful person. I felt my guidelines were not looked at with the pet feeding in particular.
 
ROLF (Ohinewai North Island, Nov 2023 - 1 week 4 nights)
Ian was great at communicating and looking after our pets. Thanks for your help Ian.
 
DOUGLAS (Glenview North Island, Nov 2023 - 1 night)
Thanks Ian. Great job. Peanut and Maggie seemed happy to have you as a friend. Hope to use you again
 
CAROL (Hamilton North North Island, Nov 2023 - 4 nights)
Ian took good care of our cat including buying his own food for him since it seems he couldn’t find the box of food we left for him. Unfortunately we wouldn’t have Ian housesit for us again due to cleanliness and other housekeeping issues.
 
GEMMA (Rototuna North North Island, Jul 2023 - 1 week)
Ian took great care of our house and our ‘princess’ Jersey Girl. He was easy to communicate with and sent messages while we were away. He took Jersey Girl on outings and she absolutely loved him!
 
ANDREA (Tauranga South North Island, Feb 2023 - 2 weeks 2 nights)
Ian was a very welcome visitor. He was confident with the dogs and gave me good feedback on their behaviour. Shine had just been castrated so needed to be kept quiet and manage the E collar. He is a young dog so that would not have been easy. Food for each dog differed and was very much accepted by Ian as to those choices. I have no problem in being able to recommend him to sit any household with dogs. He has a great personality, very easy conversation.
 
CHRISTINE (Waihi Beach North Island, Feb 2023 - 1 day)
Ian was an excellent house sitter for our recent weekend away - he made the time to come and meet us beforehand, and we were very impressed by his regular communication and flexibility for an early morning start so we could get to a flight. When we returned the house was clean and tidy, the animals were happy and Ian kindly kept us in the loop with their adventures while we were away. Thanks Ian, lovely to meet you and will absolutely be in touch for future houses sits!
 
MEREDITH (Leamington North Island, Feb 2023 - 2 days)
Ian looked after our property and animals as expected. Communication was great. Would certainly recommend.
 
EVELYN (Raglan North Island, Jan 2023 - 6 days)
It was great to meet Ian and chat face to face beforehand. During his stay, Ian kept in touch through texting or emails. He was able to keep me informed of how my pet was adjusting to his stay and shared photos for reasurance. Ian also volunteered to mow my lawns showing that he was keen to keep the appearance of my place tidy and well cared for. A reliable and friendly house sitter/pet carer.
 
RACHEL (Nawton North Island, Dec 2022 - 2 Weeks)
We were relieved to finally meet Ian our house-sitter, after some unexpected delays. Everything explained - the house sit went well. Thank you for your care of our house & property & for doing the lawns in our absence. We were pleased to hear you got to enjoy the quiet surroundings with a book. Best wishes for your many other house/pet sits you have lined up. Warm regards Phil & MerriLynn
 
MERRILYNN (North Huntington North Island, Dec 2022 - 3 weeks)
 
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