Mark & Patricia

Hi, Mark and Pat here.
We are energetic, non -smoking, retired teachers who love the outdoors - currently in Queensland. We have had opportunities to use our life experiences to offer community service with blaze aid, property sitting, house maintenance, and construction.

We have balanced these opportunities with our hobbies of cycling, hiking, swimming, gardening, camping, sailing and travelling.

Pets have been a large part of our lives and since Maggie our border collie has passed on we find ourselves attracted to dog parks and off leash beaches.

We endeavour to meet with owners and their pets before the commencement of the housesit so that both owners and their pets can feel comfortable with us. While we are happy to care solely for your pets and keep your property secured we would welcome the opportunity to work around the property and keep pools, lawns and gardens maintained.

We joined House sitters Canada in
January 2023 Therefore we have provided reviews from other house sitting platforms (Mindahome and TrustedHousesitters) and these have been attached below,

Richard - Takaka NZ South Island
SIT DATE: Sep 2022 - 4 weeks
THEIR REVIEW OF YOU: Mark and Pat were fantastic, they left our property in much better shape than when we left on our trip. All our animals (horse's, dogs and cats) and gardens were well tended and when we got home our huntaway was busy looking around for them. Wish we had more time to spend with them. It seemed like we knew them forever. Highly recommended for any house sit.

Donna Christchurch NZ
14 Oct - 22 Oct 2022
We would absolutely recommend Mark and Pat as housesitters
Their communication from day one was fantastic, even taking time out to meet with us 5 weeks prior to sitting for us as they headed away to other homes.
We came home to an immaculate home, watered garden, and a very well cared for dog
Really fabulous couple

Dawn Welington NZ
07 Oct - 10 Oct 2022
We couldn't have higher praise of Mark and Pat. A lovely couple who looked after our "3 Amigos" (3 |labradors) wonderfully. They were organised with communication
etc and the house was probably cleaner than we left it !!
Organised
Reliable
Self-sufficient
Clean & tidy
Happy pets

Respond to review
David Upper Ferry. Newfoundland, Canada 04 NoV - 30 Nov 2022
Mark and Pat did an excellent job
taking care of our four fur babies. They looked after our house like we were still home. Wonderful sitters and would highly recommend.
Organised
Reliable
Self-sufficient
Clean & tidy
Happy pets

Elanora Queensland May 2021
"Mark and Pat were wonderful. When we got home the dogs were happy, the house was spotless and they even baked us a cake! We would be happy to use them again and would highly recommend"
Sami
Pets well cared forFollowed instructionsHome neat and cleanMaintained gardenPunctualResourceful
5 stars

"Mark and Pat were my first house-minders and I was completely blown away by the experience and their professionalism.
They way exceeded my expectations and I certainly came home to find both the house and garden in much better condition than I left it.
I hope they will come back!!"
Rebecca - Brookfield, Queensland - 12 Oct 2020
Pets well cared forFollowed instructionsHome neat and cleanMaintained gardenPunctualResourceful

"I think we need more than a few words for this review. Mark and Pat felt like family as soon as we met them, we asked them to come and stay a day earlier so they could see how the furbabies were in their home environment. We had a lovely night together with mark and pat taking notes and paying great attention to how things were done so the routine wouldn't change. We felt very comfortable so did Cleo and Chester going to them for sneaky pats and cuddles.
Throughout our holiday we were sent photos with funny captions to keep us updated with what was happening at home. Cleo and Chester always looked calm and happy in the photos and of course the grass was kept well watered.
On return the house was left better than perfect I wish they could move in. Groceries in the fridge, home cooked caked and sliced up meal in the freezer.
I wish we could pre book for all our holidays but we understand they do have a life as well.
Definitely will catch up again on our travels as I feel we have made 2 special friends.
"
Dianne - Cambewarra, New South Wales - 15 Nov 2019
Pets well cared forFollowed instructionsHome neat and cleanMaintained

House references JANETTE AND JANETTE SCHULZ HouseSitter Reference - 10/07/2019 We had the absolute pleasure of having Mark and Pat housesit for us whilst we were overseas for 3 1/2 weeks. Mark and Pat visited us before our departure and we immediately felt at ease with them They were very thorough with the requirements for our two elderly dogs and cat and we left knowing that everything was in good hands. On our return our home was immaculate and our fur babies brushed and obviously well cared for. Mark and Pat had also stocked our fridge with necessary requirements for a cuppa along with a yummy chocolate cake. It was also the little touches like fresh flowers and chocolates on arriving home. We wou,d have no hesitation in recommending Mark and Pat for your housesitting job and look forward to having them stay with us again in the future. Jeff and Janette Schulz

Review by Ilve. 17/4/19 Cashmere. Qld There's a reason why Mark and Pat are booked out well in advance-they are fabulous in every way! From our first meeting together to coming home to a spotless home with spoilt alpacas and birds, we couldn't have asked for more. Consider yourself fortunate if you have Mark and Pat come and stay at your place! Skills: Pets well cared for, Followed instructions, Home neat and clean, Maintained garden, Punctual, Resourceful

Reviews & references
Rose Brisbane, QLD
04 Jan -12 Jan 2021
Mark & Pat were remarkable house sitters. They cared for our two border collies entertaining them all day. Our home was sparkling when we returned and I cannot
even tell you the amount of work they did outside for which I am forever grateful.'
Will be contacting them again as my first choice next time we need a sitter.

Review by Jen. 16/4/19 Kenmore Hills. Qld We were so lucky to have Pat & Mark stay in our home with our various pets....Not only did we come back to happy animals (especially our very anxious dogs) but also to an immaculate home and outdoor area!! Thank you so much for cleaning our pool and the area around and for the beautifully clean and tidy patio area!! You were also so considerate and understanding about our son's allergy and we greatly appreciate that!! Also all of my plants, both inside and out were in such great condition which made me very happy as they are also my babies!!! :) We would certainly highly recommend Pat & Mark to anyone!!! Thank you!!!! Fingers crossed you will be back.....:) Skills: Pets well cared for, Followed instructions, Home neat and clean, Maintained garden, Punctual, Resourceful

Review by cheryl. 9/4/19. Mundulan Qld Mark & Pat were exceptional housemates to our loved dogs & our bird life and indoor caged parrot. On our return we found in our fridge two delightful, home cooked cakes. Highly recommend them if you need their services. We would welcome them back without hesitation. Skills: Pets well cared for, Followed instructions, Home neat and clean, Maintained garden, Punctual, Resourceful

NEAL AXELBY Keils Mountain. Qld HouseSitter Reference - 01/12/2018 During November 2018 we were fortunate to have Mark & Pat Meulman house sit for us while we went overseas. We live on small acreage & have a dog, 3 cats, goldfish, a few small parrots & finches, 2 alpacas & a shed with 300 canaries. On returning home, we found all of the animals in great health (the dog & cats had been brushed to look marvellous) the whole place to be extremely clean and tidy with a bottle of milk and a lovely cake waiting for us in the fridge. Their care of our place was exemplary and without doubt are they are the best house-sitters that we have ever had. I highly recommend them to any owner who is looking for caring, thoughtful and considerate sitters. Neal Axelby

ANGELA MANN Old Bar NSW HouseSitter Reference - 27/10/2018 I have no hesitation in recommending Pat and Mark as house sitters. They are very punctual and practical people. We came home to happy cats and a clean house. My mother who has never used housesitters before was impressed. Sincerely Ange, Rhonda, Grant, Blandy and Peaches.

FREYA & CLIVE HUEBLE - Carindale. Qld February 2019 Pat and Mark stayed at our home for 4 weeks whilst we traveled to the UK for Christmas 2018 and New Year. They looked after our home, our beloved dog and 3 chickens as though they were their own. We feel so fortunate to have found them. From the moment that we met them, we knew that we had found 2 very special people who we could entrust our home and pets to. Pat and Mark connected with us and our children straight away. We all found them so easy to talk to, just like family friends that we had known for years. They went to a great deal of trouble to learn all they could about our pets, the running of the house, garden and pool. We introduced them to our very dear neighbours and straight away, more friendships were formed. So when we departed a few weeks later, we all felt very comfortable in leaving our home and pets in their very capable hands. We received updates and photos of the chickens and our dog whilst we were away which was lovely. On our return, we were amazed at how immaculately clean our house was, inside and out. There was not a single leaf in the pool, the patio was clean and they had even cleaned the windows!! They must have been so busy.....we couldn't believe it!! Our dog and the chickens looked so well cared for and healthy on our return. Prior to us leaving we had been struggling to manage our dog's skin allergy. Pat and Mark performed our strict instructions to the letter which was a gruelling schedule of doggie medications, special lotions and washes and even putting on doggie boots for walks!!! Nothing was too much trouble and our dog's skin and coat looked amazing on our return. How lovely to walk into our home on our return at just after midnight from 2 very long flights, to find everything so immaculatelyclean and tidy and the beds looking so inviting AND to be able to enjoy a slice of delicious homemade cake and cup of tea before sliding into bed. The Coconut Greek Cake and biscuits....... Delicious!! We didn't expect this! We also discovered fruit, milk, cheese and even homemade Bailey's in the fridge too! We would not hesitate for a moment to highly recommend Pat and Mark to anyone looking for an experienced, caring, friendly and responsible couple to house\pet sit.

HouseSitter Reference - 05/03/2019 Review by Brian an Cheryl-Nanango Qld 8-24 February 2019 Pat and Mark were amazing. Our dog actually had her puppies whilst we were away and they were all exceptionally looked after and comfortable when we got home. Our home was left in immaculate condition. Would highly recommend Pat and Mark for any house sit and hope they will be available next time we go away.. Skills: Pets well cared for, Followed instructions, Home neat and clean, Maintained garden, Punctual, Resourceful

RACHAEL and LUKE RADLEY Hoya. Qld HouseSitter Reference - 26/10/2018 We had the opportunity to meet Mark and Pat in person prior to the house sit just so the dogs could give their voice of approval - but we had nothing to worry about. From that initial meeting we were absolutely sure that the dogs would be in perfect hands - and our house would be too. Mark and Pat got to spend almost 7 weeks in our home, taking care of two energetic boxers, many house plants, a large number of wild birds and ducks across our 10 acres of land and we think the occasional neighbour's cow that came in to say hello. The grounds were kept fantastically, and had been further cleared and tidied, the house was in better condition that what we left it in - and I'd like to think we are pretty clean people.. One month later and we are still finding things that they fixed/improved throughout the house and yard. But mostly, the dogs have re-learned some impeccable manners and to be quite honest, were more sad to see Mark and Pat go, then they were happy to see us return! I would without a doubt recommend Mark and Pat house and pet sit your property. They are very down-to-earth people with a great sense of humour that had us at absolute ease being away knowing our home and dogs were in great hands.

BARBARA THOMPSON Upper Caboolture. Qld HouseSitter Reference - 21/08/2018 Pat And Mark have just finished a week long house sit for my husband and I caring for our two dogs Rueben and Alfie. We were very confident that they would do a great job and they certainty did that. The dogs were happy and well looked after and our house was spotless when we came home. They were grateful for the house sit but I feel like it should be the other way around! Highly recommend Pat and Mark anytime.