Alberta: Central, Edmonton & Rockies, South & Calgary British Columbia: Thompson Okanagan, Vancouver Coast & Mountains, Vancouver Island Ontario: Golden Horseshoe, National Capital, Southwest Quebec: Montreal and Southwestern
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2025: 1 Jan - 31 Jul
Happy Houseguy
69, Retired Engineer
65, Retired
Currently available from September to November 2024 in Canada.
I am a mature, responsible, non-smoking, retired Engineer and granddad from Canada. I travel to Australia and/or New Zealand each year during the Northern Winter to escape the cold and snow.
I spent the 2018/2019 and 2023/2024 seasons housesitting in New Zealand and 2019/2020, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 in Australia. You can see my references in my profile. Every sit went very well and I had a great time interacting with the many pets.
I understand that while you are away pets need their routine maintained, and not to feel neglected. I am sensitive to this and get a great deal of pleasure from their company and happiness, so put their needs as high priority.
Mowing lawns, tending to the garden and other household chores while keeping you in the loop with how things are going are part of the course. I am also happy to spend extra time with you being trained on anything you feel may be necessary.
I enjoy nature, cycling, walking and generally activities that take me outdoors. I rarely go out in the evenings and I do not have any other commitments other than the house sit that I would be doing, so have plenty of time for pet companionship. I particularly enjoy house sitting locations that have access to water, beaches or lakes. I prefer longer house sitting assignments to minimize travel around the country.
I am also a home owner so I know how to look after a home properly and to care for possessions. I am house proud and fastidious but your place would also need to be reasonably clean and comfortable for me to be relaxed.
I will not have my own vehicle whilst house sitting, so would need to be located walking distance to shops, services and public transport.
Once we make contact through the website we can set up whatever communication method works best, email, Whatsapp, etc.
Hoping to hear from you. Kind Regards Jim
Reviews (20)
This was our first time ever with a house sitter and we were apprehensive before committing. Jim helped allay our fears from very first contact and we had great communication from Day 1.
When Jim took over our house and most importantly the care of our senior dog and of my wife's extensive orchid collection, we felt at ease immediately. He is an experienced sitter and he took notes and asked pertinent questions. Jim provided us with regular updates completely unprompted. Both in text via ... MOREThis was our first time ever with a house sitter and we were apprehensive before committing. Jim helped allay our fears from very first contact and we had great communication from Day 1.
When Jim took over our house and most importantly the care of our senior dog and of my wife's extensive orchid collection, we felt at ease immediately. He is an experienced sitter and he took notes and asked pertinent questions. Jim provided us with regular updates completely unprompted. Both in text via WhatsApp and via pictures taken. More importantly, he recognized that our dog had an acute skin problem, brought her to the vet, and applied the prescribed care while also paying all the cost upfront. He even drove us to and picked us up from the airport! We'd pick Jim again immediately! Thank you lots
TIMUR ( Alberta, Jul 2022 - 1 month 1 week)
Jim and Mercedes are fabulous house guests and confident dog minders. Our deaf blue cattle dog was very relaxed and happy when we returned home.
Communication was excellent and we enjoyed getting to know them. Would definitely have them back to mind our dog and house again. Thank you Nell
NELL (Helensburgh NSW, Dec 2024 - 3 nights)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim and Mercedes were fantastic. Being able to have some time with them before the sit commenced gave us confidence in leaving our two dogs in their care. We touched base a several occasions prior to the sit and Jim was great in keeping touch during our time away. The house was immaculate on our return and the dogs very calm and happy. We wouldn't hesitate to welcome Jim and Mercedes back into our home for future sits.
MAREE (WOONONA EAST NSW, Nov 2024 - 2 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim and Mercedes are wonderful house sitters, and provided exceptional care for my little poodle. From the first meeting, my poodle was very comfortable and calm with them, and she is a generally anxious dog. I received reassuring updates by email, video, and photographs, and found they were reliable and devoted to ensuring that she had lots of affection, daily play with her toys, walks several times a day, and longer outings to natural settings. They maintained her special diet and monitored ... MOREJim and Mercedes are wonderful house sitters, and provided exceptional care for my little poodle. From the first meeting, my poodle was very comfortable and calm with them, and she is a generally anxious dog. I received reassuring updates by email, video, and photographs, and found they were reliable and devoted to ensuring that she had lots of affection, daily play with her toys, walks several times a day, and longer outings to natural settings. They maintained her special diet and monitored her for any health concerns. She clearly bonded to them and enjoyed every moment with them! My home was left clean and organized, and I appreciated spending time with both of them before and after my travels. I am very fortunate that they agreed to the sit and will welcome them again.
DONNA ( British Columbia, Sep 2024 - 4 weeks)
Jim and Mercedes were great house sitters. They took great care of our animals even our grumpy cat, sending regular updates and pictures during our trip. Jim was even kind enough to help my family and I get to and from the airport. Highly recommend for anyone in need of a house sitter.
SHELLEY ( British Columbia, Aug 2024 - 3 weeks)
We are so grateful to have had Jim and Mercy take care of our house and dog. It was so nice to completely relax and not worry knowing we had two great people taking care of things. Our dog didn't miss us at all and we had regular updates and everything was clean and tidy when we got back. Would highly recommend Jim to anyone wanting a calm and reliable house and pet sitter.
GABRIELLE (Aotea North Island, Mar 2024 - 2 weeks 1 night)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Great reliable house sitters, highly recommend. Mercedes and Jim looked after my 3 dogs and my birds. They made my holiday away stress free. Great regular communication and photos sent of my 3 girls. I would absolutely recommend Jim and Mercedes without hesitation and would love to have them to house sit again. Once again, many thanks.
HELEN (Waikanae Beach North Island, Mar 2024 - 6 nights)
From Kiwi House Sitters
We want to express how grateful we are for the amazing care you provided to Rex while we were away. Your service and communication exceeded all our expectations, and we can't thank you enough for the peace of mind you gave us during our time away.
Your quick and thorough responses to our questions immediately reassured us, and your thoughtful inquiries showed us how much you genuinely cared about Rex's well-being. Your commitment to keeping in touch throughout the entire house-sitting ... MOREWe want to express how grateful we are for the amazing care you provided to Rex while we were away. Your service and communication exceeded all our expectations, and we can't thank you enough for the peace of mind you gave us during our time away.
Your quick and thorough responses to our questions immediately reassured us, and your thoughtful inquiries showed us how much you genuinely cared about Rex's well-being. Your commitment to keeping in touch throughout the entire house-sitting experience made us feel like we were always connected and well-informed.
We highly recommend your services to anyone in need of a reliable and devoted pet house sitter, and we look forward to the opportunity to work with you again in the future.
CAITLYN (Sutherland NSW, Feb 2024 - 2 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
So grateful for Jim and Mercedes, they where fantastic sitters. Our furbabies where happy and content and the house was perfectly cared for. Can't recommend highly enough and hope we can use them again in the future.
DAVID (GLEDSWOOD HILLS NSW, Jan 2024 - 1 week 3 nights)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim is friendly and did a great job looking after Louie. He sent check messages almost every day and even bought Louie treats. Great guy and will definitely book him again!!
NICOLE (Bass Hill NSW, Dec 2023 - 1 week 2 nights)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim looked after our house and our cat, Leah, for two weeks whilst we were on holiday in the UK. He did a fantastic job right from the start with friendly and frequent communication making the arrangements very straight forward. He was also flexible with times of arrival and departure. We really enjoyed meeting Jim and sharing a meal at both the beginning and end of the stay. While we were away Jim provided lots of updates and was also very respectful of our house. He took a lot of care to get ... MOREJim looked after our house and our cat, Leah, for two weeks whilst we were on holiday in the UK. He did a fantastic job right from the start with friendly and frequent communication making the arrangements very straight forward. He was also flexible with times of arrival and departure. We really enjoyed meeting Jim and sharing a meal at both the beginning and end of the stay. While we were away Jim provided lots of updates and was also very respectful of our house. He took a lot of care to get to know Leah and make sure her normal routine was kept. It's great to find a housesitter who is also a real 'cat-person'. House was exactly as we left it on our return. Thanks Jim, we hope you enjoy the rest of your summer in Aus!
ANNA (Berwick VIC, Feb 2023 - 2 weeks 1 day)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim was a marvelous house sitter and our dog, Max, enjoyed his company and the walks they did every day. They are now buddies. His communication was great with us while we were overseas, and I would recommend him as a house sitter.
GILL (Goulburn NSW, Jan 2023 - 2 weeks 1 day)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim is a trusted and communicative house sitter. We had a challenging situation with our old dog and he was as compassionate and flexible. We'd be super happy to have him look after our home and pets again.
ELENA (Reservoir VIC, Jan 2023 - 6 days)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim came all the way from Canada to Australia and took wonderful care of our two dogs and house while we went overseas for a month. He made sure the dogs were comfortable during the hots days which was very reassuring for us. He communicated really well leading up to the house sit and then also during our time away. I highly recommend Jim to house sit your place! Thanks Jim!
NICKY (Belair SA, Dec 2022 - 4 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim is an excellent person with exemplary communication skills. Rocco ( our Labrador) became friendly with Jim immediately. Jim was very thorough in understanding all the needs and requirements of Rocco and did not miss a beat. I will highly recommend Jim and would love to be able to have him come over for another sit without any hesitation. Thank you Jim, you are a true gentleman.
MANISH (Concord NSW, Dec 2019 - 4 weeks)
From Aussie House Sitters
Jim came to our house to look after our cats while we were away. He arrived a day early to get instructions and meet our cats. Our cats were very well cared for while we were away. They received a lot of attention from Jim. He promptly provided updates when they were requested. We came home to a clean house and two happy cats. Jim did a great job. looking after our house and cats. I would not hesitate to recommend him for any house sitting job or use his services again.
SUSAN (Calgary Alberta, Jun 2019 - 1 week)
Jim took amazing care of our 3 month old puppy, which was no easy feat. Jim kept us informed daily. The house was clean and tidy when we returned. I would not hestiate in highly recommending Jim for house / pet sitting. Thank you Jim you're fantastic
GERALDINE (Massey North Island, Feb 2019 - 6 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Jim was a pleasure to have over for Christmas dinner and to have stay to look after Rambo. He kept in communication and was great to deal with. Would highly recommend.
JENNY (Ellerslie North Island, Jan 2019 - 4 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Jim was very easy to communicate with. He kept in touch regularly during the year, before the house sit, and sent regular message during the sit. He got along well with our pets and went to a lot of trouble to take care of them.
Jim was also willing to accommodate appointments that we had set up with e.g. carpet cleaners, and was very helpful with regards to this.
Overall, I recommend Jim for a house sit.
HELGA (Stanmore Bay North Island, Jan 2019 - 1 week 4 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
I highly recommend Jim as a house sitter, he is friendly,organised and looked after our home and pets perfectly, he even took us to and from the airport in our car. As we organised the job mid year his communication left us assured the he would arrive and do a great job. Get him now before someone else does!!
SHELLEY & LEE MORETON (Pt Chevalier North Island, Dec 2018 - 1 week 4 days)
From Kiwi House Sitters
Green garden!
Make sure the garden and potted plants are thriving when you get back - get a house sitter.
Single
This was our first time ever with a house sitter and we were apprehensive before committing. Jim helped allay our fears from very first contact and we had great communication from Day 1.
When Jim took over our house and most importantly the care of our senior dog and of my wife's extensive orchid collection, we felt at ease immediately. He is an experienced sitter and he took notes and asked pertinent questions. Jim provided us with regular updates completely unprompted. Both in text via ... MORE
