A retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have shared their experience of home-sitting as a way to stay active and explore more of the UK. Home-sitting involves taking care of someone’s home and sometimes their pets while they are away. Barbara, a former administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a retired police officer, now engage in approximately one home sit per month, which keeps them away from home for nearly half of the year.
They find home-sitting to be a fulfilling post-retirement activity. The compensation for home-sitting varies depending on the tasks involved. For instance, a two-week assignment without pets pays a minimum of £333.06, while looking after two dogs and a cat during the same period earns £367.92. The responsibilities include around 1 hour and 45 minutes of daily duties, along with a daily food allowance. Additionally, travel expenses are covered, encompassing both the initial meeting and trips to and from assignments.
Besides the financial benefits, home-sitting has also helped the couple save on utility bills, especially during the colder months in Scotland where they reside. Barbara estimates savings of around £47 per month during a winter assignment lasting three to four weeks. From September to April, they save an average of £31 monthly. The couple also utilizes the covered travel expenses for holidays and appreciates the daily food allowance provided during assignments.
Through their home-sitting experiences, Barbara and Lawrence have explored various locations in Scotland that they might not have visited otherwise. Lawrence expressed their enjoyment of the flexibility and variety that home-sitting offers, describing it as a rewarding and satisfying experience akin to a self-catering holiday with responsibilities but enriched by the companionship of pets.
Their main focus during home-sitting remains the well-being of the animals under their care, ensuring they feel secure and comfortable in their routines. Over the years, they have built lasting relationships with families who continue to welcome them back for repeat assignments, fostering a sense of community and trust.
Barbara summed up their sentiment by saying, “We’ve never looked back. It’s given us a lifestyle we truly love.”