We recently caught up with full-time house sitters Marjie and Tony, a Canadian couple from Montreal, who have been caring for pets and homes across the globe since 2015. With over 50 sits under their belt, they’ve looked after everything from tropical retreats in Belize to countryside hideaways in Portugal.
In this interview, they share highlights from their 8-month house-sitting adventure through Australia and a memorable 5-month stay in rural Portugal. Plus, we find out what it’s like to care for 32 lovebirds—and where they’re off to next!
Tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you, where are you from, for, do you do it full-time or sporadically
Tony and I are from Montreal, Canada, and have been sitting globally since 2015 and full-time since 2018
Why did you do petsitting? What is the primary motivation?
Love of travel and love of animals.
How many housesits have you had and where?
We have done 50+ house sits. Some of the countries include Canada, Australia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Cyprus, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Columbia, Costa Rica, and Belize.
How did you find out about housesitting?
An article in Conde Naste about their ‘Travellers of the Year who happened to be petsitters from Canada.Back in 2013-14?
What’s been the biggest adventure so far?
10 sits while touring Australia for 8 months
How much luggage do you travel with?
1 carry-on, 1 checked each.
Pros of House Sitting?
The reasons we love house-sitting include: chances to visit new places
Meeting new people on a different platform, other than just being travelers
Staying in wonderful homes to treat as our own, for a while
Most importantly,y hang with some great pets!
Cons of House Sitting?
Occasionally, people misrepresent themselves to obtain free labor.
What was your favorite housesitting experience to date and why?
5 months in rural Portugal with six dogs and two cats. It was an amazing experience and a learning curve.
How do you decide on a destination?
Timing, proximity to current location, and length of sit. Also, vibe from the owners after a meeting.
Was it hard for you to secure your first housesitting gig? How many applications did you have to send before you got accepted for your first assignment?
we got our 1st sit in Laos for 7 months with our 1st application.
Tips for others wanting to get started?
Start off sitting locally to build a portfolio and reviews—good way to see what you are getting into also.
Did you ever have any unusual pets to take care of or responsibilities that were out of the norm?
We looked after 32 Lovebirds
Where to next (when you can)
February 6, in France for a 2-part sit over 4 months with sits in Spain and Cyprus in between.
Need Help Getting Started With House Sitting?
Have we got you excited about house-sitting? We love sharing house-sitting experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys.
So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.
Want to Read More Interviews With House Sitters?
If you enjoyed this interview and want to read more, you’re in luck. We have interviewed over 80 housesitters, including retired couples, digital nomads in their 20s, families of 5, couples who house-sit part-time, and much more.
You can see the interviews here.
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
Are You Ready to Start House Sitting?
