57 Year-Old Traveling the World

John

43 reviews

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John

London, United Kingdom

43 reviews

Join to Invite John

Sits for free

About John

Hello,

I have been traveling the world, mostly Europe, since quitting my full-time job four years ago. In between sits, I rent flats, usually for a month at a time, and meet up with friends and family. The experiences I've had, and the new friends I've met thanks to this site, far exceeded my hopes. I am an easy-going guy. Walking, reading and listening to music is as crazy as I get these days.

I have looked after dogs, cats, fish, ducks and chickens, other birds, horses and ponies, rabbits, and goats and in many different combinations. I have taken care of elderly dogs and cats, and several that required medications. I think I've had sits in 13 different countries.

I have references and IDs to send you and a thorough police/background check as well.

Why I want to house sit

I'm eager to explore places I haven't been and to re-visit others. When renting holiday flats, I realized how much I missed having a dog and a cat. My last and most beloved pet lived almost 20 years and for a big German Shepherd-Husky mix I know how lucky I was, but I also must have done some things right along the way. I've been missing the company of pets ever since. Watching, caring and playing with pets is a win-win, as I see it, and owners seem to appreciate and trust me. I hope, and believe, it is a good situation for the pets as well, at least as good as it can be when their loving owners are away.

My experience

I am (was?) a professional, responsible, mature manager. My last title was Vice-President of Operations for an internet company. I'm dependable and get along with almost everyone. I realize how fortunate I am and I try to do my small part everyday to be helpful and kind and give back a little bit. (Boy, re-reading that, it sounds incredibly corny.) House and pet-sitting provides variety, the chance to meet new people and the joy of playing with pets and spending time as a "local". I've loved the experiences and the new friends, human and otherwise, that I've met along the way.

Reviews (43)

Camille - Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain

21 December - 06 January 2019

Straight from the start it was really easy to speak to John and organise everything. We were in touch a few times throughout the sit and the cats were well looked after. We came home to a tidy house although that wasn't easy as we are in the middle of renovations. The cats seemed to be very happy... + More

Straight from the start it was really easy to speak to John and organise everything. We were in touch a few times throughout the sit and the cats were well looked after. We came home to a tidy house although that wasn't easy as we are in the middle of renovations. The cats seemed to be very happy! We had one of them sneaking out and escaping just minutes before we came back and John was very calm about the whole situation. Clearly it all turned out well! Thank you very much for all your help!

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

Pet care

Response from John

Camille and Luke are lovely people. Add in their beautiful young child, a very comfortable home, a great location, AND the two most adorable cats I've had the pleasure of spending time with, and this was a fantastic experience.

They also very kindly picked me up and dropped me off at the bus station when I arrived and departed (and graciously allowed me to stay a night both before they left and after they returned. Too kind!). I really hope I see them all again, for another sit or the next time I visit the wonderful San Sebastian. Thank you so much for a memorable time!

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Paula - Austin, Texas, United States

10 October - 15 October 2018

John did a great job pet/house sitting! The house was tidy and locked up securely when I returned. Most importantly, my cat and kitten appeared to be happy and content. Most definitely, I will invite him to pet sit again. + More

John did a great job pet/house sitting! The house was tidy and locked up securely when I returned. Most importantly, my cat and kitten appeared to be happy and content. Most definitely, I will invite him to pet sit again.

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

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Pet care

Response from John

Paula couldn't have been kinder. Her home is lovely and her cats are cool! I really hope I get a chance to get to know them a bit better with another stay. I had a great time.

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Gwen - Cambridge, United Kingdom

25 August - 09 September 2018

John was absolutely great and we would be delighted if at some point he might be able to sit for us again. We were immensely grateful for the care he took with communication and planning, and for his ability to re-plan with good humour when circumstances on both sides changed. His vast experi... + More

John was absolutely great and we would be delighted if at some point he might be able to sit for us again. We were immensely grateful for the care he took with communication and planning, and for his ability to re-plan with good humour when circumstances on both sides changed. His vast experience of house-sitting and with dogs was apparent and made us totally relaxed and comfortable leaving our home and our dog with him- Cora clearly had a great time. We really enjoyed meeting John - we had a cool time with him.

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

Pet care

Response from John

I had a great stay and Cora is an extra-special dog. And her human parents are lovely people. I was very lucky to have had this time with all of them. I really hope I get back to see them again before too long. Thanks so much for a fantastic time!

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