Discover how one retired couple, Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, have embraced home-sitting to stay active in their retirement while exploring the UK and earning money.
Home-sitting entails taking care of someone’s residence and sometimes their pets while they are away. The Blackwoods, with Barbara’s background as an administrative secretary and Lawrence’s experience as a former police officer, now engage in approximately one home sit per month, spending almost half the year away from home.
Barbara expressed, “After retiring, we didn’t want to be idle. Home-sitting was the perfect fit for us.”
Home-sitters receive a minimum of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets. Caring for two dogs and a cat can fetch £367.92 for the same duration. The duties involve around one hour and 45 minutes per day and include a daily food allowance. Additionally, travel expenses are covered for the initial meeting and transportation to and from assignments.
Home-sitting has not only provided financial benefits to the couple but has also helped them save on utility bills, especially during the cold winter months in Scotland. Barbara estimated savings of around £47 per month during a winter assignment lasting three to four weeks, with an average monthly saving of £31 from September to April.
The couple shared that travel expenses to and from assignments are reimbursed, often set aside for holidays, and there is a daily food allowance. They also receive a modest payment for the assignments, with potential additional compensation based on the duties, such as pet care requirements.
Barbara highlighted that their primary focus is on the well-being of the animals under their care, ensuring they feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their routine. The couple has explored various locations across Scotland through home-sitting assignments, offering a mix of responsibilities and the joy of caring for pets.
Reflecting on their home-sitting experience, Lawrence mentioned, “The flexibility and diversity are what make it special. It’s like a self-catering holiday with responsibilities that are rewarding and fulfilling. We take pride in enabling pet owners to enjoy their vacations without concerns about their pets’ welfare.”
With nearly a decade of home-sitting, the Blackwoods have built lasting relationships, with one family welcoming them back regularly since their start in 2017. Barbara expressed, “We’ve never regretted it. Home-sitting has granted us a lifestyle we truly cherish.”