Sandra French, a woman in her late 70s from Warwick, has been a dedicated homesitter with Homesitters Ltd. since September 2008.

After retiring in 2007, Sandra wanted to stay active and engaged without the stress of traditional work.

She found homesitting to be the perfect flexible work solution—a fun challenge that provided a change of scenery and helped with cash flow.

Over the years, Sandra has amassed an impressive record of 110 homesits, amounting to 758 days – that's over two years spent away from home!

Before embarking on her homesitting journey, Sandra had a fulfilling career in sales and marketing for some of the UK's most iconic heritage sites, including Leeds Castle, Warwick Castle, and Blenheim Palace.

Sandra enjoyed great job satisfaction from her work, which she has continued to experience through homesitting. The transition from her professional life to retirement was seamless, as homesitting provided her with a new avenue to stay active and engaged while enjoying a variety of new experiences.

Through her time with Homesitters Ltd., Sandra has gained extensive experience in caring for a wide range of animals. She has looked after 61 dogs, 63 cats, four small pets, two birds/exotic pets, and 14 livestock.

Sandra has looked after 61 dogs, 63 cats, four small pets, two birds/exotic pets, and 14 livestock (image via Kayak PR)

This diverse experience has given her skills and knowledge to handle various pet care responsibilities, from feeding and walking to administering medication and providing companionship.

There have been many memorable assignments. One highlight was looking after a giant African snail, specifically an Achatina achatina. Sandra found the experience fascinating and enjoyed the novelty of looking after such an unusual creature along with the family tortoise.

Homesitting often involves more than just pet care. Sandra recalls an assignment where she had to water 82 pots, a task she approached with enthusiasm and diligence.

Sandra advises future homesitters to ask lots of questions during preliminary meetings. She once looked after a three-legged cat that coughed frequently. Unaware that this was normal for the cat, Sandra became concerned and called the vet.

This experience taught her the importance of understanding each pet's unique idiosyncrasies to provide the best care possible.

Sandra says: "Homesitting is more than just a job; it's a lifestyle that keeps me very active.

"I really enjoy the variety assignments and the opportunity to explore different parts of the country."

She also appreciates the trust placed in her by homeowners and takes great pride in ensuring their homes and pets are well cared for in their absence.

Discussing the financial benefits she says: "With almost two years spent away from home on homesits, I have made significant savings on her water and electricity bills.

"This reduction in household expenses, combined with the earnings from homesitting, is making my retirement more financially comfortable."

Sandra French's decade-long journey with Homesitters highlights the many benefits and joys of homesitting.

Her extensive experience and dedication to her role have not only provided her with a fulfilling retirement but also brought peace of mind to countless pet owners. For Sandra, homesitting has been the perfect blend of fun, challenge, and financial benefit.

Sandra sums it up best: "It is an amazing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone."