We're looking for a responsible, caring house and pet sitter to look after our home and furry family members while we travel to Japan. Here’s a bit about what you can expect:

About us

Hi! We’re Burt and Elle, both 37, and we’re looking for the right person to care for our home and much‑loved pets while we travel.

Elle works in suicide prevention with a local organisation in the Newcastle CBD, spending two days a week in the office and the rest working from home. She has over 10 years’ experience in the sector, supported by a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Public Health. Her work means compassion, responsibility, and clear communication are second nature.

Burt works in commercial operations for a family‑owned winery in the Hunter Valley and has been with the business for almost 16 years. He’s practical, organised, and takes real pride in looking after things properly, whether that’s at work or at home.

We were married in 2022 and have been together since 2017. When we’re not working, we love good food and wine, exploring the region, and taking Cali along on little adventures. Our pets are truly part of our family, and we’re looking for a sitter who will treat them - and our home - with the same care and respect.

About our home

We’re proud first home buyers of a cozy, character-filled house in Wallsend. Built in 1940, our freestanding two-bedroom home sits on a spacious 600m² block with plenty of charm and potential. While it’s a work in progress (think painting and restoring original floorboards), it’s comfortable and well-equipped for your stay.

Features:

Reverse-cycle air conditioning in the lounge for year-round comfort.

Fully functional kitchen (note: no dishwasher yet!).

Bathroom with a shower, bath, and separate toilet.

Large undercover outdoor area with a BBQ.

Spacious, fully fenced backyard.

Security: Crim-safe doors at the front and back for peace of mind. The back door also features a pet door, allowing our animals to come and go freely during the day.

Prime Location - Enjoy the perfect base to explore Newcastle and beyond:

15–20 minutes' drive to Newcastle City for beaches, cafes, and attractions.

20–25 minutes to Redhead Dog Beach, perfect for coastal walks with Cali.

46 minutes to Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley wine region.

5–8 minutes’ drive to nearby parks for walks or outdoor time with Cali.

Meet our pets:

We share our home with two lovely companions who will keep you company:

Cali: Our 13-year-old Jack Russell X is a sweet and affectionate dog who loves cuddles and walks. She’s toilet-trained and follows a simple schedule: she heads out for her nightly toilet around 8 PM and holds until morning, on the odd occasion she will bark at the backdoor if she needs to go to the toilet overnight and thinks the pet door is locked. Cali has a specific meal routine: a dentastick and cookies in the morning, and homemade chicken/fish and rice for dinner (pre-made for you!).

Bous: Our 14-year-old Russian Blue is your typical cat, independent but will show affection when it is cold or she wants food. She gets cookies in the morning and wet food in the evening. Overnight, she’ll have access to the kitty litter, which may need changing about once a week (she mostly goes outside during the day). Bous can sometimes be a little vocal late at night, so we usually close her into the front room to avoid disturbing human sleep where she loves to sleep in a cardboard box (cats and their obsession with boxes!).

We’d love to find someone who:

Has experience with pets, especially older animals.

Can care for Cali with walks/sniffs, cuddles, and attention.

Will keep our home clean, secure, and well-cared for during your stay.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a peaceful home with easy access to Newcastle’s highlights, beaches, wine country, and more. If you’re a pet lover looking for a relaxed house-sitting opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!

This home owner is still seeking a house sitter.

If you are already a member, please login if you wish to contact this home owner.

If you are not yet a member, you'll need to join before you can send them a message.