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Personal house & pet sitting

Reliable house and pet sitting from someone you can truly trust

Peace of mind while you are away, with kind, careful attention for your home, pets, plants, and routines.

Check AvailabilityContact Me
A cosy illustration of a dog and cat asleep together on an armchair by a lit fireplace, while their owner waves goodbye with a suitcase at the door, beneath a 'Hearth & Home' banner
Debbie, who provides the house and pet sitting, smiling

A personal service, built on trust

At this stage of life, I understand the value of trust, routine, and peace of mind. I offer a careful, calm, and personal house and pet sitting service for people who want to know their home and animals are in safe hands.

This is not an agency. It is me, looking after your home and your pets as if they were my own, following your routines and keeping you updated whenever you would like.

  • Patient
  • Responsible
  • Settled
  • Practical
  • Calm in unexpected situations
  • Respectful of your home
  • Attentive to pets' routines

How I can help

Everything your home and pets need while you are away, done gently and exactly the way you like.

  • Live-in or regular house sitting

    Staying in your home or visiting regularly so it stays safe, warm, and lived in.

  • Feeding and caring for pets

    Meals, fresh water, medication if needed, and gentle daily care for your animals.

  • Dog walking, if required

    Steady, calm walks at the pace and times your dog is used to.

  • Keeping pets company

    Company, comfort, and a familiar routine so your pets feel settled while you are away.

  • Watering plants

    Keeping your indoor and outdoor plants healthy and cared for.

  • Collecting mail

    Bringing in post and parcels so nothing piles up at the door.

  • Keeping the home looking occupied

    Opening curtains, adjusting lights, and small touches that keep a home looking lived in.

  • Following your normal routines

    I follow your household's usual routines closely, exactly as you would like them done.

  • Sending occasional updates

    Photos and short messages while you are away, as often or as little as you prefer.

Why people choose me

A little more experience, and a lot more care. Here is what sets a personal sitter apart.

  • Mature and responsible, with a lifetime of experience
  • Calm and patient with animals
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Respectful of your privacy and personal space
  • Good at following instructions carefully
  • Comfortable with messaging and calendar bookings
  • More personal than a large agency
  • Ideal if you prefer someone steady, recommended, and trustworthy

Check Availability

An online booking calendar is coming soon. In the meantime, please get in touch using the details below and I will confirm everything with you personally.

Online booking calendar coming soon

Kind words from clients

So much of this work comes from referrals and word of mouth. Here is what people say.

  • Debbie is an incredible house sitter. She is very attentive and caring. She was present most of the time as needed and discussed. There were no unexpected changes in her schedule. She looked after my kitties and fish with an amazing amount of care 🤍 I will definitely hire her again and 10/10 recommend!
    Simone (Northriding, Randburg)
  • Debbie has been our house and pet sitter for the past 4 years, and she gives us complete peace of mind every time we travel. Our attention-seeking wire-haired terrier Dricus and our temperamental cat Bobby absolutely adore her, and she handles any house issues like alarms, geysers, or water problems completely in her stride. We can highly recommend Debbie and will refer her with full confidence to any fur parents looking for someone trustworthy and capable.
    Andre (Kelland)
  • I can highly recommend Debbie Watson as a pet/house sitter. My pets adore her and I have total peace of mind knowing they are well cared for and loved while I'm away. Debbie is so reliable and totally competent with everything to do with the house, and her willingness knows no bounds! Debbie makes going away and leaving your house and pets such a stress-free experience!
    Trish (Parktown)
  • I have known Debbie Watson for many years now, during which time she has house and pet sat for me on many occasions. I found her to be very conscientious and hardworking. She loves the animals and they love her right back. I have only good things to say about her. My animals love her, and they are in perfect condition when I get back from holiday or a weekend away. I can recommend anyone to use her as a house and/or pet sitter.
    Elise (Edenvale)
  • Mrs Watson has cared for our home and our pets whilst we have been away for both short and long periods over the past fifteen years. She is meticulous in her management of the household, kind to the pets (I have two dogs and three cats), and well liked by all. Debbie is able to cope easily with minor problems. On our return, the house is invariably spotless and the animals evidently sorry to see her go (she spoils them). Debbie reports regularly on the welfare of the pets, sending pictures to illustrate the reports. I have no hesitation in recommending Debbie for any house or pet-sitting position.
    Dr Gayle Langley (Parktown North)
  • Debbie is a reliable, friendly pet sitter who puts significant pride in the service she provides. She brings a sense of calm to a large dog that shows separation anxiety with other pet sitters, but none with Debbie. She is very trustworthy, and I have recommended her to many friends and highly recommend her to anyone.
    Misha (Paulshof)

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Furry friends I've made along the way

A few of the wonderful pets I've been lucky enough to look after.

  • Bluebell, one of the pets in Debbie's care
    Bluebell (Gayle)
  • Bianca, one of the pets in Debbie's care
    Bianca (Gayle)

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How it works

Four simple steps from first enquiry to a relaxed trip away.

  1. 1

    Check availability

    Use the calendar to see when I am free and request your dates.

  2. 2

    Share your details

    Tell me about your home, your pets, and their daily routines.

  3. 3

    Confirm the arrangement

    We agree the details together so everything is clear.

  4. 4

    Enjoy peace of mind

    Go away knowing your home and pets are in safe, caring hands.

Questions and answers

A few things people often ask. If your question is not here, just get in touch.

Do you stay overnight?

Yes, where it suits you. I can stay in your home so it is never left empty, or visit regularly through the day. We agree what works best for you and your pets.

What pets do you care for?

Mostly dogs and cats, and other gentle household pets. If you have something unusual, just ask and we can talk it through.

Can you water plants and collect mail?

Yes. Watering plants, bringing in post, and keeping the home looking lived in are all part of the service.

Do you send updates?

Absolutely. I am happy to send photos and short messages while you are away, as often or as little as you like.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as you can is best, especially around holidays. That said, please do ask about shorter notice, I will always try to help.

How are prices agreed?

Prices depend on your needs, the length of the stay, and the number of pets. We agree everything openly and clearly before your booking is confirmed.

Get in touch

I would love to hear about your home and pets. Send a message and I will reply personally.

Name
[Your Name]
Phone
[+27 00 000 0000]
Email
[your-email@example.com]
Service area
[Town / Region to be confirmed]
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