A PENSIONER says she can earn as much as £5,000 a month thanks to her side hustle – and she doesn’t have to do that much.
Anthea Hewitt, 78, has been able to make a modest income on top of her pension since she started homesitting.
Not only has it provided some very welcome extra funds but it has also given her a new purpose in life after her husband died.
Anthea has now complete 111 homesits and cared for a huge number of animals, including 103 cats.
She joined Homesitters Ltd along with her late husband Geoff in 2013 as they both adored animals.
As a bonus to their job, they also got to explore parts of the country, including the Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, the Cotswolds and London, which also allowed them to enjoy a varied lifestyle.
When Geoff died in 2016 she discovered that the role gave her life some purpose and in the past five years she has found a new life partner who also enjoys making those moments with her.
She said though the main benefits from being a homesitter were that it allowed her to explore new places and gave her time to spend with pets.
The financial benefits also make it worthwhile, as she is able to save on her own energy and fuel bills, which comes in very handy with the cost of living crisis.
Anthea told GB News: “While homesitting for me is not primarily about financial gain, it does provide a modest income to supplement my pension, or as I like to say a bit of jam on my bread and butter.
“As well as the remuneration, we also get a small daily food allowance and travel expenses.
“Being away on regular assignments also means that I make savings on my energy and water bills, particularly during the winter.”
She compared being on assignment as like “going on a mini holiday, it’s thrilling”.
Those assignments give her the opportunity to explore local attractions, enjoy a pub lunch and take walks.
While the primary responsibility of the job is to look after the animals in their care, Anthea added it also provides a “fulfilling experience”.
Anyone taking on homesitter duties can find it’s a nice little earner, providing an easy way to earn some much-needed cash.
The minimum pay you can expect to earn caring for a home for two weeks, without any pets is £333.06 with Homesitters Ltd.
That includes a daily food allowance with just 1 hour 45 minutes of duties a day.
If, as part of your homesitter duties you have to also care for two dogs and a cat for two weeks, the pay rises to £367.92, which also includes the daily food allowance.
In addition, you get your mileage – to and from, and preliminary visit) reimbursed too.
As you’re staying in someone else’s home, you can make some significant savings on your utility bills too, as you stat at the home for free.
Anthea added: “I would recommend it without hesitation. I have enjoyed every homesit I have been on and met lovely pets and their owners.
“Even after losing my husband, it gave me a real sense of purpose to carry on and do something useful.
“I love the challenge and I am up for almost anything.”
While there are plenty of positives to house and pet sitting, anyone thinking of taking it up should be fully aware of what they are getting into.
You will have to declare any income you get from any side hustle, including housesitting for tax purposes.
Remember to check any rules for sitters or obligations.
It might not just be cute dogs or cats you are looking after, animals could include poultry, horses, sheep, llamas, spiders and pot-bellied pigs, which might not be so appealing.
Responsible homesitting agencies will carry out a DBS check on potential applicants and will make sure you are paid through PAYE.
While there are no age restrictions, most agencies will insist on sitters being home-owners themselves and many clients request the same sitter year after year.
Ben Irvine, the director of operations at Homesitters, previously said: “Ideal candidates are responsible and reliable people, who are good listeners, readily available through the year, and sensitive to our clients’ requirements.
“Proven pet-care skills and an affinity with animals are a bonus.
“We encourage those interested in working for a friendly, supportive and award-winning home and pet-sitting company to apply.”
