IN Pets

When you love your pets like family, you want them looked after with the same care, even if you’re away from home.

You might not think Jenny Hodder is the first person to call if you ended up in hospital unexpectedly. But if you’re worrying that your dog is home alone and needing to be fed, she’s perfect.

As a pet sitter, Jenny is on-hand when people go on holidays but she’s just as likely to be called on after an emergency which means budgies need to be fed, dog’s washed or cats kept tabs on. If your pet falls ill on the eve of leaving them with the neighbours, sometimes alternative arrangements are no longer possible and it’s time to draft someone in.

After spending decades of her career working in the media, when Jenny decided to change her life, she went back to her first love – animals. Wanting to get involved in something she felt thoroughly passionate about, Jenny started West Coast Pet Stayz, an affordable pet and house sitting business where pets are looked after in their own environment while their owners are away.

A pet owner and mad pet lover, Jenny says one of the most important cornerstones of the business is that sitters care for each home and pet like they are their own.

“I know a lot of people won’t go on holidays often – or at all – if they can’t leave their pets with close friends or family,” says Jenny. “Let’s face it, sometimes it can be really hard to keep imposing on those people.

“This way, the pets get to stay at home and get excellent care from someone who actually wants to spend time with them. A lot of people really pamper their pets and want nothing less when they go away. Not only do the pets get to stay at home and have a fabulous time but the added bonus is that the property is taken care of.”

Jenny has also met a number of people who have had to give up their pets when downsizing and she’s loved helping them re-connect with animals.

“Some retirement-style villas and homes or even rentals don’t allow pets, so house sitting can be perfect for someone who wants to get their pet fix for a week or two at a time.

“While you don’t get paid, it’s also perfect if you just want a change of scenery or want to holiday in a new suburb and house. I have sitters on my roster who are sick of paying rent, saving for a holiday, building or are just in between homes. It can be a really cost-effective solution if you’re willing to make a furry new friend and love a new home for a while.”

Most recently Jenny has taken on some country sits and one of her first clients has three sheep, chooks, two miniature horses and three dogs.