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Jennifer

Mature reliable experienced housesitter

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at House Sitters Canada, Canada. User Mature reliable experienced housesitter
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About me

personSolo

56, Freelance writer & book editor

Dependable female caretaker in my mid-50s. Keep your home secure, clean and tidy while you are traveling! I specialize in cat sitting. I have 20 years of housesitting/cat experience. See my reviews!

favoriteWhy I love house sitting

I started housesitting in 2006 and have done sits on and off since then. I appreciate new cultures and meeting people who also love to travel. I consider housesitting to be a wonderful lifestyle and service for homeowners seeking reliable caretaking and petsitting.

AVAILABILITY 2026: I am currently on a housesit and available again beginning Aug. 18, 2026. Please read my entire profile and let me know if we’re a fit!

Hi! I specialize in longer term sits and cat care. Read on to learn about me and how I take care of your home and pets.

ABOUT ME: I am a freelance writer and a book editor of memoir and life story. I enjoy reading, travel, hiking, roller/ice skating and biking. When I get to a new town, I love going to bookstores, cafes, movies and ... Read moreAVAILABILITY 2026: I am currently on a housesit and available again beginning Aug. 18, 2026. Please read my entire profile and let me know if we’re a fit!

Hi! I specialize in longer term sits and cat care. Read on to learn about me and how I take care of your home and pets.

ABOUT ME: I am a freelance writer and a book editor of memoir and life story. I enjoy reading, travel, hiking, roller/ice skating and biking. When I get to a new town, I love going to bookstores, cafes, movies and farmer's markets, walking trails and biking. My favorite are cities with a waterfront!

TRAVEL: I am originally from upstate New York. I lived in Washington state for many years and have done housesitting on the West Coast including Oregon and California. I have travelled internationally too: Iceland, Scotland, Quebec, Malta, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. I lived in France in 2014 for one year (and was a housesitter!). I travel to Canada often and have an updated passport and Nexus pass.

EXPERIENCE: I started housesitting in 2006 and have done sits on and off since then, even during COVID (took a longer break 2021-2024). I appreciate new cultures and travel, and meeting people. I consider housesitting to be a mutually beneficial service.

LENGTH: I specialize in longer-term sits (a few weeks or even a few months), and with such a flexible schedule, I can consider sits of all lengths so don't hesitate to be in touch so I can find out about your situation and exact dates.

HABITS: I am nonsmoking and non-drinking. I keep my living space neat and like to live in a tidy, uncluttered home. Some homeowners like to provide specific instructions on how to keep their home and take care of certain appliances, rooms, etc. I am happy to discuss and follow your expectations. It's your home afterall!

DUTIES: I can ensure that your home is in running order, there are no emergencies or problems while you are away so you don't have to worry about it. For plants and outdoors, I enjoy helping with watering and simple gardening/weeding. Basic pool maintenance like checking chlorine levels, skimming leaves, pulling on/off a cover is fine. I suggest a hired hand or professional when it comes to pool cleaning/heavy maintenance and for lawn mowing.

PETS: I am good at caring for 1-2 cats (and maybe 3). I do best when they are relatively healthy, easy to manage and friendly. I love cuddly, fun cats and am happy to play with them, give treats and attention (scratchies, petting, brushing). If they are shy, I respect that and follow the homeowner's instructions.

To be upfront, I am not the best person if there are medications, shots, complex instructions for pills or medicines, illness, frequent vomiting/drooling, or end-of-life situations. Please disclose if your cat has tendency to bite, scratch or snarl.

For only special circumstances, I consider dog sitting, usually for one older, or more "chill" dog, that requires basic easy care, like a morning walk and once/twice day food/water.

WiFi/VEHICLE: As a freelance writer, it's essential for me to have access throughout the home to reliable high-speed Wifi (typically >100Mbps). (Go to fast.com and run speed tests in the kitchen, LR, den, bedroom and let me know/send screenshots). I have one small car and appreciate a secure place to park.

EXPECTATIONS: I consider housesitting a win-win for both me and the homeowner! It's an even exchange of living accommodations for caretaking and pet care. Beyond what I've described (standard typical daily chores and easy cat care), I am more comfortable discussing a payment structure.

TRAVEL: While I do have a flexible schedule and love moving around the country and throughout Canada, compensation toward the travel is always appreciated. When the housesit requires me to drive more than about 250 miles from where I'm located, for example, some homeowners have offered a small amount of cash, but also some are creative offering a gift certificate for dinner at a local restaurant, a gift card for groceries, a free pass to a tourism attraction, or a baseball game and that kind of thing. This gesture is very thoughtful and much appreciated.

REVIEWS & MEMBERSHIP: I am a Platinum member of Housesitters USA. Since 2018, I have great experiences on housesits using this website service. Be sure to scroll down to see my reviews from happy homeowners. I also hold a membership with Housesitters Canada.

LANGUAGE: English is my native language and I am a beginner/intermediate in French. I would love to converse en francais if possible.

SCHEDULING/AVAILABILITY: I try to keep my availability calendar up to date, but there's often wiggle room with start/end dates so feel free to touch base to see if there's flexibility to align with your travel dates.

PROCESS: I usually start with a phone call, or video call then ideally meet in person. If it's not possible to meet, a video call with thorough walk-thru of each room of the home is required. Also, I share my Housesitting Guidelines document. Basically, there is a process to introduce ourselves, get clear on expectations and dates, pet care etc. before finalizing.

FREE HOUSESITTING BOOKLET: Now that you've read my profile, please get in touch and be sure to ask me for my housesitting guidelines booklet (PDF). Happy to share with you my 20+ years of information, whether or not we work together. Thanks!

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you!

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Pet care

See my profile for a complete description.

petsWilling to care for these pets

CatsCats
NoneNone

Trust

Platinum member36 months+
reviews5 star reviews

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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eventCurrent bookings

2026: 1-18 Aug

chairOn a house-sit right now

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

0 - 1 week, 1 - 2 weeks, 2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +

where_to_votePreferred locations

Anywhere in Canada

travelTravel plans

I have my own reliable vehicle, USA passport and Nexus pass and foresee no issues when crossing the USA/Canada border, except typical wait times.

Reviews (17)

1 of 2 reviews from this owner
We loved having Jennifer take care of our cat Rome and our home a second time. We knew Rome would be in capable and loveable hands, she was very caring and made sure he got all the cuddles! Jennifer provided us with frequent updates which we appreciated. She also went over and beyond and took care of a fruit fly problem, and was very understanding with a slight change in travel plans. We would love to have Jennifer house-sit again and highly recommend her. Thank you Jennifer !
From House Sitters America
Jennifer was a wonderful house and pet sitter. She ensured that expectations were laid out clearly before the sit and then met them with precision. Cat, house, and garden were all in great shape when we returned.
My pleasure watching your home and Blake. Hope you had a fantastic trip.
1 of 3 reviews from this owner
From House Sitters America
Jennifer took care of our home for 7 weeks. We had used her before, however this time there were some shortcomings. The main responsibilities were to take care of our two cats and keeps all our plants watered. The cats were happy... but they gained a lot of weight. I have had them on an automated feeder and know that their normal food keeps them at a healthy weight. Evidently more treats or leftovers were added. While the indoor plants were fine, the plants in our yard were distressed from lack ... MoreJennifer took care of our home for 7 weeks. We had used her before, however this time there were some shortcomings. The main responsibilities were to take care of our two cats and keeps all our plants watered. The cats were happy... but they gained a lot of weight. I have had them on an automated feeder and know that their normal food keeps them at a healthy weight. Evidently more treats or leftovers were added. While the indoor plants were fine, the plants in our yard were distressed from lack of water. Some were watered too little, and others appeared to never have been watered while we were away. Also the kitchen drain clogged after we were away a few weeks, and we paid a plumber $400 to clear the blockage. Clogs only happen when wrong things go in. Never happened before.

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1 of 3 reviews from this owner
From House Sitters America
Jennifer is our go-to choice for house/cat sitting; not sure what we'd do without her. We appreciate her thorough, thoughtful approach, and it's very nice coming home to such a neat, clean home. Jennifer is great with our cats, giving them plenty of attention, cuddles, and playtime. On this sit, Jennifer helped us navigate an issue with a contractor; work that should have been completed before her stay was delayed, and she graciously kept us updated, dealing with a situation that never should ... MoreJennifer is our go-to choice for house/cat sitting; not sure what we'd do without her. We appreciate her thorough, thoughtful approach, and it's very nice coming home to such a neat, clean home. Jennifer is great with our cats, giving them plenty of attention, cuddles, and playtime. On this sit, Jennifer helped us navigate an issue with a contractor; work that should have been completed before her stay was delayed, and she graciously kept us updated, dealing with a situation that never should have fallen into her realm of responsibility. Without her, we might even have had to cancel our trip. At this point, we've gained a lovely friend as well as a house sitter!

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2 of 3 reviews from this owner
From House Sitters America
We were thrilled to have Jennifer agree to work with us again. She is a thorough, detailed individual who clearly works hard to make sure everything is handled in our absence. Jennifer cares for and about our kitties as though they are her own, and we can always trust that food, water, litter, and play time are handled in a timely, responsible manner. Our home is in good hands with Jennifer; we appreciate that she is comfortable and willing to reach out to ask questions as needed. You cannot go ... MoreWe were thrilled to have Jennifer agree to work with us again. She is a thorough, detailed individual who clearly works hard to make sure everything is handled in our absence. Jennifer cares for and about our kitties as though they are her own, and we can always trust that food, water, litter, and play time are handled in a timely, responsible manner. Our home is in good hands with Jennifer; we appreciate that she is comfortable and willing to reach out to ask questions as needed. You cannot go wrong having her as your house/pet sitter!

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Thank you Heidi and Eric!
Jennifer took great care of my home this winter. She is a mature woman with a lot of house sitting experience and it shows. She followed my home guideline and was conscientious and resourceful when faced with a few problems. The indoor cold water tap froze during a cold spell and she researched how to thaw it out and consulted with me via phone calls. She left my house neat and tidy. I hope she is available for my future house sitting needs
2 of 2 reviews from this owner
Jennifer took great care of Rome and our apartment. She sent us detailed updates that reassured us that he was thriving and that they were having a nice time together. She made sure everything was in order in our home, including receiving some of our Christmas packages. Thank you Jennifer for a great house sit!
Merci! Mon plaisir!
2 of 3 reviews from this owner
From House Sitters America
We have used Jennifer multiple times for house sitting. She communicates regularly, takes wonderful care of the cats and keeps the house tidy and clean. She even left us a quiche when we returned late at night from our last trip. We have already arranged for her to take care of our place for our next trip.
3 of 3 reviews from this owner
From House Sitters America
Jennifer was amazing in every aspect of this experience, start to finish. She took great care of our home and did a fantastic job with maintaining our pool. As far as cat care is concerned, Jennifer provided plenty of snuggles and lots of playtime for our fur babies; the kitties absolutely LOVE HER. Jennifer was communicative, capable, and professional, putting us at complete ease from our first interaction. Highest possible recommendation for this lovely human. Not only did Jennifer handle all ... MoreJennifer was amazing in every aspect of this experience, start to finish. She took great care of our home and did a fantastic job with maintaining our pool. As far as cat care is concerned, Jennifer provided plenty of snuggles and lots of playtime for our fur babies; the kitties absolutely LOVE HER. Jennifer was communicative, capable, and professional, putting us at complete ease from our first interaction. Highest possible recommendation for this lovely human. Not only did Jennifer handle all aspects of home and pet care perfectly in our absence, but we also feel we made a new friend along the way. Your home and pets will be in great hands with Jennifer!

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3 of 3 reviews from this owner
From House Sitters America
Jennifer was great all around for a 2 1/2 week sit. The cats were well cared for, the house in perfect condition when we returned, and communication always clear and timely. Highly recommended!
No rating
From House Sitters America
Our kitty was in great hands with Jennifer. Kitty got lots of attention and playtime, and we got daily updates which was very nice. Jennifer is personable and professional which made communication and planning a breeze. She was thoughtful and conscientious, and we appreciated that she asked if any questions arose about cat-care or the house. Jennifer even came for a meet & greet before we left to get familiar with things. We definitely recommend Jennifer if you are looking for a ... MoreOur kitty was in great hands with Jennifer. Kitty got lots of attention and playtime, and we got daily updates which was very nice. Jennifer is personable and professional which made communication and planning a breeze. She was thoughtful and conscientious, and we appreciated that she asked if any questions arose about cat-care or the house. Jennifer even came for a meet & greet before we left to get familiar with things. We definitely recommend Jennifer if you are looking for a house-sitter to trust with the care of your beloved fur-friend!

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No rating
From House Sitters America
Jennifer took great care of our home and kitty in March 2020. It was a strange time to be away, but being able to contact each other quickly made our trip better. She left our home spotless, and we would definitely have her stay again in the future! Thank you Jennifer!
No rating
From House Sitters America
Jennifer was a wonderful addition to our cat Tiger's family! She was a caring and considerate house, pet and garden sitter. She also left our home spotless and welcoming - what a lovely way to return from 3 weeks away. Jennifer did a wonderful job communicating with my daughter here in Portland and she kept in touch just the right amount while I was abroad. She is most welcome back to our home and she will be first on my list to contact when we need a house sitter again. I highly ... MoreJennifer was a wonderful addition to our cat Tiger's family! She was a caring and considerate house, pet and garden sitter. She also left our home spotless and welcoming - what a lovely way to return from 3 weeks away. Jennifer did a wonderful job communicating with my daughter here in Portland and she kept in touch just the right amount while I was abroad. She is most welcome back to our home and she will be first on my list to contact when we need a house sitter again. I highly recommend her.

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No rating
From House Sitters America
I couldn't express a stronger endorsement for our house/cat sitter, Jennifer. I've never felt more comfortable and confident about leaving my home and pet in the care of someone. I didn't worry at all! Jennifer came with excellent credentials and enthusiastic references. She regularly sent me updates and photos of our cat (who seemed quite content with the situation), as well as happy comments about the neighborhood and her explorations in the area. We came home to a neat, clean house and a ... MoreI couldn't express a stronger endorsement for our house/cat sitter, Jennifer. I've never felt more comfortable and confident about leaving my home and pet in the care of someone. I didn't worry at all! Jennifer came with excellent credentials and enthusiastic references. She regularly sent me updates and photos of our cat (who seemed quite content with the situation), as well as happy comments about the neighborhood and her explorations in the area. We came home to a neat, clean house and a healthy cat. I will not hesitate to contact Jennifer again. Thank you to House Sitters America for connecting us!

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No rating
From House Sitters America
Jennifer goes way beyond what anyone could expect of a house sitter. Now that you found her profile, your search for a sitter should be over: she's that good! Reach out to Jennifer first if she's available. Jennifer is such a nice, honest, sincere, organized, tidy, and trustworthy person. She took immaculate care of our home and gardens. An A+ communicator. And, she stayed at our house the night before we left, and we totally enjoyed her personality and her visit. She even got up at 4 AM when ... MoreJennifer goes way beyond what anyone could expect of a house sitter. Now that you found her profile, your search for a sitter should be over: she's that good! Reach out to Jennifer first if she's available. Jennifer is such a nice, honest, sincere, organized, tidy, and trustworthy person. She took immaculate care of our home and gardens. An A+ communicator. And, she stayed at our house the night before we left, and we totally enjoyed her personality and her visit. She even got up at 4 AM when we left to wish us a good trip! When we need a sitter again, we will always reach out to Jennifer first.

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No rating
From House Sitters America
It was an absolute pleasure working with Jennifer! From the start, she was very professional and knowledgeable about housesitting. Communication was excellent throughout the sit. Jennifer took the time to get to know our home, and our routine with the cats. She even came to our home early to get to know us and the cats before we left town. Our house was in great condition when we returned from our trip, and the cats were happy and well-cared for! I would highly recommend Jennifer for your next ... MoreIt was an absolute pleasure working with Jennifer! From the start, she was very professional and knowledgeable about housesitting. Communication was excellent throughout the sit. Jennifer took the time to get to know our home, and our routine with the cats. She even came to our home early to get to know us and the cats before we left town. Our house was in great condition when we returned from our trip, and the cats were happy and well-cared for! I would highly recommend Jennifer for your next house-sit!

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No rating
From House Sitters America
Jennifer did a great job house and cat sitting for me while I was away for about two weeks. She was considerate and communicative about the apartment and my cat throughout the stay. I came home to a clean house and clean sheets, and most importantly, a happy cat. Highly recommended! Thanks, Jennifer!
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