personHouse sitter

Joel

Mature, responsible, experienced pet-lover

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at House Sitters Canada, Canada. User Mature, responsible, experienced pet-lover

About me

personSolo

45, Communications/Fundraising Coordinator

Highly experienced and reliable, 5 star housesitter

favoriteWhy I love house sitting

I love spending time with animals at home or out and about and exploring trails and parks.

Hello homeowners! I'm a mature professional who works remotely from my place in Courtenay, and looking for an occasional change in scene and chance to spend some time with pets. I've had dogs and cats for most of my life, which led me to working with the SPCA and other non-profits, as a career. I've also boarded dogs and cats at my place for several years, and have great references.

I recently lost my dog and so I'd greatly enjoy having some animal time, whether on the trails or at home. ... Read more
Hello homeowners! I'm a mature professional who works remotely from my place in Courtenay, and looking for an occasional change in scene and chance to spend some time with pets. I've had dogs and cats for most of my life, which led me to working with the SPCA and other non-profits, as a career. I've also boarded dogs and cats at my place for several years, and have great references.

I recently lost my dog and so I'd greatly enjoy having some animal time, whether on the trails or at home. I'm also highly-responsible, quiet and clean, so you can rest assured that your place will be well taken care of, and returned to you in the same condition that you left it.

I have over three decades of experience with animals, am passionate about animals, and I'm a professional, reliable and clean person.

An active person and a nature lover, I believe strongly in giving pets lots of exercise, whether 3 daily walks, and/or playing with an indoor cat. I'd be largely working from home and so I'm able to give your pets lots of attention and company. I'm happy to send you regular updates and photos. I usually show up a day early, to meet you and learn about your animals and house needs.

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Pet care

petsWilling to care for these pets

DogsDogs
CatsCats
FishFish
BirdsBirds
Rabbits/Guinea PigsRabbits/Guinea Pigs

Trust

Platinum member36 months+
reviews5 star reviews

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul

eventCurrent bookings

2026: 18-29 Aug

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

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

where_to_votePreferred locations

British Columbia: Vancouver Coast & Mountains, Vancouver Island  

travelTravel plans

I try to arrive before the homeowner leaves, to become acquainted with the animals and home. I'm flexible if travel plans change on your end.


Reviews (9)

Joel was most conscientious with our dog Topo who developed a great relationship with him. They went on numerous and lengthy walks in our area. Topo needed to see her veterinarian for an ear infection. Joel took her and communicated with us right away, and managed her medications most appropriately. Joel and Topo clearly had a lot of fun together. Communication with text and photos on a daily basis was most welcome. The house was kept very neat and clean. We highly recommend Joel for dog ... MoreJoel was most conscientious with our dog Topo who developed a great relationship with him. They went on numerous and lengthy walks in our area. Topo needed to see her veterinarian for an ear infection. Joel took her and communicated with us right away, and managed her medications most appropriately. Joel and Topo clearly had a lot of fun together. Communication with text and photos on a daily basis was most welcome. The house was kept very neat and clean. We highly recommend Joel for dog sitting.

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Joel was a most attentive house and pet sitter, and made a close bond with our Tibetan Terrier. He proved most adaptable by accommodating to our changed schedule, and happily agreed to stay an extra night. Our house was left in very good order, and Joel kept us regularly updated with photos and messages. We have no hesitation in recommending Joel as reliable and trusted house and pet sitter.
This was my first opportunity to have Joel house and dog (puppy) sit. Joel was always professional & timely in his communication, both before, during & after our trip. He was also willing to arrive two nights early to familiarize himself with our home and dog. This was especially important given that our 11 month old dog is a large breed & could easily intimidate inexperienced handlers. Joel was great- we worked well together over the first two days to establish trust with our dog, & this ... MoreThis was my first opportunity to have Joel house and dog (puppy) sit. Joel was always professional & timely in his communication, both before, during & after our trip. He was also willing to arrive two nights early to familiarize himself with our home and dog. This was especially important given that our 11 month old dog is a large breed & could easily intimidate inexperienced handlers. Joel was great- we worked well together over the first two days to establish trust with our dog, & this ensured a good experience for us all. Joel bonded well with Dembe, the daily videos & pictures were very appreciated. Joel kept our home clean & tidy as I expected he would. I’m very satisfied & being that this was my first experience of either house or dog sitting, I’d definitely recommend Joel.

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Unfortunately we had to cancel our trip. Joel was very thoughtful, having had experience with ailing pets in the past, he offered to care of our dog even though he was in a cone and on medications! Joel was very kind, and prior to the cancelation in our conversations with him we felt highly confident he would be a great caregiver. We hope he is free in the future and would highly recommend.
Joel was very respectful and trustworthy during our house sit. He is excellent in communication before and during the time in our home looking after our cat and the garden. We highly recommend Joel.
Joel is the epitome of a professional house sitter! He suggested a video chat before we confirmed to go over all of the details and answer one another's questions. He arrived on time on the day of the sit, and asked excellent questions about the house and my pets. During the sit, he was easy to communicate with. My home was left spotless, and my animals were happy and well cared for. I will absolutely choose Joel to sit for me again in the future - you'd be fortunate to have him take care of ... MoreJoel is the epitome of a professional house sitter! He suggested a video chat before we confirmed to go over all of the details and answer one another's questions. He arrived on time on the day of the sit, and asked excellent questions about the house and my pets. During the sit, he was easy to communicate with. My home was left spotless, and my animals were happy and well cared for. I will absolutely choose Joel to sit for me again in the future - you'd be fortunate to have him take care of you home and pets. A wonderful experience in every way!

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Joel was very dedicated and vigilant as a house sitter.. He identified when my cat was sick so appropriate arrangements could be made. My dog loved the hikes that Joel took him on. Thank you Joel. kept me informed
Joel was a great dog sitter - he left our house clean and exactly how it was when he arrived, he gave the dogs plenty of walks and attention, sent regular photo and video updates and even stayed for an extra night when our flight home was cancelled. He bought our pups an extra toy, and made sure he arrived a bit early so we could do good introductions. Overall a great experience and happy to recommend Joel.
Joel exceeded our expectations. He was very personable, a great communicator, and he left our house in immaculate condition. Best of all, he gave our Jack Russell a lot of attention and gained his trust. He took Hank for adventurous walks and, after they became comfortable with each other, he allowed him off leash, as we had encouraged. He sent us photos of their walks, almost daily, and wrote us emails. We have already recommended Joel to our friends, and we hope to ask him to housesit for us ... MoreJoel exceeded our expectations. He was very personable, a great communicator, and he left our house in immaculate condition. Best of all, he gave our Jack Russell a lot of attention and gained his trust. He took Hank for adventurous walks and, after they became comfortable with each other, he allowed him off leash, as we had encouraged. He sent us photos of their walks, almost daily, and wrote us emails. We have already recommended Joel to our friends, and we hope to ask him to housesit for us again.

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Garden Maintenance

Green garden!

Make sure the garden and potted plants are thriving when you get back - get a house sitter.