Confessions of a Serial House Sitter

Some of our members tell us their stories housesitting. In this article Jacqueline Lamb shares some her own experiences in ‘confessions of a serial house sitter’. Read on to learn more about some of the aristocratic poodle preferences she’s had to pander to, and criminal pugs she’s had to keep in order.

Confessions of a Serial House Sitter: Cats, Cold Water, and Criminal Pugs

Max the cat — Max was a master of hide and seek
Photo credit – Jacqueline Lamb

People often imagine house sitting as a peaceful, idyllic experience. You know — a quiet home, a friendly pet, maybe a cup of tea in the garden while birds chirp gently in the background. And yes… sometimes it is exactly like that. But for a serial house sitter with more than a decade of experience it can be a little more.

Other times, it’s more like running a small, slightly chaotic zoo with unexpected plot twists.
I’ve been house sitting for over 10 years now with my husband , all over the world, and whenever people hear that, they always ask:

“What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened?”

Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one.
Because when you combine pets and homeowners with very specific instructions, things can get… interesting.

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The Cat That Almost Went on Holiday

One of my favourite stories happened during a house sit in England. The homeowners had just left to drive to the airport. We waved them off, closed the door, and settled in. About 15 minutes later, I heard a car pull into the driveway.

I looked out the window.

Nothing.

Naturally, I assumed I was either imagining things or the house had developed paranormal tendencies.
However, when the homeowners returned the mystery was solved.

Apparently, about 10 minutes into their drive, they heard a suspicious noise from the back seat and discovered their cat had quietly climbed into the car before they left. The cat had clearly decided that if the humans were going on holiday, it was coming too.

Claudia the escapologist tabby cat — Claudia escapologist cat – Next stop the airport
Photo credit – Jacqueline Lamb

They turned around, drove back home, pulled into the driveway, wound down the window, and literally threw the cat out of the car.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the mysterious car I heard. To this day it has never happened again to us even as serial house sitters.

House Arrest in London

Cats, I’ve learned, operate under their own legal system.
During another house sit in London, we were looking after a cat who spent her days roaming the neighbourhood like a tiny, furry mayor. She’d head out in the morning and return each afternoon.
One afternoon, however, she didn’t return.

We waited. And waited. And checked outside. And waited some more.
Eventually, she strolled back in the next day like nothing had happened.
We mentioned it to the homeowners, who told us, “when she comes back late, lock her in.”

black and white cat looking out of a glass door — Caption goes here

Now, here’s the funny part. The homeowner was a judge.
So we spent the rest of the house sit laughing that the cat was officially “under house arrest.”
We enforced the rules, of course. The cat was not impressed. She sat by the door glaring at us as if preparing her legal defence.

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The Case of the Missing French Cat

Cats also have a remarkable ability to vanish into thin air.
While house sitting in France, one of our furry residents disappeared for more than 24 hours. This was unusual and, frankly, a little worrying. We searched everywhere — the garden, behind furniture, under beds, inside cupboards… nothing.

We were beginning to imagine worst-case scenarios.
Eventually, during yet another sweep of the property, we decided to check the locked garage. It wasn’t somewhere we used much — just for garden tools — but it seemed worth a try.
There, sitting calmly and looking mildly annoyed, was little Moggy.

Apparently, she had slipped into the garage unnoticed and been accidentally locked in. She strolled out as if nothing had happened, clearly wondering why we were making such a fuss.

Cats really do keep you humble.

Enter Dottie: The Criminal Mastermind

Not all our memorable house sits involve cats.

In Australia, we once looked after three dogs — two pugs and an Airedale. The youngest pug, Dottie, was small, black, and extremely naughty.

And when I say naughty, I mean criminal-level mischief. A new experience for us, even as serial house sitters.

Dottie stole socks. She climbed onto furniture she wasn’t allowed on and would pee. She even developed a talent for appearing innocent immediately after causing chaos.

But the funniest part?
Her pet-parent dad was a retired police officer from the K-9 squad.
Yes, a man who had spent years training highly disciplined police dogs… couldn’t control one little pug.
We found this endlessly entertaining.

two small pug dogs — Dottie a black pug – small dog; big trouble
Photo credit – Jacqueline Lamb

Serial House Sitters Get Unusual Requests

Over the years, we’ve also received some rather… unique instructions.

We’ve been asked to:
* Walk cats on leads
* Feed resident foxes
* Feed possums
* And follow extremely detailed pet routines that rival military operations.

But the prize for the most unusual request definitely goes to two very spoiled poodles.
Their water, we were told, had to be kept in the fridge.
Because — and I quote — “they like their water cold.”
Apparently, the poodles had made this preference known to their pet-mum.
I didn’t ask how.

I just followed instructions and served chilled water like they were VIP guests at a luxury resort.
And yes… they drank it.

The Joy of House Sitting

After more than 10 years as serial house sitters, I’ve learned one important thing: no two house sits are ever the same.

You might start the day enforcing house arrest for a judge’s cat, spend the afternoon searching for a missing feline in France, and end the evening serving chilled water to aristocratic poodles.

It’s unpredictable, sometimes chaotic, and always entertaining. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because behind every unusual request, every cheeky pug, and every disappearing cat, there’s a story.
And after a decade of house sitting around the world, I’ve collected quite a few, and have some really great memories.

By Jacqueline Lamb

Bio

I’m a nature and wildlife lover who’s happiest exploring the world one housesit at a time. My husband Glenn and I have been house sitting for 10+ years, caring for homes and plenty of pets, while discovering new places at a slower pace. Birdsong, fresh air, and new adventures make us feel right at home.