A retired couple shared their experience of earning money and exploring more of the UK through home-sitting.

Barbara and Lawrence Blackwood, aged 72 and 75, started home-sitting in 2017 to stay active during retirement.

Home-sitting entails taking care of someone’s home while they are away, which may also involve looking after their pets.

Barbara, a former administrative secretary, and Lawrence, a retired police officer, now complete approximately one home sit per month, spending almost half of the year away from home.

Barbara mentioned, “After retiring, we didn’t want to be idle. Home-sitting suited us perfectly.”

Home-sitters earn a minimum of £333.06 for a two-week assignment without pets, while looking after two dogs and a cat pays £367.92 for the same duration.

The responsibilities involve about one hour and 45 minutes of daily duties and include a daily food allowance. Additionally, travel expenses are reimbursed, covering both the initial meeting and travel to and from assignments.

Home-sitting has also helped the couple, residing in Perthshire, Scotland, save on utility bills, particularly during cold winter months.

Barbara estimates that during a winter assignment lasting three to four weeks, they save around £47 per month. From September to April, they save an average of £31 monthly.

“The savings are less during summer, and in Scottish winters, we can’t completely turn off the heating,” Barbara added.

Travel expenses to and from assignments are covered, often saved for holidays, along with a daily food allowance. They receive a modest payment for the assignments, with potential additional compensation based on duties, such as pet care.

“While on assignment, we tend to spend less; apart from occasional outings for coffee, we don’t venture out much. Our main focus remains on caring for the pets,” Barbara noted.

The couple has extensively traveled across Scotland, exploring various locations they may not have otherwise visited.

Lawrence expressed, “We have explored numerous places in Scotland and cherished each one. We have cared for a wide range of animals during sits. The flexibility and diversity make it truly special.”

He continued, “It’s like a short break—a self-catering holiday. There are responsibilities, but it’s all fulfilling and gratifying.”

“We take pride in enabling pet owners to enjoy a well-deserved vacation without concerns about their pets,” Lawrence emphasized.

Barbara highlighted that their priority is always the well-being of the animals under their care. She said, “We aim to ensure that pets feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their familiar routine.”

After nearly a decade of home-sitting, they frequently receive repeat assignments, with one family consistently welcoming them back since their initial start in 2017.

Barbara concluded, “We have never regretted our decision. It has provided us with a lifestyle we genuinely enjoy.”