Professional House & Pet Sitting

UPDATE JUNE 2021

One of the hazards of being a digital nomad is getting stuck places!

And that’s what happened to me and I have spent the last almost-two years in South Africa, weathering the COVID-19 pandemic.

But I managed to get out in May and landed in California and made a bee-line to get my vaccination.

Currently, I’m looking at going back at the end of August but if you have a need for a house sitter between mid-August and the end of the year, preferably on the West Coast, I’m available.

Please see my rates below and how to contact me.

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2018 was an interesting year, caring for and playing with a wide variety of pets throughout California and Washington. Beloved pets are an extension of family and entrusted with their care, I have walked hundreds of miles, thrown a million balls, and petted and comforted so many of these loving creatures.

Your home and pets deserve the care and protection of a dedicated, reliable and qualified pet sitter. Staying home in their own environments, with predictable routines are key to their well-being. Having me at your home, to care for them and your household, gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your trip without worry, assured they are in experienced, capable hands, well cared-for and loved as if they were my own.

You’ll find my competitive pet-sitting fees outlined below.

I hope to have the pleasure of serving you. You’ll experience the same professional, great service my recommendations and reviews attest to, taking care of your pets and your home, all at a cost significantly lower than kenneling your furry family.

2021 USA HOUSE AND PET SITTING RATES
1 animal $50 per day
2 -3 animals $65
4+ negotiable

2021 SOUTH AFRICAN HOUSE AND PET SITTING RATES
R250 per night
More than 2 animals rates on request
Travel: R4 pr km from base

Please contact me at susanjcolby@gmail.com


REFERENCES

MORE REFERENCES

Susan is the best house- and critter-sitter! She is mature and responsible, keeping the house clean and organized and always in perfect order on our return. We never need to worry about our home being misused; she is quiet and thoughtful -- even our neighbors like her. Our kitty adores her; Susan is excellent with pets. I have been confident referring her to others, and with a friend's skittish dog (during noisy fireworks) she was very caring and compassionate. I whole-heartedly recommend Susan ... unless it's when we need her to house/kitty-sit for us! ;)

Betsy - Dana Point, CA


To whom it may concern: For many years Stocklands Farm was, according to Trip Advisor, the top performing Bed and Breakfast in the Midlands area of KwaZulu Natal of South Africa. We were four star graded with a large percentage of returning guests. It was very important to us that standards were maintained while we were away. During this time we were fortunate to have Susan Colby step in and run the operation for us while we were away on leave. She assisted our staff in keeping the operation running smoothly, interacted with our guests – both local and international – and took care of our pets. When we got home we had nothing but positive comments from staff and guests alike. I therefore have no hesitation in recommending her as someone that would take excellent care of your home and/or business while you are away on holiday.

Evelyn - South Africa


Susan did a wonderful job of taking care of our home and our dog while we were gone. It's easy to see that she loves animals -- she made friends with our dog (a Rottweiler mix) the moment she stepped in the door. She took him for long daily walks and when we came home, he was sad to see her leave. As for the house, Susan kept everything inside the house clean and neat, and watered the multitude of plants we have outside. Because she has been a homeowner herself, she's knowledgeable about making sure the home is maintained the way it should be. Susan is a lovely, honest person we would happily hire again.

Mardelle, Port Townsend, WA


Susan Colby has been a house sitter for us for a number of years. She is reliable, honest and our cats were as calm as if we were there. Also, our house was immaculate when we returned. I would recommend her to anyone!

Ryan, Studio City, CA


Good Day, Susan has been a house sitter for us numerous times over the past few years. We have always found her to be 100% reliable. Susan has looked after our menagerie of cats, ducks, chickens and fish with great care and loving attention, very important for us, allowing us to go away and enjoy our holidays, knowing that they are all well looked after and content. I can certainly recommend Susan as a reliable and conscientious house sitter.

Mike, South Africa


We had the pleasure of having Susan stay in our home. She took excellent care of our two rescue dogs for 21 days. She is extremely professional, kind, responsible and treated our dogs like her own. She was great at keeping in touch while we were away and provided pictures of Kai and Delilah, which was nice. Everything was perfect when we returned. The house in order, happy pups and a meal for us after our long journey home. :)

I would highly recommend Susan Colby as a house and pet sitter. We look forward to her sitting with us again in the near future. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. 

 Shannon, Danny, Delilah, Kai

Carlsbad