Professional House-Sitting In Taranaki

A woman with glasses, gray hair tied up in a messy bun, wearing a black top and blue tank top, holding a brown dog outdoors in front of green foliage with pink flowers.
Gray and brown cat sleeping on a dark furry surface.
A black cat with piercing eyes sitting amid tall green grass and wildflowers.

about Lee-ana

I am a clean-living experienced house and pet sitter looking at a move to Taranaki so am open to longer term house sits of more than 2 weeks. My house sitting began in 1999 when a work colleague asked if I wanted to look after their 2 huskys. As I’m a bit of a nomad house sitting has been the perfect way for me to explore various communities. While in Auckland I was continuously house sitting for more than 5 years between 2015-2020 often returning to repeat sits.

I can offer your animals lots of play and love if they want but am also aware space is needed by some pets. Once I know what is expected, I’m happy to adapt and have found clear instructions are very helpful (lists are great!).

I am reasonably practical and have dealt with leaks and quirks in older style houses. I’m also comfortable using ride on mowers and power tools for gardening as long as guidance is given.

Ngāmotu - NewPlymouth is where I am currently based however if timing and circumstance are right, working holidays elsewhere are considered. If your animals need to sleep with humans please choose another house sitter as I prefer to have my own space while sleeping.

Close-up of a dog's face with brown fur, lying on a bed with blue and gray blankets.

I aim to leave your house the way you leave it

Get a free quote
Gray cat stretching on wooden deck, with its head bent down and eyes closed.
Close-up of a fluffy mixed breed dog with white, brown, and black fur, looking up at the camera in a cozy indoor setting.
A woman with gray curly hair taking a selfie with her dog, a large black and brown breed, outdoors against a bright blue sky with some green trees in the background.
A gray tabby cat lying on a wooden bench surrounded by green plants and yellow flowers.

House Sitting services

  • Indoor restaurant or cafe with a large window showing the ocean and sky, decorated with potted plants, glassware, and chairs.

    House care

    There may be things in the house that also need care such as indoor plants or particular quirks that need attention regularly. I am happy to do most things as long as I have adequate guidance. I always do my best to leave your house as I find it.

  • A light-colored dog with brown ears lying on a blanket, looking at the camera, with a dark-colored dog behind it, partially visible.

    Animal care

    I have looked after a range of different animals over the years. Mostly cats and dogs but also, ponys, fish, chickens and other birds. I love to play and snuggle with animals however I prefer not to sleep with them. If your pets require a person to sleep with them at nights please choose another house sitter.

  • Close-up of a hand holding a black watering can pouring water onto green plants outside, with blurred background of trees and sky.

    Gardening

    I am happy looking after gardens and am comfortable using power tools and mowers if needed with proper guidance. In the mid 90s I spent a year WWOOFing (working on organic farms) so have a special interest in spray/chemical free types of gardening. I would prefer not to have to deal with chemicals so please find someone else to do that if it is needed.

  • A fluffy Siamese cat resting on a black and white striped pillow on a wooden chair

    Animal Acupuncture

    As a part of this service, animal acupuncture is offered if you and the animals are happy with it and it is needed. Acupressure is also used at times. In my experience animals love acupuncture and often see it as a treat.

Get a free quote
  • A person walking a golden retriever on a leash along a sidewalk with grass on the sides.

    D & P, 2022

    I was a little trepidatious about having an unknown person in our home but, from the initial contact through until our return, Lee-Ana communicated clearly and made me feel confident that this would be a safe decision.
    Our dog is an easy going, mid-sized, older dog and Lee-Ana looked after him amazingly. He was walked daily and his preferences were obviously catered for! He was more concerned about her leaving than excited about our return!
    While we were away, Lee Ana treated the dog with acupuncture for arthritis. When we returned, he was moving much more comfortably and licking sore joints much less than before these treatments. Because of this, I asked her to return a few months later to treat him again and he was very relaxed through the whole process.
    The house was well cared for and any small errands that needed attending to while we were away were done.
    One of the things I was most grateful for was Lee-Ana’s regular email updates and prompt replies to any messages we sent to her. I have no hesitation recommending Lee-Ana for a position requiring common-sense and responsibility. If you’d like further information, please ask for my contact details.

  • Modern living room with brick wall, gray sofa with pillows, a black floor lamp, wooden beams, and wall art.

    I & S, 2017

    The first time we met with Lee-Ana we knew we could trust her to look after our house. We met with her a couple of times and had peace of mind while away knowing someone trustworthy was looking after our house, collected mail and mowed the lawns. We had contact via emails which was great as when we left the weather turned sour and we were reassured that our house and trees were still standing. Would highly recommend Lee-Ana as a house sitter. Would definitely use her again.

  • A trail of animal paw prints in the sand on a beach or desert, with rippled sand patterns surrounding the tracks.

    C.B, 2017

    Lee-Ana could not have been more perfect. I do believe the house was cleaner when we arrived back from a two week holiday than it was when we had left. Our dogs were happy and wagging their tails. I could not give her a higher recommendation.

  • Bright living room with beige sofa, armchair, fireplace, potted plants, TV, guitar, wooden stools, and patterned rug.

    P.P 2016

    As soon as I contacted Lee-ana, I could sense she was very friendly and trustworthy. She took great care of the house and garden. Her calm and relaxed nature is very pleasant and sat very well with my cat and two chickens. As my cat suffers from allergies Lee-Ana took special care of her and even managed to figure out some of the triggers so I was pleased on my returned to see the cat healthier than before. Lee-Ana was also very good in communicating with me while I was overseas so I always felt reassured everything was ok with the house and pets. I highly recommend Lee-Ana to look after your house and pets.

  • A brown horse grazing on green grass in a fenced pasture at sunset.

    K.C, 2015

    Lee-Ana stayed at our place for a week and looked after our gardens and animals. We are thankful to Lee-Ana for the love and care that she took with our animals which included our elderly cat, two year old dog and a pony with very strict dietary needs. We look forward to having her to stay again in the future and have recommended her to all of our family and friends.

  • A cat sitting on a wooden staircase in a bright, minimalist interior next to arched windows.

    J.C 2015

    Lee-Ana has house sat and cared for my pet on many occasions. Lee-Ana has been extremely thoughtful, easy to communicate with, and has looked after my home and cat with a great deal of attention. Affectionate around animals, very responsible with household duties, amiable and ever-willing to make an extra effort to help the home owner in any way, Lee-Ana has certainly gained my utmost trust and appreciation. I would not hesitate at all to recommend her to anyone who was in need of a house or pet sitter.

  • Gray cat walking along a stone garden path surrounded by colorful flowers and green foliage.

    A.S, 2014

    I was very happy with the service, noting in particular
    • All issues were advised to me on a timely basis • Her agreed contributions to utility costs were paid promptly
    • She managed the resolution of maintenance issues and took the initiative to address other minor matters
    • She was very diligent in adhering to the terms of the house sitting agreement
    • The house was handed back to me cleaner than it was when she arrived.
    Based upon my experience I would happily recommend Lee-Ana for a similar house sitting role.

  • Modern kitchen with wooden stools, black pendant lights, white cabinetry, and a built-in oven.

    C.S, 2014

    Lee-Ana has a very caring attitude towards animals and I felt very comfortable leaving Misti my beloved cat with her. On my return the house was immaculate. I would not hesitate to recommend Lee-Ana for any future house sitting & would certainly be happy to have her back in the future if I needed a house sitter.

  • Cozy cabin workspace with large windows showing snowy trees outside, a drawer with plants and a laptop, a small dog sitting on a red cushioned window seat, and a wall-mounted TV displaying the Netflix logo.

    K.B, 2007

    I highly recommend Lee-Ana for any house sitting and/or pet care. Lee-Ana looked after my place and 2 cats while I was away overseas. The trip ended up taking around 8 months and Lee-Ana kept me updated with how my furry girls were regularly. I felt secure knowing they were with such a loving, caring, trustworthy companion. If you are wanting someone to take the best care of your house and pets then look no further than Lee-Ana.

How it works

Please fill out the form for a free quote.

Quote

  • Usual house sitting assumes the house owner(s) continue to pay for necessary utilities such as WIFI, power, water etc for the house sitter.

  • Basic garden watering I would usually include in the housesitting. If there is more work a weekly fee may be charged which is comparable to usual garden and lawn mowing services.

  • Prices vary depending on level of care required for animals. Below indicates the range of cost for a single cat or dog. Required care and routines will determine costs. Additional

    Cats - $10-$50/day per cat.

    Dogs - $25-$80/day per dog.

    Other animals will be discussed.

  • Acupuncture may be included in services for an additional $10/ treatment for each animal.

My last police check was done in 2023. If you would like to view a copy or would like to talk to prior house/pet owners I have worked with….

contact Lee-Ana