Why Choose Carrigan Pet & House Sitting Services
OUR STORY
Welcome to Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services! We are Leigh and Martin, a devoted couple, together for twenty-one years and married for fifteen. We have a shared love for animals, having grown up with dogs, cats, and horses. We have been Pet and House Sitting for reputable companies for three years, with over sixty successful sits completed, including high profile clients. This has inspired us to create our own business, offering personalised care for your pets and home security while you're away on holiday or work commitments.
Our story began with the passing of our beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Pilgrim in 2022, and our cat Louie in 2023. We have been too heartbroken to have our own pet since. They were our world and could never be replaced. Pet sitting has given us the opportunity to continue connecting with animals and offering them the same love and care we gave our pets. We cherish each new connection and are delighted that our journey has brought us to you!
Having lived in numerous homes across the country, including living on a houseboat, we thrive on variety and embrace change, making us the perfect fit for pet and house sitting. Our love for exercise and dog walking keeps us active while providing your pets with plenty of opportunities for adventure and play.
Our combined experience in caring for various animals, including dogs, cats, horses, ponies, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, pigs, sheep, birds, and reptiles, ensures we can handle a diverse range of pets and their needs.
Leigh grew up breeding and training Chesapeake Bay retrievers, focusing on health and breed standards. He has experience in competitive show jumping and horse care whilst at boarding school. His family's dogs have won multiple championships, including Best Bitch in Breed for seven consecutive years.
Drawing from our personal experiences, we understand that pets feel more secure and content when cared for in their own homes, where they can maintain their regular routines. Relying on family and friends can be a huge responsibility, or placing your beloved pets in kennels or catteries can lead to issues such as separation anxiety and behaviour changes. By keeping your pets at home, you can reduce the risk of infections commonly found in kennels or catteries and minimise travel-related stress, as there is no need to transport them to a different location.
There is peace of mind knowing that experienced and professional sitters are caring for your pets 24 hours, as if they were our own and being present in your home whilst you are away for added security. This means you can go away, relax and switch off knowing your pets are having simply the best time with us and your home is safe & secure.
Coming from a professional working background, Martin spent 24 years as a Picture Editor in Publishing, while Leigh has 25 years of experience in housing and mental health charities, including roles as Service Manager, Safeguarding Officer, and Head of Care for a Brain Injury Unit.
Choose Carrigan Pet & House Sitting Services for a truly bespoke experience, where your pets and home are in expert, safe and loving hands.
*In memory of Pilgrim (2010-2022) and Louie (2010-2023)*
what we do
At Carrigan Pet & House Sitting Services, we offer a bespoke and personal service
We stay in your home, 24 hours, as companions to your pets, where your pet will receive our attentive care in their own home, maintaining your pets' daily routine, keeping them happy, and ensuring your home remains secure and well-managed.
At Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services, we understand that trust is at the core of our relationship with our clients. As dedicated professionals with years of experience in safeguarding roles and managing sensitive information, we prioritise upholding the highest standards of privacy, confidentiality, and discretion.
With two sitters, your pets and property are never left unattended for more than a couple of hours, except when taking dogs on adventures, running errands, or attending appointments with your consent. Your privacy is always respected, and your pets and home receive our full attention.
Our house sitting experience spans various properties, from large estates to houseboats, and we cater to pets of all ages and breeds, including those with medical needs. We are committed to making your pets feel like they're on a holiday too, with fun adventures to beaches, country parks, and forests for exercise and socialisation. We have our own car with a dog hammock on the back seat for safety and comfort. Walks and playtime are tailored to your pets' needs, including up to three walks per day.
Our pet service includes feeding your pets their regular diet, administering medications, monitoring health conditions, vet appointments for boosters, worming etc, and seeking professional help if necessary. We maintain your pets' grooming (hair brushing) and training routines and provide daily updates with photos, so you can stay connected and worry-free while you're away.
Our home service includes keeping your home secure with a continuous presence in your home to keep away any unwanted attention. Set alarms and ensure all your normal security procedures are followed. Handle household emergencies such as a burst water pipe, broken window, or fallen tree and keeping your home protected from the elements, such as storms and frost. Any emergency with your animals or home will be quickly and professionally dealt with. The security of your home will be greatly enhanced by not being left empty.
At Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services, we recognise that the time leading up to your holiday or business trip can be hectic, and preparing your home for our arrival may add unnecessary stress. To make your life easier, as part of our service, upon arrival we can clean your home for you in preparation for our stay, such as clean kitchen and bathroom, hoover and load the dishwasher. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of without any judgment, ensuring a stress-free start to your time away.
Your home will be kept clean and tidy and left spotless for your return. We will take care of tasks such as taking out rubbish and recycling, taking in post and packages, water indoor and outdoor plants, letting your cleaner and gardener into the property, cleaning up dog mess, emptying and cleaning cat litter trays, mucking out stables and cleaning out chicken and rabbit pens, etc.
For an extra fee, we can even offer a bespoke service of deep cleaning your home, valeting your car and taking and collecting items to be dry cleaned.
Contact us now for availability and prices
- We will initially meet you via video call to get to know each other and your pet and home needs. We then meet you and your pets face-to-face at home prior to the sit
- We arrive on the day of your departure and leave the day you return home to your pets
- You leave emergency contacts for vets, family, friends, plumber, electrician, etc
- At your request, we send daily photo ‘pupdates' of your pets
- Well behaved and trained pets only!
* We are based in the South of England, but open to sit in any UK location and Europe
prices
Prices are based on number of pets, responsibilities and size of home. Minimum of one week stay
£80 - £100 day rate (No VAT charges apply)
* 50% of fee payable on booking and remainder paid once sit is completed via bank transfer
* Cancelation fee charged at full rate if cancelled up to one week from start date of agreed sit
Additional Services
Deep Cleaning: £20 per hour
Car Valet: £20
Dry cleaning - taking and collecting: £20
privacy
At Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services, we understand that trust is at the core of what we do
At Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services, we understand that trust is at the core of our relationship with our clients. As dedicated professionals with years of experience in safeguarding roles and managing sensitive information, we prioritise upholding the highest standards of privacy, confidentiality, and discretion.
Leigh and Martin are both DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) verified
Our key principles include:
Privacy:
We respect your need for privacy. We maintain clear boundaries, focus on our duties, and limit our access to areas of your home as agreed upon.
Confidentiality:
All personal information, including your contact details, pet information, and home details, is treated with strict confidentiality. All clients personal information handled in accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). We will happily sign nondisclosure agreements when required.
Discretion:
We understand the importance of maintaining a low-key presence while providing our services. We exhibit professionalism and discretion at all times, keeping a watchful eye on your home and pets without drawing undue attention to our activities. We blend into your community seamlessly, providing you with the peace of mind that your privacy is protected.
When you choose Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services, you can trust that your privacy, confidentiality, and discretion are our utmost priority. We are committed to providing a secure and reliable service that allows you to enjoy your time away from home, knowing that your pets and property are in capable, trustworthy hands.
terms & conditions
Service Agreement: By using our services, clients agree to the terms and conditions outlined herein. The client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.
Booking Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed once a signed service agreement and the required deposit have been received.
Cancellation Policy: Clients must provide at least 7 days notice for cancellations. Cancellations made within 7 days of the scheduled service will incur a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the total service cost.
Should Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services cancel a sit within 7 days of start date, the deposit will be returned in full on the same day of cancellation, due to any unforeseen circumstances out of our control.
Payment Terms: A non-refundable deposit of 50% is due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance payable within 24 hours of the sit end date.
Insurance: Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services carries public liability insurance and is insured for pet sitting services. All clients insurance policies must be up to date.
Key Handling: Client keys are securely stored and coded for identification without personal information, such as a key safe. Keys will be returned in person, or in a designated key safe, or retained for future bookings with client consent.
Pet Care: Clients must provide accurate information regarding their pets' needs, behaviours, and medical conditions. Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services is not liable for any injury or illness resulting from undisclosed information.
To ensure the health and safety of your pets, it is essential that they are registered with a veterinary practice, covered by pet insurance, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccinations, as well as flea, tick, and worm treatments.
Emergencies: In case of an emergency, Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services will make every effort to contact the client or their designated emergency contact. If deemed necessary, Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services reserves the right to seek veterinary care for the pets in question.
Home Security: Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services agrees to maintain the security of the client's home and its contents, ensuring that no unauthorised persons enter the property.
Liability: Public liability insurance for up to £1,000,000. Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services is not liable for any damage or loss caused by pets or events beyond our control. Carrigan Pet & House Sitting Services is not liable for breakdown / damage due to normal wear and tear.
Privacy: Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services respects client privacy and will not disclose personal information without consent, except as required by law. Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services will sign a nondisclosure agreement as required by the client.
Any internal cameras must be turned off, unless in rooms not available to us, for our own privacy. You agree that we are the only occupants of your property whilst you are away.
Disputes: Any disputes shall be settled through negotiation or legal means as appropriate.
Changes to Terms: Carrigan Pet and House Sitting Services reserves the right to update these terms and conditions at any time. Clients will be notified of any significant changes.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions, clients acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the policies outlined above.
