The House & Pet Sitting Life: Why I Do It, What I Offer, and What It Means to Me

Apr 17

By Lisa Kiely | lisakiely.com

I didn't plan to become a house and pet sitter. It started as a practical solution — a way to live and travel more affordably, spend time with animals I adore, and experience different places without living out of a hotel. But somewhere along the way, it turned into something much bigger than that.

It turned into a calling.

Ten Years, Two Countries, Countless Animals

I've been doing this for ten years — first all over the United States, and now for going on four years here in Mexico, with San Miguel de Allende as my home base. I have my own home here in SMA. So when I show up at your door, I'm not a stranger passing through. I'm a neighbor. I'm part of this community. And that matters.

Over the years I've cared for dogs of every size and personality, cats who wanted nothing to do with me (and then wouldn't leave my side), parrots, tortoises, rabbits, and more. I've administered daily medications, transported pets to vet appointments, watered gardens through the dry season, coordinated with housekeepers, and sent thousands of photos and videos to people thousands of miles away — just so they could exhale and actually enjoy their trip.

That's the whole point, isn't it? You should get to go. Really go. Without spending the whole time wondering if your dog is okay.

I Love Animals. I Love Helping People. I Respect My Neighbors.

These aren't talking points. They're just true.

I grew up loving animals. I've spent my career helping people — as a gerontologist, a certified personal trainer, a wellness professional. And in my years living in San Miguel, I've learned that being a good neighbor is everything here. This is a close-knit community. People talk. Relationships matter. When I'm in your home, I treat it like the gift it is.

I work with local vets. I know the neighborhoods — which streets are quiet, which dogs get territorial around the corner, where the nearest 24-hour clinic is. I bring that local knowledge to every sit.

And I work remotely, which means I'm actually there — not popping in for 20 minutes twice a day. I'm present. Your pets aren't alone. Your home isn't empty.

What I Learned From a Dog Attack (and an Unexpected Friendship)

One of my favorite stories from my time sitting in SMA involves a dog, a missing shoe, and a neighbor who turned out to be one of the kindest people I've ever met.

I was walking a sweet dog I was caring for, when a large dog charged us. I stepped between them. Later that same day, the dog came back and bit into my shoe, pulling it right off my foot.

Here's what I didn't do: panic, post an angry neighborhood warning, or write the neighbor off.

Instead, I used Google Translate to send a calm, objective message explaining what happened — and I offered to assume positive intent. "I watched the dog go into your open gate. I imagine you didn't know it was open."

He responded immediately. He was mortified. He apologized. He asked what he could do.

I asked if I could meet him and the dog in person — so I wouldn't be afraid of her anymore, and so she'd know I wasn't a threat.

We became friends. He later helped me get a broken-down car fixed for an impossibly fair price and he helped me find my first SMA car!

That's the kind of sitting I do. I come in with care, calm, and respect. I handle the unexpected with grace. And I leave things better than I found them.

What a Sit Looks Like

Every sit starts with a free Zoom or in-person consultation — we tour the home, I meet your pets, and we go through a full checklist together. No assumptions, no surprises.

From there, here's what you can expect from me:

Daily care for your pets — walks, feeding, medications, grooming, enrichment — done on their schedule, not mine
Medical routine management — flea/tick/heartworm, supplements, daily meds, vet transport as needed
Photo and video updates every single day — because you deserve to see your pet happy while you're away
Complete home care — mail, trash, deliveries, security, tidiness, plant and garden watering
Household staff coordination — I'll work with your housekeeper, gardener, or cook just as you would
Calm, professional presence — I work remotely, so I'm truly home with your pets throughout the day

Rates

I offer paid, professional sitting services — scoped to what you actually need:

ServiceDaily RateHouse only (no pets)$35–$55/day1 pet + house (live-in)$45–$65/day2 pets + house (live-in)$55–$80/day3+ pets or special needs$70–$100+/dayExtended stays (3+ weeks)10–15% offDrop-in visits (no overnight)$25–$40/visit

Every engagement comes with a simple written agreement. References available on request.