_{Some homes need house sitters and some need professional house sitters.}

When you have horses, hounds, a busy yard and a home to protect, finding someone to stay while you are away is about far more than simply keeping the house occupied.

Many traditional house-sitting websites operate as an accommodation exchange. The sitter looks after the property and pets without payment in return for a free place to stay. This can work perfectly well for someone with a relatively straightforward home and perhaps a cat or a low-maintenance dog.

However, a rural home with hounds or an equestrian property is very different.

When horses, working dogs, yard routines, deliveries and other members of staff are involved, you need someone who understands that they are taking on a paid position of responsibility and it's not a holiday. This is why clients use TallyHO Temps to find professional horse and hound house sitters.

They are there to do a job, not to have a free holiday

A professional house sitter is not choosing your property because it is somewhere appealing to stay while they explore the area. They will not treat your house as a convenient holiday base, coming and going whenever it suits them.

They are there to look after your home, horses, hounds and keep to the daily routine.

While you are away, your sitter will follow the arrangements you have agreed with them. That may include meeting suppliers at the property at particular times, completing morning and evening checks, caring for the animals, helping on the yard and ensuring that everything continues to run as normally as possible.

You are paying for their time, experience and responsibility and not simply providing them with somewhere to sleep.

Your horses are at the centre of the routine

Horses cannot be fitted around sightseeing plans or days out. They need feeding, checking, turning out, bringing in and caring for at the correct times.

Depending on the sitter’s experience and the services agreed upon, their responsibilities could include:

• Feeding, watering and checking horses
• Turning out and bringing in
• Mucking out and completing general yard duties
• Changing rugs and applying boots
• Administering agreed medication
• Monitoring horses for signs of illness, injury or unusual behaviour
• Keeping the yard secure and tidy
• Contacting you, the vet or another nominated person if a problem arises

Every booking will be different, which is why it is important to discuss the exact duties with the freelancer before confirming the arrangement.

They understand that hounds have their own routine

Country dogs and working hounds can require very different care from the average household pet. They may live in kennels, work in packs, need considerable exercise or require careful management around horses, livestock and wildlife.

An experienced sitter will understand the importance of following your instructions. Feeding times, exercise, kennel work, medication and security arrangements should all continue while you are away.

The aim is to maintain the animals’ familiar routine and minimise disruption until you return.

The rest of the property keeps running too

Professional house sitting can include much more than animal care. Your sitter may also be available to:

• Accept and check deliveries
• Meet the farrier, vet or other expected visitors
• Monitor gates, fencing and property security
• Put out bins and collect post
• Water plants or check outbuildings
• Respond to alarms or unexpected problems
• Keep you updated while you are away
• Complete additional yard work when required

These details can make an enormous difference, particularly when you are away for several days or weeks.

They can work alongside your existing team

You may not need one person to take over the entire yard. Perhaps your regular staff wi

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