we have been enquiring lately about house sitters as we have 3 dogs and 4 cats. We don't like leaving them at kennels as my male does not fare very well and refuses to eat.

can anybody tell me whether this is a good deal or not?

I have had a quote of £62 plus VAT a day, £25 plus VAT for them to visit 2 weeks before we go away to meet the pets, plus 40p per mile for the sitter to come to our house and return home.

so for a weeks holiday it will be nearly £600. WOW!!

The trip is unavoidable as my sister is getting married in Turkey.

has anybody used these services?

Depends how many dogs.  Also what else would sitter do, look after garden, other animals?

Kennels near me that I would consider using are £12.50 a day so that is £87.50 a week per dog x my 6 dogs £525, so for me I'd say no, kennels cheaper, and mine would fare fine in kennels.

In the past I've used Minders Keepers and been very happy with their services. When I had 4 dogs it was cheaper than kennels (even if I could find a kennel that could house all four together), and the house was being looked after as well.

(At a basic cost of £33 plus VAT per day, it's substantially cheaper than your quote.)

I used a housesitting service a few years ago . We were away for  2 nights. It was not good value for money. I can't remember how much we paid -I'll look it up later but it was the best part of £500. We had to pay for an initial visit . The lady lived some distance away so mileage on top of that for visit and sitting journey. The dogs ( 9 ) were not well cared for. I reckon she never took them out  -we have land  -but spent her time in her running shorts on the local track. My dogs were fully house trained but there were 'accidents' everywhere which made me think she had just locked them up. She did no housework whatsoever  -didn't even strip her bed down -and left a smelly urine soaked mop to fester in the kitchen. Worse than that, in spite of strict instructions  to keep them apart, she allowed the two girls who hate each other to have a real battle  so they were waving 'poorly paws' at me on my return. Never again with this agency

Forgot to add that approx. 10 years ago we used an agency based , I believe in Yorkshire. Absolutely brilliant ! We lived in town in those days but close to lovely downland etc. The man was a retired naval officer and had the dogs and house in ship shape condition. He walked them for hours -we only had 4 or 5 at that time - and even got our middle son  ( who refused to come away with us ) off the sofa and accompanying him. I think he came to us twice and we were more than happy ! As were the dogs.

I use sitter and find it best to get someone local and stick with them. Never had a problem they have always been great. I usually pay around £25-30 per night.
Where about's are you maybe someone can recommend a sitter for you.

I am beginning to think about taking up the odd bit of dog sitting in my local area, as I only work part time and have had my own dogs for 30 odd years. My partner is at home to look after our crew :) And I'm CRB checked too :)
Can anyone suggest who to contact re insurance, as I think this would be necessary?

we are in Warwickshire, so if anbody has any ideas that would be great.
The quote was to look after 3 dogs and 4 cats, no gardening and no litter trays to clean as all the cats go outside.

I await your replies, thanks

A shame you're not closer to me, Diddles :)

Whereabouts in Warwickshire? I know someone reliable in the very south of the county that does dog-sitting; PM me if you'd like more details.

That's interesting JG do they venture our way ?

I can ask, but she probably won't want to travel more than about 10 miles from Leamington Spa.

Is it because she doesn't like driving as I would be happy to pick her up and drop her back ?