Ali & Keith

Hello!
We are originally from the UK but have called Queensland, Australia, home for the last twenty years. We both retired early from our fantastic careers in medical imaging in 2022 to begin travelling.

About us:
I’m Ali, a retired senior diagnostic radiographer.
I am obsessed with cats and animals. Cats are my favourite.
I enjoy travelling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures and foods, history, art, and architecture.
Volunteering with animals and fostering kitties brought me much joy.
I have a soft spot and lots of patience for anxious, shy, or postoperative kitties.
I also enjoy reading, coffee, keeping fit, and exploring new places on foot.

I’m Keith, a retired senior sonographer.
I am a cat whisperer and never feel guilty when a cat likes me more than my wife.
I enjoy keeping fit, spending time at home, and keeping abreast of the financial markets.
I also enjoy travel, history, and meeting new people. I relish finding the best cup of coffee in each place we visit.
I am Mr. Fixit and often leave our Airbnbs in better condition than we found them.

Our experience:
-We are long-term home owners and recent renters well versed in home maintenance with minimalist, neat, and tidy personalities.
-We have looked after many of our friends’ pets and homes whenever they were away. Please see our Trusted HouseSitters profile for our external references. Link available open request.
-Whilst working part time, I (Ali) volunteered at the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS) and became a cattery team leader. I also assisted in the veterinary room, which had some overlap with my career in radiography.
-We are experienced cat foster carers, including anxious and timid animals, post-surgical animals, and energetic kittens.
-We have experience administering medications.
-Community volunteer for Pets For Life, Sunshine Coast, Australia (Ali). This programme enables elderly pet owners to keep their beloved pets at home. I built a lovely relationship with a very elderly lady and her gorgeous labrador.
-I grew up with dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and budgies (so lucky!) Keith grew up with dogs and cats.
-We owned a beautiful ridgeback-mastiff fur baby called Obi for thirteen wonderful years.
-Link to our extensive Airbnb references. Available on request.

-Pet First Aid course completed in 2023.
-A Queensland criminal background certificate is available on request.

Why we want to pet sit:
-We are both retired and enjoying long-term slow travel, but we really miss pet cuddles, volunteering, and fostering animals.
-We prefer to live like locals as we travel, to be in a home rather than a touristy hotel, and to gain a more authentic experience.
-We enjoy walking to explore new areas, but we are both homebodies and are happiest relaxing at home with a cat or dog on our laps!
-We see it as a win-win solution; we can help you out and give you peace of mind that your precious pets and home are well cared for while we gain very special pet cuddles as we travel.
-During the last two years of slow travel, we’ve found cat cafes and fed and petted many stray cats and dogs in the different countries we have visited; however, we are finding that this is not satisfying enough.