Pensioner couple share 'fun' side hustle which can earn them up to £730 a month - 'an added bonus' in retirement

Jim and Ros Slaughter, a retired couple from Chichester in their 70s, have been home and pet sitting for more than 10 years through national company Homesitters.

Speaking with GB News, the pair explained that since joining, they have discovered both financial benefits and a lifestyle they say keeps them active and fulfilled.

Homesitters earn a minimum of £333.06 for a two week assignment without pets, while caring for two dogs and a cat pays £367.92 for the same period. The role involves around one hour 45 minutes of duties a day and includes a daily food allowance.

Travel expenses are reimbursed too, covering both the initial meeting and journeys to and from assignments.

Flexibility is another key benefit. The Slaughters choose assignments to fit around travel plans, including a six-week stay in Spain each year.

Mr Slaughter admitted: "The financial side is a bonus. It helps a little with utility bills or a few luxuries, but it is not the reason we do it. The real value is the freedom, purpose and the animals."

The package also includes a daily food allowance and reimbursement for mileage costs, covering both the preliminary client visit and the journey to and from assignments.

These payments may not replace a pension, but they can provide valuable extra income to ease pressure on household budgets or fund a few luxuries in retirement.

The couple's assignments now take them to places such as Surrey and beyond, with between 12 and 15 weeks each year dedicated to homesitting.

Before retiring, Mrs Slaughter worked as head of sports at a local college for almost three decades, while Mr Slaughter lectured in hospitality following a career in hotel management.

As they approached retirement, they knew they wanted to stay active while still enjoying their freedom. Mr Slaughter explained: "We wanted the freedom to travel, visit new places, and meet new people without being tied into a routine."

The couple’s love of animals made homesitting an obvious choice. They had shared their home with an English sheepdog for 13 years, and the chance to look after other people’s pets was a huge attraction.

Over the years they have cared for Labradors, Pugs, Alsatians, Westies and Samoyeds, some of which require daily grooming. They have even looked after Crufts champions, including Irish Setters, one of which competed for Best in Show this year.

Mrs Slaughter said: "The pets are everything to us. We love the houses and the clients are fascinating. Home sitting gives us a real break from routine and keeps us active walking the dogs."

Beyond the financial benefit, they value the friendships they have built with clients and the satisfaction of seeing families grow over time.

Mr Slaughter added that the financial side provides welcome support, even if it is not the main reason they take on assignments.

For retirees considering this path, the couple recommend making full use of pre-visits to understand the home and pets, and keeping all key contact details handy.

Homesitting is not just about making extra money. For many older people it offers purpose, variety and the chance to remain active in retirement.

For the Slaughters it has been, quite simply, a lifestyle that combines freedom with financial support and companionship.