'It's helped our retirement savings go further!' Retirees thrilled over side hustle success

Peter McLoughlin, 56, and his wife Pamela, 58, began working as homesitters in May 2025 after signing up with Homesitters Ltd, the UK's leading company in the sector.

The pair spent decades relocating frequently due to Peter's 24-year military career and Pamela's roles as a veterinary assistant and MOD employee, which meant owning pets was never practical.

Pamela explained: "We've never really had the chance to have pets because we were always on the move but homesitting has filled that gap for us completely."

Having originally intended to explore Britain through Airbnb stays during retirement, they discovered that looking after other people's homes and animals offered something far more rewarding.

The financial advantages have proved substantial for the McLoughlins, who no longer need to budget for hotels or holiday rentals when travelling around the country.

Peter explained: "We'd planned to travel around and stay in different places, but now we don't have to pay for accommodation. It's a great way to see the country and have lovely breaks away without the expense. It's helped us make our retirement savings go further."

Beyond the accommodation savings, homesitters receive payment for their work. A fortnight-long assignment looking after a dog earns a minimum of £196.28 through PAYE, while caring for horses requiring full stable management pays £318.08 for the same period.

On top of wages, homesitters receive a tax-free food allowance, which increased to £157.50 for a two-week assignment from 1st January 2026.

Travel costs are also covered, with mileage reimbursed at 45p per mile tax-free.

The role delivers considerable health benefits alongside the financial rewards. Caring for animals naturally encourages regular physical activity, time spent outdoors and exposure to fresh air, all of which contribute to improved fitness.

Mental wellbeing also receives a boost, with pet care helping to reduce stress levels.

The McLoughlins have discovered that assignments leave ample free time between their animal care responsibilities to pursue personal interests.

Peter added: "We get to explore new places, spend time with animals and enjoy our favourite pastimes of cooking and doing sudoku."

Pamela said: "We absolutely love it. It's everything we enjoy, animals, travel, time together all rolled into one."

Each placement has taken the couple to different towns, villages and rural areas across Britain, satisfying their appetite for new experiences while providing a sense of purpose and companionship that enriches their retirement years.

Their festive season last year offered a memorable introduction to the variety homesitting can bring. The couple spent Christmas caring for 25 ducks, two dogs, 10 sheep, tropical fish and two horses.

Pamela laughed: "A highlight for me was mucking out the horses on Christmas Day! Being away from home at Christmas feels completely normal for us now."

The pair describe the lifestyle as opening a wonderful new chapter, calling it "the only New Year's resolution we've ever managed to keep".

Ben Irvine, Managing Director of Homesitters Ltd, comments: "Homesitting appeals to people who want more from their retirement, more purpose, more activity, more travel and more enjoyment. It's a role that naturally supports the top New Year's resolutions we see year after year."

The McLoughlins say they intend to continue homesitting for many years to come.