Location:   Beaverton, Oregon

Age:   63

Experience:   4 yr 6 mo

Rank:   rate this sitter

About Charles Doersch:

We are two professionals, partners with many years' experience together traveling and living abroad. Charles has been a full-time instructor at the University of Colorado for many years, and now teaches online university courses. His poetry has appeared in literary journals in the US, the UK, and Australia. Sean is a successful author of children's educational articles, books, and curricula. We are digital nomads, professionals who carry on our careers from our laptops while moving and living abroad. We love this life! Over many years of travel on six continents and more than five dozen countries, we have found that living in others' homes and caring for their pets (and sometimes livestock), broadens and deepens our experience not only of that place and time (and those adorable companion animals), but of our own lives.

Full-time year-round house-sitters since 2013, we have house-sat and pet-sat 32+ lovely homes and estates in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, Panama, the US Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and the United States. 

Richard W.

Homeowner in Edinburgh,, Scotland

Sean and Charles took wonderful care of my cat during a recent 4-month absence. They were clean and tidy and very respectful of my home, were friendly with the neighbours and most importantly offered excellent care to my cat. So much so that he was in a far better condition on my return than he had been at my departure. They sent me regular updates and pics so I could see how things were going and as they work from home were around for my cat for much of the time - which was ideal for him and for me. I would have no hesitation in recommending them as housesitters. This was my first try at using housesitters and it has given me the confidence to do so on a more regular basis in future.

House Care ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★
Communication ★★★★★

Date of Service Oct 6, 2019

Judy At Golders Green

Homeowner in London, United Kingdom

Charles and Sean stayed in my home for two months. After meeting them, I did not have a moment’s anxiety during that whole time, feeling completely confident that my pets and my rather complicated home were in good hands. Arrived back after 7+ weeks to an immaculate house. Pets were not so happy to see us — they missed their lovely house-sitters!

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Mar 5, 2018

Nick And Nicky

Homeowner in Send, Surrey, United Kingdom

We count ourselves very fortunate with our sitters - Charles and Sean who looked after our house and pets over the last 3 weeks. Their glowing references reflect the care and respect they have for wherever they are staying. Their experience looking after homes and animals gave us great confidence and regular reports from Charles put our minds at rest that all was going well. The house was spick and span on our return with some welcoming touches. The only downside being that our labrador did not want them to leave!! We have no hesitation in recommending them - they exceeded every expectation.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Feb 15, 2018

Chris At Epping

Homeowner in Epping, Essex, United Kingdom

Charles, Sean, and Israel were our first experience of house sitters and we were delighted with how easy they made it for us. We were leaving our nineteen year old cat, very thin and delicate. They not only made Paddy very comfortable but looked after the house, dealing with a leaking roof during bad weather. We arrived back, tired after travelling for 24 hours to find the house very clean, bedding done and a feast of a meal with a gin cocktail. We would certainly recommend them as excellent house sitters.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Jan 16, 2018

Colleen Simpson

Homeowner in Piegaro, Umbria, Italy

We had Charles, Sean and as a bonus, their friend, Israel, pet and house sit for us from October to January 1. We had a few changes just two days before they arrives as our beloved elderly cat died. We also had two frisky calico kittens that we were going to set up in an adjacent apartment. Although I was so sad to loose a faithful friend of 18 years, I was glad Mishka’s demise was not on their watch. So they took two very ill-mannered kittens into hand and two months later they had learned some manners. They even rented a car because we live in a small medieval village and they were so self-sufficient, getting supplies for the kittens, exploring our beautiful Umbria and nearby Tuscany. I would give them all 5 stars in each category and add trustworthy. We have a large tourism property, empty in the winter, and they took great care of it. I would not hesitate to recommend Charles, Sean and their great surprise, Isra. We had a few days together before I left and we established rapport immediately. They have chosen the life of a vagabond and your gain is that your pets and property are kept in perfect order. They genuinely love animals and have an extensive background. No wonder so many great reviews!!! Kudos from Colleen in Piegaro, Umbria.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Oct 28, 2017

Gillian

Homeowner in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Happy to have Charles and Sean in our home in the Dominican Republic for six weeks taking care of our cats, during which time they were faced with two hurricanes, both of which they handled with great responsibility, looking after our home and the cats excellently. We would have no hesitation in recommending Charles and Sean to House/Animal sit.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Aug 31, 2017

Laurie

Homeowner in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

Sean bird and house sat for us for two weeks in August. We couldn't have been more pleased. He was wonderful. The birds were so happy and comfortable with him. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great housesitter. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Aug 1, 2017

AyÅŸe Basihos

Homeowner in Kaya Köy, Turkey

Ayse Basihos

Charles, Sean, and Chris house-sat our lovely villa in Kaya Köy, Turkey, for three months (Oct 2014 - Jan 2015). We were completely satisfied, and we hope they will return and sit for us again.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Nov 1, 2016

Debra A.

Homeowner in Jalisco & Michoacan, Mexico

Debra A/George F
Mar 20, 2016

Zirahuen,
Michoacan,
Mexico
It's a pleasure for us to provide a reference for Charles and Sean. By the end of their current house sit with us, they will have taken care of 2 properties for us over the course of 6 months.

The requirements for our house sits have been varied and include:
- care, feeding and providing TLC for our 3 cats
- supervising the work of and paying our maids and gardener
- watering of gardens and caring for indoor plants
- paying utility bills
- checking and assessing the house for any repairs needed, including a complicated water and
pressure pump system
- arranging for and dealing with tradesmen to do repairs
- ensuring the house is presentable for home showings (as the house is for sale)
- tracking and reporting of house expenses

Charles and Sean are take-charge kind of guys and their vast experience as house sitters is clearly evident in the way they handle their house-sit responsibilities. They are very organised, reliable and exercise great judgement in dealing with the maids and gardener, quickly building a rapport with them. They are calm in the face of unexpected situations (including an unseasonable storm causing extensive frost damage) and are resourceful in setting a course of action to get things done. We appreciate that they communicate regularly and keep us up-to-date on what's happening, which makes us calm and confident in entrusting them with the care of our home.

In addition to doing a great job with all the responsibilities we have given them, Charles and
Sean are really nice guys. They are flexible and highly adaptable, fitting well into any situation.
We have no hesitation in recommending them and feel that they will handle any house sit challenges with a sense of humour, reliability and equanimity.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★

Date of Service Mar 1, 2016

Julika Bond

Homeowner in San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico

Racquet Club, San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico

Charles Doersch and Sean McCollum have been house sitting for me for 3 weeks over the Christmas holidays in 2015. I could not have been happier with the way they took care of my house. I found my house in immaculate condition, and while I do not have any pets for them to look after, the flowers and plants I asked them to water were very happy indeed. I found Charles and Sean to be a very engaged, well-traveled and very trustworthy men, whom one could have many fascinating conversations with. I feel that I made friends for life. I would very much like to recommend theirservices, and I can only hope that they will be free when I ask them again to house sit for me in future months and years.

Julika Bond,

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★

Date of Service Dec 27, 2015

Joe & Joan Reed

Homeowner in La Canacinta, Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico

Charles and Sean cared for our Mexico home (and cat) for about 6 weeks while my wife and I traveled. They are each the finest of caretakers, mature, conscientious, able to deal with unforeseen problems, etc., in addition to which we treasure knowing them as individuals. You can't go wrong enlisting these guys for assistance. Even our cat misses them.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Oct 31, 2015

Lynda Holliss

Homeowner in Kingsbury Episcopi, United Kingdom

"I can't recommend Charles, Sean, and Chris enough. Gave me peace of mind to go away and enjoy my break. House spotless, animals cared for as if they were their own, (24 chickens, 2 pigs, 3 dogs (one a very playful puppy), 1 cat, 3 ponies). The morning we were due to fly my oldest pony developed colic. Charles took it all in his stride. Very impressed."

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self Sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Oct 1, 2015

Jan Lustig

Homeowner in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico

Charles and Sean did an excellent job house/pet sitting for me. My dog loved them. The house was clean and in order when I returned even though they had to endure a few days of no electricity and no water during their stay.

They handled the emergency with aplomb. I would highly recommend them. I have already booked them for a second stay.

• Organised ★★★★★
• Reliable ★★★★★
• Self Sufficient ★★★★★
• Tidy ★★★★★
• Pet Care ★★★★★

Date of Service Sep 1, 2015

Deb & Larry Freitag

Homeowner in Riveras Del Pilar, Mexico

Charles and Sean house sat for us the entire month of August.

They were very kind to our two obnoxious dogs. These are dogs that we thought only we could love, but Charles and Sean took them under their wings and made good friends with them. They spent a lot of time with our dogs which was greatly appreciated. They didn’t just leave them out in the yard and take the opportunity to go out and party.

Charles was sure to email us weekly and give us updates on the dogs and the house. Although we missed the dogs, we weren’t worried about them. Charles and Sean did everything they could to make our return home pleasant. The house was clean with
clean sheets and towels, there was a note explaining any changes that had taken place and when the dogs were last fed, they had replaced the water jugs, and the dogs were happy and not attention deprived.

Coming home this time was the easiest return transition that we have ever had.

We are grateful to them. I would recommend them as trustworthy and kind house and pet sitters. They will do the job right.

Date of Service Aug 31, 2015

Connie R

Homeowner in Rochechouart, France

We were very fortunate to have Charles, Sean and Chris house sit for us at the beginning of this year when we went to Portugal for over 2 months. We introduced them to our friends, who all thoroughly enjoyed their company. Sean even became a member of our darts team. They all attended different functions with our friends. They were respectful of our neighbors, which was important to us, as they are
not only neighbors, but very good friends of ours. We have 3 dogs and 1 cat. We took the dogs with us to Portugal, but Bruce (our cat) stayed home. We were worried
that he would not only miss us, but also our dogs, as they all get on great. Bruce was given so much love and attention, that I don't think he missed us at all. He can be quite shy with strangers, but he quickly warmed to the guys, especially Charles. He would follow Charles around like a little puppy dog. They had the use of our car while they were here, and they did not abuse that privilege. They kept the house clean and tidy, and even prepared a few meal for us, as we over lapped their stay with ours before we left for Portugal, so that we could show them around our town, and have them get to meet our friends. We had a wonderful meal waiting for us upon our return from Portugal, which was a nice surprise. They kept us informed with weekly updates. And even capably handled a few handyman jobs around the house; broken washing machine door handle, which they had to order in the part, and then had to fit it onto the washing machine door. And they also replaced two large fluorescent light tubes in the kitchen. We would not hesitate to recommend Charles, Sean and Chris for their house / pet sitting services. And we certainly hope they will be available to sit for us again. I know Bruce would really like to see them again.

Organised (five stars)
Reliable (five stars)
Self-sufficient (five stars)
Tidy (five stars)
Pet care (five stars)

Date of Service Apr 1, 2015

Annabel Cahill

Homeowner in Windfield Cross, Ireland

"Charles, Sean, and Chris took excellent care of the house and dogs; we could not find fault."

Organised (five stars)
Reliable (five stars)
Self-sufficient (five stars)
Tidy (four stars)
Pet care (five stars)

Date of Service Sep 14, 2014

R. F. Olson

Homeowner in Croton-on-hudson, New York

I have known Charles, Sean and Chris for over 20 years. Many times when I've been called away on business they have house-sat for me, including taking care of my Irish Wolfhounds. I trust them completely with my home and valuables. When I return from travels, I find the house in the same condition I left it, as if nobody had been there while I was gone.

Without question, I can say they are top-notch and will treat your belongings as if they were their own.

Organised ★★★★★
Reliable ★★★★★
Self-sufficient ★★★★★
Tidy ★★★★★
Pet care ★★★★★

Date of Service Mar 19, 2013