Jim and Ros Slaughter, a retired couple in their mid-70s, have found the perfect way to combine travel, purpose, and a love of animals through Homesitters, the national home and pet sitting company. For over 10 years, the couple has been caring for pets and homes across the country, enjoying a retirement filled with variety and freedom.
Before retiring, Ros was head of sports at a local college in Chichester, where she worked for 29 years, while Jim lectured in hospitality following a career in hotel management. As retirement approached, they wanted a purposeful but flexible way to spend their time.
“We wanted the freedom to travel, visit new places, and meet new people without being tied into a routine,” Jim explains.
Homesitting offered the perfect solution. Lifelong animal lovers, the Slaughters had shared their home with an English sheepdog for 13 years. Ros plays golf, both enjoy walking, and Jim says, “Looking after other people’s dogs was a huge attraction.”
After a telephone interview and face-to-face meeting, they were accepted as Homesitters. They now have five or six regular clients, both locally and further afield, including Godalming in Surrey, and spend around 12–15 weeks a year on assignments.
Their work has included caring for Labradors, Pugs, Alsatians, Westies, and even Samoyeds, some of which require up to an hour of daily grooming. Occasionally, they also look after other animals, such as alpacas. Memorable moments include caring for Crufts champion dogs, including two Irish Setters, one of which went for Best in Show this year (2025).
“The pets are everything to us. We love the houses and the clients are fascinating,” says Ros. “Home sitting gives us a real break from routine and keeps us active walking the dogs.” Beyond the animals, the couple values forming lasting friendships with clients and watching families grow over the years.
Flexibility is another key benefit. The Slaughters choose assignments to fit around travel plans, including a six-week stay in Spain each year. “The financial side is a bonus—it helps a little with utility bills or a few luxuries, but it’s not the reason we do it,” Jim notes. “The real value is the freedom, purpose, and the animals.”
For aspiring home and pet sitters, the couple advises making full use of pre-visits, gathering all necessary information, and keeping contact details handy for any home or pet needs.
“Home sitting is fun, purposeful, and flexible. We combine all our interests, stay active, and the animals are the best part of all,” Jim concludes.
Homesitters is currently recruiting, so to learn more about Homesitters Ltd. And find out more about joining the Homesitters team, please visit www.homesitters.co.uk or call 01296 630 730.
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About Homesitters
Homesitters Ltd, established in 1980, is the UK’s leading home and pet sitting company. With over four decades of trusted service, Homesitters has built an exceptional reputation for reliability, professionalism, and care.