Double Take -- by Mark Sproxton

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Emerging from a tent to the wet morning dew and quiet calm of forest sounds, Darcy and Terry's minds turn to preparations for a campfire meal. The eighth day of a two-week mountain camping escape, they have yet to think of the house and pets back in Calgary. Knowing a reliable house sitter is working to keep their home secure, the pair can enjoy their holiday.

"It is a home security issue," said Chris (not the real name), a local house sitter discussing why people use such services. "Mostly, (we) have to do (our) services as per your insurance, for example every 48 or 72 hours. A lot of visits are set up that way, but it depends on the area of town and the crime rates."

Understanding the basic requirements of home insurance policies is but one duty of a house sitter. A love for, and experience with, pets is also required, Chris said, as is an understanding of the responsibilities of home care and your own transportation. Bringing in mail, mowing lawns and making the home looked lived-in -- in situations where the house sitter isn't living at the residence -- are but a few more of the regular duties.

While the job requirements are not technical, this line of work doesn't fit with everyone's schedule, Chris said. "We try to find people who work on a part time basis, or who don't work at all. You have to be around all the time and it's hard to find people willing to give up their evenings, weekends and major holiday time for a job." Anyone who performs house sitting work for a reputable company must also be bondable, insurable and undergo a police clearance check.

For those who do provide house sitting services, the amount of security provided is immeasurable sometimes, Chris said. Just ask Darcy and Terry.