← Back to all services

Your pets stay home. I move in.

I'm a full-time professional house and pet sitter, travelling the UK with Coco, my calm 8-year-old standard poodle. DBS-checked, fully insured and pet first-aid trained. So your home stays lived-in, and your pets stay loved and looked after, keeping to their own routine while you're away.

From £80 a night, live in.
DBS Checked £10M public liability insurance Pet First Aid Five-star reviews on TrustedHousesitters
“The care she gave to our elderly lab Tom was second to none.”
Michelle and Martin, Newcastle upon Tyne
Michelle Norton smiling warmly

What homeowners say

★★★★★
Michelle and Martin · Newcastle upon Tyne

The care she gave to our elderly lab Tom was second to none. He is old with additional medical issues and we couldn't have left him in safer hands.

★★★★★
Joanna · Wye

Michelle was in our house for three weeks, looking after our dog Finn, and we came back to a very happy, relaxed dog and a house cleaner and tidier than when she arrived!

★★★★★
Jo and James · Ely

Michelle communicated perfectly both in the runup and throughout the sit so we felt very comfortable with her taking care of our beloved dog and home. We came back to a happy hound, perfectly clean house and she'd even baked us a focaccia!

★★★★★
Liz · Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Michelle arrived on time and was very communicative during her day. She left the house immaculate and clean and managed to deal with the swimming pool and pond with no issues. Thank you Michelle. I do hope we get to see you again soon.

14 May - 03 Jun 2026
★★★★★
Joanna · Wye, United Kingdom

Michelle was in our house for three weeks, looking after our dog Finn, and we came back to a very happy, relaxed dog and a house cleaner and tidier than when she arrived! It was very reassuring to know, while we were so far away, that Finn was in such good hands, and also had Michelle's dog Coco as a companion - they apparently had lots of games in the garden together. There were problems with the internet and the plumbing in our absence, all of which Michelle was very patient and competent with. We are crossing our fingers that she and Coco will want to come back and sit again for us.

Reply from Michelle

Thank you for your kind words. I'm hoping the stars align for future dates.

25 Mar - 16 Apr 2026
★★★★★
Michelle & Martin · Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

What can we say??? Michelle was simply the best. She is totally unflappable!! The care she gave to our elderly lab Tom was second to none. He is old with additional medical issues and we couldn't have left him in safer hands. Michelle communicated with us and sent videos and pics of Tom on a regular basis which was very reassuring. Coco, Michelle's standard poodle is a gorgeous, calm girl who Tom seemed to take to right away. Our house was immaculate when we returned. Michelle even stayed on an additional day when our travel arrangements changed last minute. We hope to have her sit again for us in the future.

15 Feb - 17 Mar 2026
★★★★★
Jo and James · Ely, United Kingdom

What can we say about Michelle. This was a perfect house sit with her and gorgeous Coco as Jackson is very happy with other dogs to play with. Michelle communicated perfectly both in the runup and throughout the sit so we felt very comfortable with her taking care of our beloved dog and home. We came back to a happy hound, perfectly clean house and she'd even baked us a focaccia! I would highly recommend Michelle on all counts and I would happy have a chat to any potential holiday makers about our very relaxing holiday because of her very capable hands. We will certainly be inviting her back next time we go away! Thanks Michelle and Coco!

25 Jan - 15 Feb 2026
★★★★★
Martin and Deborah · Winster, United Kingdom

It was a pleasure having Michelle to housesit and look after Bernie. She followed our instructions perfectly, responded quickly to any messages and the house was left clean and tidy for our return with even the washing done. We would be very happy to recommend Michelle and we would also be delighted for her to return for another sit.

27 Dec 2025 - 13 Jan 2026
★★★★★
Sue · Simat de la Valldigna, Spain

Michelle and her daughter came to the house the day before the sit so we could do the handover as we were leaving early in the morning. They stayed in a local hotel for the night. They were both lovely people and were genuinely interested in Calcetines the cat, asking lots of questions and making sure they knew his usual routines etc. They communicated well before the sit and sent me updates and photos during. They were very self sufficient and I didn't worry once whilst we were away. The house was left clean and tidy and Calcetines looked well looked after and unphased by it all. I would welcome them back anytime.

05 Jul - 08 Jul 2025
★★★★★
Mark · East Grinstead, United Kingdom

Michelle came down with her own dog before the sit to ensure she got along with our two. She looked after our boys really well, taking them for good walks and keeping an eye on their welfare as one is quite old. She communicated but not excessively. There were a couple of breakages but she let us know and replaced the broken glasses. A few things were left behind but she arranged for them to be collected. She left the place clean and tidy.

20 Dec - 28 Dec 2024
★★★★★
Joelle · Santa Fe, NM, US

Michelle was a huge help while I was away. She took excellent care of Coco, watered my house plants as needed, messaged daily, & left me a clean home when I returned. Although we were unable to meet in person as planned due to timing constraints, Michelle came in and handled my housesit gracefully & competently….certainly an expert sitter! I would recommend Michelle without hesitation!

23 Oct - 30 Oct 2024
★★★★★
Alison · Bellingham, WA, US

Michelle was a breath of fresh air - perfectly on time, the animals absolutely loved her. Her communication with us was spot on, our house was spotless, and she completed a little grocery task I had requested. I love her personality and style, and cannot say enough wonderful things about her. Thank you 1000%, Michelle, you are a star!

14 Oct - 22 Oct 2024
★★★★★
Emily · Fort Collins, CO, US

Michelle took wonderful care of our kitties and home! I was pleased with her in all aspects, as she had open communication and did all that was requested. I felt confident she was comfortable with all the responsibilities and came home to a clean house and happy kitties like I was never gone. I would absolutely love to have Michelle sit for us again if the starts ever lined up for it!

05 Oct - 13 Oct 2024

Who you're trusting with your home

Ten years as an NHS A&E nurse and a decade as an Airbnb Superhost: I stay calm when the unexpected happens. If a pet falls ill at 2am or a pipe bursts on a Sunday, I handle it, and let you know once it is sorted.

I take pets as they come, young and daft or old and slow. Medication, ear drops, eye drops and nail clips are no trouble. Whoever you leave behind, my priority is keeping their routine exactly as you set it.

They keep their own bed, their own space and their own routine, with me stepping in to fill the bowl and keep them company. I will send photos and videos as often as you like, so you can enjoy being away instead of worrying about home.

How to book me directly

You pick the dates. No listing, no membership, no waiting to see who applies.

  1. 1.Enquire. Your dates, your postcode and who needs looking after.
  2. 2.We talk. A video call or a visit, whichever suits.
  3. 3.Confirm. A 50% deposit secures your dates, with the balance due eight weeks before.
  4. 4.Handover. You show me the routines, then go and enjoy your trip.
Request a Sit

Recommend me to a friend who books a sit and you get 10% off your next one.

Michelle with a spaniel on a house sit Michelle with a grey dog Michelle with a collie dog Michelle with a siamese cat

Meet the co-pilot

Coco

The real star of the show. My gorgeous 8-year-old standard poodle and the best travel companion anyone could ask for.

Age
8 years old
Breed
Standard Poodle
Home
The road (and wherever the sits take us)
Role
Chief House-Sitter & Travel Companion

Coco is the reason this whole adventure works. After years of me fostering other dogs, she has become the most easy going, unflappable companion. Her superpower is making other pets feel at ease. She comes with me on UK sits and is calm and easy with other dogs and cats. If your pets need to be the only animals in the house, unfortunately I am not the right sitter for you.

Coco the black standard poodle

My availability

My diary fills with new and repeat sits, and school holidays and Christmas go first. Book your sit when you book your trip.

Loading calendar…

Recent sits

Read all posts →

Coming Home to a Place I Never Really Knew
House-sitting

Coming Home to a Place I Never Really Knew

7 min read
A Cottage, an Aga, and an Open Fire: My Cambridge Housesit
House-sitting

A Cottage, an Aga, and an Open Fire: My Cambridge Housesit

5 min read
Winster: My First Sit in 2026
House-sitting

Winster: My First Sit in 2026

5 min read

Common questions

Everything a homeowner usually wants to know before booking.

What does £80 a night include?

Everything. I move in and stay overnight every night. Walks, feeds, medication, plants watered, post brought in, and the house kept clean. You choose how often you want photo and video updates: daily for some owners, only if there's an issue for others. £80 a night is my base rate for a standard sit. More pets, or animals with complex needs, cost a bit more. I will always agree the full price with you before anything is confirmed.

How long can you come for?

Anything from a weekend to several months, in the UK and internationally. I take short stays and long ones, there is no minimum. For sits of a month or more, ask about my longer-stay rate when you enquire.

How do I book and pay?

Every sit is by request. Send me your dates and details through the booking form, then we talk or video call, and if we are a good fit I hold your dates. A 50% deposit secures the booking and the balance is due eight weeks before the sit.

What is your cancellation policy?

The 50% deposit is non-refundable, it is what holds your dates. If you cancel more than eight weeks before the sit, the deposit is all you lose. If you cancel within eight weeks, the full amount is non-refundable, because by then I have turned down other dates. If I ever have to cancel, you get a full refund.

Can you look after an elderly or less mobile dog?

Yes, and it's some of my favourite sitting. I've cared for a fourteen-year-old arthritic dog and a twelve-year-old Lab who couldn't manage the walk from the house, driving him to the park instead so he still got his time outside. Medication, a slower pace and a familiar routine are no trouble at all, just tell me what your dog needs when you enquire.

What happens if a pet needs a vet?

I will take your pet to its registered vet in an emergency and keep you updated throughout. Vet costs are the owner's responsibility, so please have pet insurance in place and leave enough of a float to cover the excess.

Do you bring your own dog?

Yes. Coco, my eight year old standard poodle, comes with me on UK sits. She is calm and easy with other dogs and cats. If your pets need to be the only animals in the house, unfortunately I am not the right sitter for you.

How do keys and handover work?

We arrange a handover in person before the sit, where you show me the routines and hand over the keys. I return them at the end. If the timing is tight, we sort out something that works for both of us.

What about my security cameras?

Let me know where any indoor cameras are when you enquire. Any internal cameras will need to be disabled unless they are purely pet focused.

Anything else, send me a message.

Interested in booking?

From £80 a night

Every sit is by request. Or WhatsApp me on 07974 242206.

Request a Sit
Your pets stay home. I move in.  
PRIVACY  ·  ALL SERVICES