House, small Terrier mix, and Kitty in charming pueblo mágico, Mexico

About this assignment

We are looking for a responsible, clean, and loving individual to care for our home, indoor plants, rescue Terrier-mix, and mature kitty while we are away.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Mrs. Daisy, our kitty, needs daily brushing, feeding, and fresh water. We give her a measured amount twice a day. She is an indoor-outdoor kitty and usually sleeps outside overnight in the summer but loves being indoors on the couch while the people watch TV. She does not have an inside litter box but uses the yard much as a dog would. Buttercup, our dog, is a small and energetic Terrier mix who needs an experienced dog walker. She is working on her manners and some reactivity issues. She likes to play catch (sort of) and needs 2 30-minute or longer walks daily, once in the morning and once in the early evening. Both pets are fed specific portions 2 times daily. Poos in the yard need to be picked up and thrown away daily or every other day. In addition to pet care, sitters will be responsible for keeping the house interior clean and tidy and watering indoor plants. Outdoor plants and areas will be cared for by another person.

What are the good features of the property and location

Tequisquiapan is a small "Pueblo Magico" popular with Mexican nationals on the weekends. During the week, it is usually a quiet, sleepy little town. It is about a 30-minute drive from the Queretaro airport and a 1 hour drive from Queretaro City. Other Pueblo Magicos nearby include Bernal & Amealco. The fauna and climate are high-desert. Knowledge of basic Spanish is recommended if staying for an extended period since locals working in shops, markets, and restaurants only speak Spanish.
Our home is a 15-minute walk from the quaint downtown square, where you will find Mercados for both fresh produce and artisan markets. There are little "tienditas," a pharmacy, an OXXO, a couple of cafes, "guisado" ladies selling tacos and gorditas, and a veterinarian within a block or two of the house.
Our house is surrounded by a tall stone wall or "barda." The "barda" is tall enough that Mrs. Daisy, our cat, can not jump over it. Daisy is fairly easygoing and has free reign in her little kingdom, for the most part. The home has a yard with fruit trees and other plants and a small wading pool.
Sitters would have access to one of the bedrooms and one bath downstairs, the kitchen, living and dining areas, laundry room (washer only), the yard, use of the carport, cable, phone, Alexa, TV & internet. We do not have heating or AC as that is not typical for the area. Tequis is in a temperate, semi-desert climate. Expect cool mornings and evenings and warm days most of the season. We will provide a floor fan or evaporative cooler for hot months and a floor heater and plenty of blankets for cold months. We have cameras on the property to monitor who comes and goes.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

Experience with cats, dog walking, and indoor plants is needed. Some Spanish preferred. Must be a non-smoker. Our home has no heating or AC and no clothes dryer. Only biodegradable soap can be used in the clothes washer as we use grey water for watering the avocado trees.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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