Customer Reviews

Helen – Kenn, Devon, United Kingdom

“Jenny and George are exemplary House Sitters, taking on the job with enthusiasm and vigour. We have many animals, both inside and out, but the two of them embrace it.

The quality of care for everyone and everything is 2nd to none; the dogs and cats are always sad when Jenny and George leave!

I would thoroughly recommend them to anybody; it makes going away so much easier- I don’t worry about how the animals are! “

James Poole
James Poole
2022-06-20
Running Duck are brilliant! Our dogs have the best time while we are away and it's lovely to receive little photos and videos showing them having fun. It is so reassuring to know our pups and our house are in the safest of hands. Thank you Jenny and George!
Steve Odinkirk
Steve Odinkirk
2022-03-08
Running Duck are, bar none, the best dog- and house-sitting people we have ever dealt with. Jenny and George were the kindest, most trustworthy, most understanding, most responsible, and overall best people we have ever used in regard to caring for our dogs (and house). There is only one downside: now that we've used them, there is no way we can even imagine leaving our dogs in the care of anyone OTHER than Running Duck.(No joke - Google Reviews has told me that the original review I submitted for Running Duck is 750 words over the allowed limit; I obviously couldn't stop singing their praises once I started, so now I'll try to cut it down to only the most important and pertinent points.)My wife and I were away for a full month due to personal circumstances that were very stressful. Concern about our dogs or house would've made the entire time that much worse, but the one and only thing we never worried about was the safety and happiness of our dogs and house. With a significant time difference, we loved waking up to photos (and videos!) of our dogs having the times of their lives with Jenny and George. A memorable favourite of ours was a video showing the dogs completely engrossed as George played guitar for them.I wrote a full explanation for each of the following bullet points, but I have to remove them to get this review to work, but these are some of the most important traits that Running Duck have and that they demonstrated while caring for our dogs:1 - Caring & Attentiveness re: Health Issues. 2 - Understanding & Acceptance (& Attention to Detail) re: Advice and Instructions. 3 - Mindfulness & Forethought re: Food and Medicine. 4 - Flexibility & Helpfulness re: Logistics Issues. 5 - They are True, True Dog People.The only explanation I've kept from the preceding list is for #5: Jenny and George did not simply feed and walk the dogs, they hung out with them, reading, watching tv, chilling. I honestly don't think I can do enough justice to the sort of attention and kindness and care they showed the dogs - as well as to us, knowing that we were having a less-than-stellar time away, they would still send us photos or text updates to let us know how the dogs were, even when we hadn't responded or asked because we were so overwhelmed. Their updates were, in all sincerity, reflected the one part of our month away that we felt 100% at ease with. After the initial tenseness of setting off and leaving dogs with other people left after 1-2 days, neither my wife nor I was concerned for an iota.My wife and I honestly thought our dogs seemed depressed for a few days after Jenny and George left. And I'd be lying if I said we didn't stay in contact because they actually cared enough afterward to make sure everything was smooth in our transition home - plus, they missed the dogs themselves! Even though we haven't seen them since they cared for our dogs and house that month, we do still occasionally send dog photos back and forth, which is just wonderful. (On side note, and an important one at that - once we settled back in at home, we realised that they had left our house even cleaner than we had originally left it for them!)To summarise once more: Running Duck is the best. There's probably a word in clinical psychology for the strength of attachment I have to my dogs but even with my (over-)attachment, I would again trust Jenny & George with them in a heartbeat. A few months after they had taken care of our dogs / house, we asked if they were available again for some upcoming dates. Unfortunately, they were not (and of course, any high demand for their services makes absolute sense to us). The funny part - and this is true - is that my wife and I decided that, rather than plan our travel and then see if they can fit with our dates, that going forward, we will ask Jenny & George what dates/months work best for them and then we will plan our travel around their availabilities. If that doesn't tell you of the esteem and trust which we hold for Running Duck, I don't know what does.
Nick Prescott
Nick Prescott
2022-02-20
This is the easiest review we’ve ever written! Simply, fabulous… can’t thank ‘auntie’ Jenny & ‘uncle’ George enough for being such incredible surrogate parents to our boy Benny whilst we enjoyed a much needed short break. It was great to be away without worrying, knowing that he was in very safe, capable hands with such loving people. It was evident from the videos and photos you shared he was having a ball, and thoroughly enjoying his time with you, practicing his training and having a nice muddy run in the woods! We can’t imagine better people to look after him. Thank you from us and a huge thank you from Benny! X
Debbie Frankland
Debbie Frankland
2021-11-29
We have recently moved to the area and found the home boarders recommended not to be suitable for our boys. Running Duck reached out to via a post qe had put asking for a home boarder and I have to say they were brilliant. Jenny called and and qe talked through all my concerns and she F me loads of info on their checks, insurance etc. We had not used a home/pet sitter before but it made sense given our boys were still unsettled from the move, barking and howling when left alone for even a short time. We didn't have time to meet Glenn beforehand but he messaged with us and I felt from those conservation that all would be well. On Saturday our boys didn't even bark when Glenn arrived and within 30 minutes our anxious boy had taken up residence on Glenn's feet and the nervous one was like velcro on his leg... all the reassurance that I needed. Glenn sent us pics and an update that evening and on Sunday morning. Today the boys didn't bark or howl at all when we left them for an hour which is a first in this new home. Running Duck were brilliant and we shall be using and recommending them from now on.
Alexandra Taylor
Alexandra Taylor
2021-11-13
Running Duck Pet Services are our go to team whenever we need great pet sitters. Our most recent experience in particular will stay with us for a lifetime thanks to the amazing support we had from Glenn and Mandy. We travelled abroad for two and a half weeks for our wedding but just before we left we found out that our pup Gus had a cancerous lump on his paw that required quite intense surgery. Glenn and Mandy took the best care of Gus making sure he was well rested and took him to regular vet appointments. We got daily updates and felt totally relaxed that he was receiving the best care. We will be forever grateful to this amazing team of people and we know the bond Gussy has with Glenn and Mandy means we won't need to worry about trips away ever again
Fiona young
Fiona young
2020-08-10
Brilliant service, very friendly and both dogs were well looked after. We would definitely use them again
zack chiffers
zack chiffers
2020-07-19
Came on a hour journey to come and meet our rescued dog Rio to see how he is as he’s not the friendliest of dogs, over the moon with the way they were with him and really understanding with his problems, tried various other places and no ones even come close to theses guys definitely recommend
Kevin and Di Ricketts
Kevin and Di Ricketts
2019-09-16
Following our inquiry Jenny and George visited us at home, established our requirements and met our very nervous and demanding rescue cat. We were left in no doubt what a kind and caring couple they are, who provided us with total confidence in leaving our home and our cat in their care.Jenny and George house and pet sat for us for two weeks at the end of August/early September. During this time we were kept informed and updated on a daily basis by emails photographs and text messages allowing us to truly relax and enjoy our holiday safe in the knowledge that all was well at home.We returned to a calmer friendlier cat, who had clearly benefited from the care and dedication provided by both Jenny and George, the house was immaculate and George had even taken the trouble to tidy the gardens and cut our lawnsWe cannot recommend Jenny and George highly enough and will certainly be using them again on each and every occasion that we travel.
Tom Shevy
Tom Shevy
2019-07-08
Jenny is a 'Perfect' sitter. She accepted our 'sit' at very late notice too. Jenny took the trouble to come and meet us all first. Our little dog 'Pip' took to her immediately. Jenny is reliable, trustworthy and while we were away she regularly kept in touch with us, sending us photos of Pip, which put us at ease. Pip was very happy and so were we. We cannot recommend Jenny enough. Tracey & Tom
Deena Elliott
Deena Elliott
2019-07-03
I cant recommend Jenny and George enough, especially for those of you who worry about your pets when your away. Dougal is a mad Border Collie and little Buttons has chronic lung disease. They understood immediately at our meet and greet the special medical attention Buttons would need on a daily basis. They gave me updates daily and photos. My house was clean and tidy on our return, some what late due to a breakdown and even that was not a problem. I will be calling on them again, no hesitation.
Contact us to see how we can love your pets and look after your property while you’re away.
House Sitters manage luxury home and property, Devon, UK
Estate in Devon, UK

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Fiona – Broadsands, United Kingdom 

“Jenny and George were absolutely wonderful House Sitters. They really bonded with our cat, gave her a lot of attention and looked after her diligently.

They also looked after our home brilliantly and it was spotlessly clean when we returned.

They are very kind people and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting them and chatting with them. We hope they will continue to housesit for us in the future.”

 

House Sitters having espresso and cat sitting - multitasking
Another satisfied cat sitting customer for 5 years

Shane – Corsham

“Glenn and Mandy were delightful and took such good care of my pets, home and garden. As a bonus, they kept in touch throughout their stay and sent me regular updates on Mabel and Percy, including photogenic pictures. A real success story.”

Jane – Totnes, Devon, United Kingdom

“Jenny and her husband George stayed at our house for three months, looking after the property and our two beloved dogs Harry and Spike.

We came back to two very happy healthy dogs, a clean and tidy house, and a delicious supper which was perfect after our 30 hours journey home.

Jenny kept us up to date with photos and emails, and throughout our stay away, we felt confident that all was well, and that Jenny and George would cope with any crises, including the disappearance of the felt off the shed roof in a storm which George replaced and a fallen tree which he cut up with alacrity.”

Jenny and George have looked after our house, dogs, and chickens three times now, once for a long stint of three months, and then for two this year, and an extra week last year. That speaks for itself! They are wonderful.

 

dog on lap of house sitters
Some pooches just need that extra hug
Vicky – North Devon

“This was a first for us, leaving our home and beloved pets in the care of others.

The moment we met the guys we knew that we were cut from the same cloth.

They love animals and I’m fairly sure we weren’t missed even a bit. We were updated regularly, which was very reassuring and we returned to happy pets and a very tidy house.

I would have no reservations recommending Jenny and George as House Sitters. Thank you.

Thank you, guys.”

 

House Sitter and white dog
Walking one of our charges
Lesley – South Hams, United Kingdom

“This was our first experience of House Sitters and we were initially anxious as it seemed too good to be true.

As soon as we met Jenny, George and their son Matthew we felt confident that we could go away and leave them in charge of our three little dogs and two cats.

They were marvellous Housesitters. Jenny sent me lots of photos on my phone showing how happy the dogs were and when we came home the house was sparkling, the grass cut, happy calm animals, and a lovely supper in the fridge.

I have no hesitation in recommending them and would love them to housesit for us again.”

 

sleepy cat
Nothing makes us happier
Carolyn Exeter

 “We can’t recommend them highly enough. The initial meeting was very useful and all the advice and details were taken onboard.

Once in the house the regular updates were really appreciated especially noting the little funny characteristics of our dogs and chickens!!!

We soon had full confidence that all was in good hands but best of all was returning to a clean house with a greatly appreciated meal and pudding left after our journey home!

Our main concern was if the dogs would be disappointed that we were back after the great week they had obviously had!!!”

 

feeding free range chickens
House Sitters Checking the free-range hens
Iain – Bovey Tracey, Devon

“What a wonderful family. We enjoyed a lovely evening together before we went away, Jenny, George and Matthew cared for our much-loved pets as if they were their own.

We had regular updates whilst we were away and came back to three really relaxed and happy animals. George had even cleared the leaves from the drive and paths.

They had cooked a lovely meal for us on our return. We feel we have made some wonderful friends and are looking forward to their return.”

 

scruffy dog
Time for a bath
Jo – Okehampton, Devon

“Jenny and George came to wagon and Kenny sit for us over Christmas and New year.

They made it all so easy! They came over prior to the sit to meet us and Kenny, and see the setup, and then kept us fully up to date as the 10 days went along.

They were relaxed and obviously super conscientious. We had no concerns at any time about either our home or our cat.

They are intelligent, thoughtful people who I would recommend unreservedly.”

 

two dogs and a woman on a jetty
Dogs relaxing in our care
Anthony – Marlborough, Wiltshire

“Jenny and George housesat for us and our two dogs for a week at the end of April/ start of May and we could not have been more pleased with them.

We came home to a house cleaner than we had left it with everything in its correct place. Jenny had even cooked a cheesecake for us.

Our two dogs were brushed, happy and well exercised. While we were away, we had a couple of reassuring texts from Jenny.

Thank you so much, Jenny and George, we cannot recommend you highly enough and hope that yours and our dates work in the future as we would have no hesitation in asking you to housesit for us again.”

 

Woman sits by fire with two dogs
Making the dogs comfortable

A & J – Marlborough

“This was Glenn and Mandy’s second visit. They sent us frequent updates and are great house sitters. Zola, our lively young Labrador was happy and well on our return. The house was clean and tidy and we can give no better recommendation than to say we’ve asked them back again later this month.”

Mary Ann – Ottery St Mary, East Devon

“Jenny is a star!

The dogs, ducks, chickens and the humans all loved her and so do I. We had a wonderful holiday and came back to a tidier house than we left.

The only sad thing when you do find someone fantastic is that you don’t ever really get a chance to be with them! I recommend these two if you want happy dogs who mean as much to me as they did to them.

Please don’t book them when we want them again! Totally trustworthy.”

 

Walking three spaniels
Keeping your dogs active and happy
Joanna – Bovey Tracey, Devon

Jenny and George did a fabulous job of looking after my home – and more importantly Elsa, our 18-month-old Westie.

I was nervous, not having ever left Elsa before but Jenny allayed my fears via email and when George was the first to arrive at our home it became immediately obvious that Elsa took to him as though she’d known him all her life. It was very strange! And wonderful 🙂

It was great to be able to go away without a care in the world with complete confidence that our home and dog were being looked after by a thoroughly lovely, trustworthy and reliable couple.

Throughout their stay, and without me asking, Jenny sent me updates of how Elsa was doing and what fun they were having.

I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Jenny and George – but only if you want the very best! I hope they are available the next time we need a sitter!

 

Maltese poodle in sleeps in sun
Happy to see them snoozing in the sun
Haimish – Tavistock

Jenny and George are among the nicest, and easiest people I have ever had to stay.

I’m probably not always the most organised individual, although on occasions I can make the mark, these two just proved so flexible as we had to change various times/dates before Xmas.

Thank you to you both SO much for this.

You looked after Toby, Tilly and Pedro so well; George walked them off their feet (just as I wanted) and both he and Jenny were amazing at keeping everything tidy and clean.

I received many many messages and pics from Jenny throughout their stay and this, especially being so far from home in ‘SAfrica’, was the lifeline I needed.

I would unreservedly recommend them to anyone. They’re the best!

Jenny and George were very very experienced house sitters when they came here and it showed.

Not once did I have any concerns or problems during my times away (the house was sat twice in a short period).

I cannot recommend them highly enough and, furthermore, would unreservedly invite them back again.

Thank you both for your kindness, daily reports, a clean house (SO important!) and ….come back soon.

hiking the moors with dogs
Walkies time

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