A-Breed-Apart House Sitters

23/04/2026

Important Update for UK Pet Owners Travelling to Europe (April 2026)

If you’ve previously travelled to the EU with your dog or cat using an EU-issued pet passport, this is one change you cannot afford to miss.
From Wednesday 22 April 2026, new enforcement rules are now in place.

👉 The EU has officially closed the loophole that allowed UK residents to use EU-issued pet passports (often obtained in France or Ireland).
👉 These passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain.

What this means for you:
You must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip
This applies even if your pet has a previously valid EU passport
Certificates must be issued by a vet within 10 days of travel
Costs can range from £100–£300 per pet, per trip
We’re already seeing travellers caught out, facing delays, last-minute vet visits, and unexpected costs.
If you’re planning a summer trip:
✔ Check your pet’s rabies vaccination now
✔ Speak to your vet early (appointments are limited)
✔ Allow time to organise your paperwork properly

For some, especially with multiple pets, this may be the moment to consider whether travelling together is still the best option.

A bit of early planning now will save a great deal of stress at the border.

If this helps, feel free to share it with other pet owners who may not yet be aware of the change.

03/02/2026

Feels like yesterday, but I filmed this back in November already. Looking forward to sitting these two very good Labs again 😍

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

30/01/2026

The British Shorthair is one of the most undemanding cats in UK homes. Calm, steady, and a true creature of habit, this breed fits best in households that value routine and low-key companionship.

Our first feature in the Most Loved Cats series takes a closer look at what makes the British Shorthair such a good match for certain homes; covering their temperament, daily needs, whether they suit rural life, and how they handle time alone.

Whether you already live with one or you're thinking about it, this no-nonsense guide is here to help.

👉 Read our full article: link in the comments

now someone who prefers calm over chaos? Feel free to pass it on.

29/01/2026

Best Dog Walks Around Lechlade: https://www.a-breed-apart.co.uk/blog/2966512_best-dog-walks-around-lechlade-with-winter-safety-advice

29/01/2026

Best Dog Walks Around Lechlade – With Winter Safety in Mind

Lechlade offers some of the most beautiful riverside and meadow walks in the Cotswolds, but winter changes everything.

With higher river levels, stronger currents, deep mud, and wind that can disrupt a dog’s sense of direction, walking here now requires more thought than usual.

We’ve put together a practical guide covering:
• The best dog walks around Lechlade
• Where to park safely
• Why winter river paths need caution
• How wind affects recall and orientation
• Mud, paw hygiene, and sensible precautions

If you walk dogs near the Thames or River Leach, this is worth a read.

👉 Read the full article on our website - link in the comments:

16/01/2026

Last day of our housesit looking after this good boy & after 3 weeks, I'm going to miss the happy little fella

13/01/2026

Is your cat suddenly more vocal than usual?

If your usually quiet cat won’t stop meowing, there’s often an underlying reason and it’s rarely random.

In our latest post, we look at common causes behind a sudden change in vocal behavior. It could be health-related, linked to age, stress, or even small changes in routine. For older cats especially, extra meowing can be an early sign something’s off.

As experienced housesitters, we’ve seen this first-hand. In peaceful rural homes, even subtle shifts in a cat’s behavior get noticed fast. The tricky part is knowing when your cat just needs reassurance and when a vet visit makes sense.

If your cat has started meowing at night or won’t settle, this guide walks you through what to look for and what to do next.

📖 Read more: Why Is My Cat Suddenly Meowing More Than Usual? Link in the comments >>>

Feel free to pass it along to any fellow cat people who might be wondering the same thing.

12/01/2026

Is your dog constantly licking their paws?
It might be more than a simple habit.

In our latest guide, we explain the most common reasons dogs lick excessively, from seasonal allergies and skin irritation to anxiety and joint discomfort, and what you can do next.

Drawing on real-world experience from caring for dogs in rural homes, we break down:
✔️ When licking is normal
✔️ When it’s a warning sign
✔️ Practical steps you can take at home
✔️ When it’s time to involve your vet

If your dog is an excessive licker, this article will shed some insight on possible underlying causes.

Link to the full article is in the comments -

Feel free to share this with friends or local dog groups, it may help someone spot a problem early.

11/01/2026

Is your home insurance actually valid while you travel?

Many UK homeowners may assume their cover "just works" while they’re away. In reality, many policies change the moment a property is classed as "unoccupied" which can be after just 14, 21 or 30 days.

Cover Restrictions: Once the threshold is met, cover for "escape of water" or theft can be restricted or entirely excluded.

Many insurers mandate internal inspections every 7 days, which must be logged to satisfy a claim.
Heating Mandates: You may also be required to keep the heating at a constant 12-15C to prevent burst pipes.

Why professional housesitting is a sensible solution:
Beyond pet care, a professional sitter ensures continuous occupation. This keeps you compliant with your policy conditions, provides an immediate response to issues, and saves you from the hassle of asking a neighbour to keep a formal log of visits.

Don’t wait for a claim assessment to find out you’ve breached your policy.

See our full article on our website - link in the comments

09/01/2026

Why feeding Wild Birds in January Makes Such a Difference

January can be brutal for garden birds. Even as I finish off this article, most of the UK is clearing up after Storm Goretti.

With frozen ground and natural food scarce in winter, what you put in your bird feeder is more than just a treat, it may be the difference between literally starving or surviving to see spring..

Feeding birds is a practical way to support your local wildlife. A regular routine of seeds, suet, and mealworm will give them the energy they need to make it through winter and into breeding season.

This month also brings the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (23–25 Jan). All you need is an hour, a warm drink, and a spot by the window. Even if you see nothing, that still counts.

If there are kids around, the Big Schools’ Birdwatch runs through mid-February. It’s an enjoyable way to get them involved.

We’ve pulled together a guide that covers:
- What to feed—and what to skip
- How to keep feeders clean and rodent-free
- Tips on water, nest boxes, and winter habits
- Common birds to watch for in your area

Sometimes, an hour watching birds does more good than you’d think.

Read the full guide on our website - link in the comments