I've been house/pet sitting for over 20 years I started 'sitting' in Melbourne and then went on to 'sit' in Sydney, UK, Canada and Cyprus. 

Now based in Melbourne I have been pet sitting, just to name a few places: Reservoir, Thornbury, Greensborough, Briar Hill Preston, Canterbury and Brunswick. Usually I look after cats, dogs but have been known to care for birds, rabbits, horses, Guinea pigs and a python (which didn't need to eat as it had a meal just before I arrived). I have always liked animals. 

My grandmother had a small farm so I was quite happy to milk cows, feed chickens and run around with the dog when we stayed with her during school holidays. 

My mother had a budgerigar when I was a child - it flew around the house which was nice as I liked to see it have a bit of freedom rather than see it in the cage all day. When pet sitting dogs I usually walk them twice a day and with regard to feeding pets I just follow their usual routine.  

I think keeping pets in familiar surroundings and keeping to their day-to-day routines help pets to feel secure and comfortable