We live in very close (less than 5 minutes walk) to the beach in Southbourne, Dorset. There are loads of lovely walks on the doorstep.
We have two dogs, Islay and Jaffa, who adore cuddles. We are looking for someone to come and help look after them and keep them company.
We have good internet and you can easily work here remotely.
Having a car isn't essential as there is a bus stop at the end of our road and plenty of shops on Southbourne Grove all within 5-10minute walking distance.
Hengisbury Head is a stunning nature reserve not far away. Bournemouth, Christchurch, Mudeford and the New Forest are all also within easy reach.
There's lots of great outdoor activities like paddling boarding, cycling, sailing and other sports close by.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Places like the Jurassic Coast, Purbecks, Durdle Door (one of my favourite places in the world! It's incredible for watching sunsets or seeing the stars) and the New Forest are all local, great for exploring and easily accessible either by bike or public transport.
London is only 2 hours by train.
Help
Feed and walk Islay and Jaffa, and provide lots of cuddles for them. Keep the house clean and look after the garden.
Dogs are fed twice daily, in the morning and evening. They have a walk in the morning at 7am and another walk around 6/7pm in the evening.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Comfortable private room and use of the living room, kitchen and garden.
You'll have your own shelf in the fridge and kitchen cupboard to use for food etc. There are lots of shops within walking distance.
What else ...
* Please note we can only accept one workawayer at a time. Thank you*
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have fast WiFi so working remotely is no problem.
Lee is an awesome person. Super responsible, hardworking and has such a positive energy. He took great care of the dogs and around the house. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
Jaffy and Islay absolutely loved him, it was obvious how much care given to them (especially the extra treats - which made them very happy!)
Lee - thank you for all of… read more your kindness and the laughs! Hope we see you again sometime soon, and hope you and J have the most amazing start to 2026✨
(Excellent
)
13 Dec 2025
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Where to begin. what an amazing opportunity to spend time with 2 of the most beautiful souls ever, jaffy and islay are really something special. super affectionate, I miss them already, Rihanna is such a wonderful person and now I can call a friend, from day 1 she made everything super clear, she is funny, smart and one of the kindest people I… read more know, lovely location and I am looking forward to coming back to sunny southbourne...
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent
)
4 Sep 2025
Left by Workawayer (Charlie) for host
I had a wonderful time in Dorset. The dogs are great company and a pleasure to be around. Each one unique in their own way. I spent a lot of time out in the garden with them. Ri is an incredible young woman, we shared many wonderful chats about life and things happening in the world. When time allowed Ri showed me some of her favourite local… read more spots, and introduced me to some lovely people. If anyone is so lucky enough to be hosted they will have a fantastic time.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness Ri. The world needs more people like you. Come visit anytime, you are always welcome.
P.S. I hope you pick up that guitar again one day. BW, Charlie
This Workawayer has chosen to keep their profile private.
(Excellent
)
3 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlie)
Charlie is such a wonderful person. He really took the time to understand each of our dogs and bond with them. They all absolutely adored him, being away was so much easier knowing they were not only well cared for yet also truly happy.
Charlie has so so many amazing stories about his life and the places he’s explored - listening to them feels… read more like stepping into a new chapter of a book you never want to end. He has a magic touch with plants (my little tomatoes have never thrived like it), and he makes an insanely delicious Chana Masala!
Charlie, thank you so much for everything. Hope to see you again one day, wishing you all the best on your next adventure 🌏
Lottie is a lovely person, very easy to get along with and really cares about nature and our planet.
The dogs all enjoyed their walks and having lots of attention. I could see how much the dogs warmed to you (even if Jaffa barking tried to suggest otherwise now and then!) Your care and patience with each of the dogs really showed.
Hope the… read more rest of your travels are filled with lots of lovely experiences, the dogs (and I!) would be very happy to see you again. Safe travels and big hug from all of us, paws included 🐾
If the opportunity to stay on the Dorset coast wasn't awesome enough already, I felt suuuuper grateful to be welcomed into the company of Rhi, her family, and the dogs. I stayed for almost a month here, as our aim was to get the dogs used to having me around before I was left alone with them, and it almost worked out (minus the barking)! Plans… read more changed, as they always do, and Rhi was only away for a couple of nights. I really enjoyed hanging out with Ember, Islay, and Jaffa - I could play endlessly throwing the toys for Ember (as long as Islay hadn't run off with them) and Jaffa is great at giving massive cuddles. Outside of morning and evening walks for each doggo; food time; and the days I stayed home to look after them, Rhi gave me a lot of independence. She was very considerate, making space for me to put groceries and letting me make myself at home. I had a lot of time to explore and just chill with the dogs - it felt a lot less like work, and a lot more like fun! Perfect for dog lovers, obviously :) It's also a big bonus to be a few minutes' walk away from a dip at the beach, and the Purbecks & Jurassic Coast are easily accessible too. Rhi always jumped at the chance to give me travel advice or any other recommendation really, thanks so much! I also learnt more about dog training and care while I was there, and got to know the habits that make the three dogs unique. I'd love to see you and the dogs again later in my travels x
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
15 Dec 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Lee is an awesome person. Super responsible, hardworking and has such a positive energy. He took great care of the dogs and around the house. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
Jaffy and Islay absolutely loved him, it was obvious how much care given to them (especially the extra treats - which made them very happy!)
Lee - thank you for all of… read more your kindness and the laughs! Hope we see you again sometime soon, and hope you and J have the most amazing start to 2026✨
(Excellent)
13 Dec 2025
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Where to begin. what an amazing opportunity to spend time with 2 of the most beautiful souls ever, jaffy and islay are really something special. super affectionate, I miss them already, Rihanna is such a wonderful person and now I can call a friend, from day 1 she made everything super clear, she is funny, smart and one of the kindest people I… read more know, lovely location and I am looking forward to coming back to sunny southbourne...
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
4 Sep 2025
Left by Workawayer (Charlie) for host
I had a wonderful time in Dorset. The dogs are great company and a pleasure to be around. Each one unique in their own way. I spent a lot of time out in the garden with them. Ri is an incredible young woman, we shared many wonderful chats about life and things happening in the world. When time allowed Ri showed me some of her favourite local… read more spots, and introduced me to some lovely people. If anyone is so lucky enough to be hosted they will have a fantastic time.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness Ri. The world needs more people like you. Come visit anytime, you are always welcome.
P.S. I hope you pick up that guitar again one day. BW, Charlie
This Workawayer has chosen to keep their profile private.
(Excellent)
3 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlie)
Charlie is such a wonderful person. He really took the time to understand each of our dogs and bond with them. They all absolutely adored him, being away was so much easier knowing they were not only well cared for yet also truly happy.
Charlie has so so many amazing stories about his life and the places he’s explored - listening to them feels… read more like stepping into a new chapter of a book you never want to end. He has a magic touch with plants (my little tomatoes have never thrived like it), and he makes an insanely delicious Chana Masala!
Charlie, thank you so much for everything. Hope to see you again one day, wishing you all the best on your next adventure 🌏
Lottie is a lovely person, very easy to get along with and really cares about nature and our planet.
The dogs all enjoyed their walks and having lots of attention. I could see how much the dogs warmed to you (even if Jaffa barking tried to suggest otherwise now and then!) Your care and patience with each of the dogs really showed.
Hope the… read more rest of your travels are filled with lots of lovely experiences, the dogs (and I!) would be very happy to see you again. Safe travels and big hug from all of us, paws included 🐾
If the opportunity to stay on the Dorset coast wasn't awesome enough already, I felt suuuuper grateful to be welcomed into the company of Rhi, her family, and the dogs. I stayed for almost a month here, as our aim was to get the dogs used to having me around before I was left alone with them, and it almost worked out (minus the barking)! Plans… read more changed, as they always do, and Rhi was only away for a couple of nights. I really enjoyed hanging out with Ember, Islay, and Jaffa - I could play endlessly throwing the toys for Ember (as long as Islay hadn't run off with them) and Jaffa is great at giving massive cuddles. Outside of morning and evening walks for each doggo; food time; and the days I stayed home to look after them, Rhi gave me a lot of independence. She was very considerate, making space for me to put groceries and letting me make myself at home. I had a lot of time to explore and just chill with the dogs - it felt a lot less like work, and a lot more like fun! Perfect for dog lovers, obviously :) It's also a big bonus to be a few minutes' walk away from a dip at the beach, and the Purbecks & Jurassic Coast are easily accessible too. Rhi always jumped at the chance to give me travel advice or any other recommendation really, thanks so much! I also learnt more about dog training and care while I was there, and got to know the habits that make the three dogs unique. I'd love to see you and the dogs again later in my travels x
(Excellent)
31 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Vanessa) for host
I stayed at Rhiana's house for 3 weeks, she welcomed me at the bus station, which was lovely. She and her mother treated me very well from day one, asked me simple tasks to do, they cooked to me tipical british food to eat. I was happy to be there and take care of Layla, Amber and Rafa, they are lovely dogs and love to be cuddled. I was able to… read more miss my little dog through their love.
Thank you so much for having me. I miss you all😍🐾🦮🫂
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
30 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Vanessa)
Vanessa is a lovely person, who took great care of our three dogs - giving them walks and keeping them company. Would highly recommend.
Thank you Vanessa, best wishes on your next adventure
I spent such a wonderful time with Rhi in her cosy house, very close to the sea, that I came back straight away. Ember and Islay, these incredibly adorable, lovely, funny dogs, immediately stole my heart. We had so much fun together and loved to cuddle and play all day. Rhi is the warmest, funniest person you can imagine. She always made sure I… read more had a good time and I did. Wonderful trips (it's a stunning landscape), lovely chats, (very tasty) meals together.
Everyone will enjoy their time with Rhi and the two Goldene Girls and I will always come back.
I miss them very much, the three girls with the golden hearts.
Lots of hugs, Johanna
Johanna is a truly lovely person and a brilliant workawayer - trustworthy, reliable, and incredibly kind. She is very easy to get along with and is happy to get on with things. Johanna initially came for a month and then much to our delight kindly came back again - taking great care of the dogs (Ember and Islay both love her) and the house while I… read more was away.
Can’t recommend her highly enough, we’d welcome her back without hesitation. Any future hosts would be lucky to have her come and stay.
Johanna - any time you fancy being by the sea you are always welcome here:)
(Excellent)
12 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Grace) for host
These guys are legends! Rhi is really kind and caring, I was made to feel super welcome straight away. Expectations of me were really clear so I was able to enjoy my downtime. Great set up for working remotely, and heaps of walking tracks and shops close by. The dogs Islay and Ember are beautiful, loved hanging out with them :) would highly… read more recommend!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
3 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Grace)
Fantastic workawayer - would highly recommend, very trustworthy and reliable. Happy help with things in the garden and took great care of the dogs while I was away.
Thank you for all your help Grace, enjoy your next adventure and always remember you are welcome back if your ever over this part of the world
(Excellent)
15 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Cameron)
Cameron is very kind and trustworthy. He was a great help looking after our two dogs whilst I was away. He kept everything clean and tidy and took the dogs out twice a day (even in the rain!)
Thank you Cam for looking after Ember and Islay so well
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Eric) for host
I had a very nice stay with Rhianna in Bournemouth. Rhianna is a very kind and thoughtful host, and the dogs are absolutely lovely and gentle creatures. Rhianna is very knowledgeable about Bournemouth and Dorset and gave me some great recommendations of places to visit :). Thanks so much!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
1 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Eric)
Eric is a lovely person, he looked after our dogs for a couple of days while I was away. Would highly recommend him, he'd be welcome back anytime :)
(Excellent)
12 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Katinka)
Kati is one of the loveliest people you will ever meet! Great company, very helpful and eager to give anything a go.
She came for just over 5weeks and helped with painting, general house maintenance, cleaning, gardening and most importantly helping to look after our Great Dane Enya and her 11 puppies!
She came as a Workaway and left as a friend!… read more
Would thoroughly recommend her to any future host, and she is most welcome back anytime:)
(Excellent)
20 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Katinka) for host
I spent almost six weeks in this beautiful place and I'm still so happy that I got the chance to stay there! Such a lovely family, really welcoming and easy-going! Enya is such an adorable and friendly dog, tall but no need to be scared.. :D I didn't have a fixed schedule which was great for me, I could explore Bournemouth, the nature around and… read more other places, bus connection is perfect and Bournemouth is worth to visit, lovely people everywhere! :D
I had my own room and felt like at home! I spent a lot of time with the puppies that were born during my stay and they are the cutest beings I've ever met !! It was simply a great time, thank you soo much !!
I want to come back to see you and my nine "babies" again .. (Enya is a big baby too though. :D)
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
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Animal Care
