Britney, Canelle, Louna, Felix… A total of twelve cats were taken in by Isabelle Coullaré, a resident of Pluneret, after being abandoned in the region. And when she goes on holiday, this English teacher calls on the kindness of other animal lovers, thanks to the house’s sitting platform Nomador. The principle is simple: pet owners lend their homes free of charge to tourists, who then take care of the furry inhabitants. “I have been using the site for 5 years! In total, about thirty people came to look after my cats, explains Isabelle Coullaré. In April I even posted a message because I was hospitalized for a few days. It is ideal for being away with peace of mind. »
In mid-July, during the Plunerétaine holiday, a couple of house sitters came to occupy the place. For them, as for everyone else, the house is organized to facilitate the management of all the cats. First essential: the cat thrombinoscope with all the names, but also the characteristics and habits of each one. Then Isabelle Coullaré placed lists and recommendations in various places in the house to avoid forgetting things. “In any case, I never leave directly when the holiday guests arrive, I stay one night to have time to explain the organization of the cats and the house. » In addition, she selects her future tenants online before each meeting: “I always get to know them remotely, via phone or video. I sort a bit because I want them to have or have already had animals. It’s not a free Airbnb: the main goal is to take care of the animals. »
Throughout the house, post-its remind holidaymakers of instructions and points of attention. (Le Télégramme/Jeanne Bigot)
“An operation based on mutual help, kindness and passion for animals”
Just back from holiday, Isabelle Coullaré welcomes Ève and her two daughters for a few days, who came to look after her cats two years ago. As is often the case with animal lovers, a friendship was born from the exchange of favors. “I wanted to find a holiday in a different way that wasn’t based on consumption,” explains the mother. This operation, based on mutual aid, kindness and passion for animals, immediately appealed to me.” Since her first experience at Pluneret, Ève has visited the place very often to plan her holidays and is preparing to go to Finistère to take care of horses, as she is a rider herself.
If at Isabelle Coullaré’s home there are twelve cats that populate the place, this is not the case for all houses or apartments. Most people have a dog or a cat. However, getting in touch is not free: you must register online to post an ad or to contact owners. Prices start at 29 euros for three months.
In addition to her twelve cats, Isabelle Coullaré recently took in a litter of five kittens with their mother. However, she hired a pet sitter to look after them while she was away. (Le Télégramme/Jeanne Bigot)
