Our family of five has been housesitting and petsitting around the world since 2022. We’ve been house-sitters in 8 countries and are almost at our 30th house sit since then. We started with a recommendation from another traveling family, and we had a hundred questions at the time.
Clearly, we’ve discovered an additional twenty-five questions people ask while compiling this list.
Housesitting seems to appeal to a lot of different people with a lot of different travel styles, from saving on accommodations to the opportunity to get larger accommodations (like a full house or apartment rather than just a hotel room) and it’s great for the home owner as well since it saves the cost of boarding or a kennel for their pet and allows them the confidence that their property is taken care of while they’re away.
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Some of the housesits we’ve completed with Trusted Housesitters
Most of these answers are a brief overview, but if you’d like to dig in on a specific question or would like more information about a unique question for your situation, send us a message on Instagram or on Facebook.
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Finding the train with our furry host while petsitting in Switzerland
Common questions about House Sitting:
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What does a house sitter do?
A house sitter stays in a home while the owner is away, ensuring its security and often caring for pets, plants, and basic household maintenance. This might include cutting the grass, watering plants, walking the dog, and changing the cat’s litter. Each house sit is unique and so each home requires different responsibilities. -
How do I become a house sitter?
Sign up on house sitting websites, create a profile, and apply for available house sitting jobs. -
How much do house sitters charge?
Rates vary based on location, responsibilities, and experience, typically ranging from $20 to $100 per day, though many sit for free via platforms like TrustedHousesitters in exchange for accomodation. -
What are the best websites for house sitting jobs?
TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, Nomador, MindMyHouse, and House Sitters America are popular options. Here’s our full rundown of the different housesitting platforms helping you decide which to choose which housesitting website is the best option for your travel goals. -
Do I need insurance to be a house sitter?
It’s not required, but liability insurance or travel insurance is recommended. Some premium platform plans include additional insurance which we’ve decided is the best option for our needs. Out of the various trusted housesitters tiers, we’ve opted for the premium plan. -
Can I house sit as a full-time job?
Yes, some people travel full-time while house sitting, reducing their living costs. When we travelled for 7 months in Europe while housesitting, we filled in dates with hotels, layovers, staying with friends and family, and AirBnBs. -
How do I find house sitting jobs with no experience?
Start with friends and family, get references, and build a strong profile with positive reviews. -
What’s the difference between house sitting and pet sitting?
House sitting focuses on home security, while pet sitting involves animal care as the primary responsibility. -
How do I get more house sitting jobs?
Maintain a great profile, apply early, and get positive reviews to build credibility. -
What should I include in a house sitting contract?
Responsibilities, house rules, emergency contacts, pet care instructions, and any agreements on expenses. When you’re using a platform, then the “contract” or agreement is built into the membership details that a user agrees to when registering as a pet sitter or a home owner. -
Can I house sit abroad?
Yes, many websites offer international house sitting opportunities. -
How do I find international house sitting jobs?
Use global platforms like TrustedHousesitters and Nomador, and be open to different locations. -
Do house sitters stay overnight?
Most house sits require overnight stays to maintain security and provide pet care. -
What should I ask before accepting a house sit?
Ask about pet routines, house rules, emergency contacts, and any unexpected responsibilities. -
Is house sitting safe for solo travelers?
Yes, but do research, read reviews, and communicate clearly with homeowners before committing. -
What should I do if something breaks while house sitting?
Inform the homeowner immediately and follow their instructions for repairs. -
How do I prepare my home for a house sitter?
Provide clear instructions, emergency contacts, clean linens, and essential supplies. -
What should I leave for a house sitter?
Keys, emergency contacts, pet care instructions, WiFi details, and local recommendations. Many platforms include a “Welcome Guide” which is a step-by-step process to be sure all of your information is in one place for your petsitter and accessible through the app. -
Can families house sit together?
Yes, but confirm with homeowners first, as not all accept families. Some home owners know that their pet is not comfortable with children. Others aren’t comfortable with children in their home if they have expensive artwork or breakables, and a third category will say their home is not open to families simply because they lack space for more than a single or couple. -
Are house sitters responsible for lawn and pool maintenance?
Sometimes, if specified in the agreement. It’s always best to clarify expectations. Our experience is that home owners may ask you to cut the lawn if they’re away for more than a week, or typically pool maintenance is taken care of by a pool maintenance service. -
What happens if a house sitter cancels last minute?
Homeowners may need to find a replacement quickly via house sitting platforms or friends. Some memberships include an insurance to cover the costs of a late cancellation so a home owner could pay for a kennel or cover the cost of alternative arrangements. -
How do I find last-minute house sitting gigs?
Check house sitting websites regularly and apply quickly to urgent listings. -
Should I pay a house sitter?
If using TrustedHousesitters, no payment is involved. Otherwise, rates vary based on the arrangement. -
How long do house sitting jobs typically last?
Sits can last from a few days to several months, depending on the homeowner’s needs. In our experience, most housesits are a couple days or a couple weeks to match up with vacation or business travel. -
Can I house sit with my partner?
Yes, many homeowners accept couples, especially for larger homes and multiple pets. -
What skills make a great house sitter?
Responsibility, reliability, pet care experience, good communication, and problem-solving skills. -
What should I do if a house sitter damages my home?
Discuss the issue with them and, if needed, contact the platform or your insurance provider. -
How do I leave a review for a house sitter?
On most platforms, you can leave feedback about their care for your home and pets. -
What should I do if a house sitter doesn’t follow instructions?
Address concerns directly with them or report the issue to the house sitting platform. -
Can I house sit while working remotely?
Yes, many digital nomads use house sitting to travel while working online.
Our boys love petsitting and are always asking if we’re looking for houses to sit
Pet Sitting: Frequently Asked Questions
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What does a pet sitter do?
A pet sitter cares for animals while their owner is away, providing food, exercise, and companionship. -
How do I become a pet sitter?
Sign up on pet sitting websites, build a profile, and start accepting jobs. -
How much do pet sitters charge?
Rates vary by location and services but typically range from $15 to $50 per visit. -
What’s the difference between pet sitting and pet boarding?
Pet sitting happens in the pet’s home, while boarding places pets in a facility or sitter’s home. -
Is pet sitting a good way to make money?
Yes, professional pet sitters can earn a steady income, especially in urban areas. -
Do pet sitters get paid on TrustedHousesitters?
No, it’s an exchange-based service with no payment involved. -
How do I get pet sitting jobs without experience?
Volunteer with friends, get references, and build a strong profile on pet sitting platforms. -
How do I write a great pet sitter profile?
Highlight experience, include friendly photos with pets, and provide references. -
Should I provide references for pet sitting?
Yes, they help build trust and attract more clients. -
What qualifications do I need to be a pet sitter?
No formal qualifications are needed, but pet first aid training can be beneficial. -
Do pet sitters need certification?
It’s not required, but certifications in pet care or first aid can help. -
How do I handle pet allergies as a sitter?
Disclose any allergies upfront and avoid sits with pets that may trigger reactions. -
How do I care for a senior pet while pet sitting?
Follow the owner’s instructions, provide gentle care, and administer medications if needed. -
What should I do if a pet refuses to eat while pet sitting?
Monitor their behavior, try their favorite foods, and contact the owner if concerns persist. -
Can I pet sit for exotic animals?
Yes, but make sure you have experience and knowledge of their care. -
Do pet sitters administer medication?
Often, yes—make sure to get clear instructions from the owner. If you’re not comfortable with administering medications then decline the pet sitting opportunity. -
What should I include in a pet sitting agreement?
Feeding schedule, exercise routine, emergency contacts, and any medical needs. -
How do I deal with pet anxiety while sitting?
Keep their routine consistent, use calming techniques, and provide plenty of attention. -
What happens if a pet escapes while I’m pet sitting?
Stay calm, follow the owner’s emergency plan, and search the area immediately. -
How do I become a professional pet sitter?
Gain experience, get certified, and market yourself through pet sitting websites. -
Do pet sitters stay overnight?
Some do, especially for dogs or pets needing extra care. Since we use pet sitting as a method for saving on accommodation while traveling, we stay overnight with the pets as a family and look for housesitting opportunities that accommodate that option. -
What’s the best way to find pet sitting clients?
Use platforms like Rover, Nomador, or Trusted Housesitters is the safest and most-reliable method to find pet sitting opportunities. -
How do I market myself as a pet sitter?
Create a strong online profile, get reviews, and network with pet owners if you’re wanting to start a business as a pet sitter. If this isn’t a business venture, then make the most of your profile on the housesitting platform you’ve chosen and apply for local sits to get some experience before applying for sits abroad. -
How do I handle pet emergencies while sitting?
Follow the emergency plan, contact the owner, and take the pet to the vet if needed. Here’s our story of how we saved a sick goat we were petsitting in France.
What to expect as a House Sitter (and when looking for house sitting)
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What personality makes a great house sitter?
A house sitter stays in a home while the owner is away, so someone who is flexible with accommodation, quick to learn, and communicates well with the home owner (or vet if needed) is a great fit for a house sitter. -
How do I find a house sitter near me?
You can find house sitters through websites like TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, Nomador, and local community groups. Here are our best tips for finding (and choosing) the best housesitter for your pet and property. -
Do house sitters get paid or work for free?
Some house sitters charge a fee, while others provide services in exchange for free accommodation, especially through platforms like TrustedHousesitters. -
What should I ask a potential house sitter?
Ask about their experience, references, availability, pet care skills, how they handle emergencies, and their expectations for the sit. -
How do I write a good house sitter listing?
Include details about your home, pets, responsibilities, location, and what you expect from the sitter. -
How do I find last-minute house sitters?
Post on house sitting websites, ask friends or neighbors, or use local social media groups. -
What should I leave for a house sitter?
Provide house keys, WiFi details, emergency contacts, pet care instructions, and any household rules. -
How do I become a professional house sitter?
Build a reputation with positive reviews, market yourself online, and join multiple house sitting platforms. Note that for many platforms (like Trusted Housesitters or HousesitMexico, for instance), housesitting is an exchange not a paid job. Paid opportunities are available on platforms like Rover. -
How long do house sitting assignments usually last?
They can range from a few days to several months, depending on the homeowner’s needs. -
Can I house sit as a couple or a family?
Yes, many homeowners accept couples, particularly for larger homes or multiple pets. We’ve house sat many times as a family of 5. Sometimes we’ll park our RV in the driveway so we have enough beds for all of us, and sometimes the home can accommodate our whole family. -
How do I screen a house sitter?
Check their reviews, request references, conduct a video interview, and clarify expectations in writing. -
Do I need a contract for a house sitter?
While not required, having a written agreement outlining responsibilities and expectations is highly recommended. -
What happens if a house sitter cancels?
Try to find a replacement through the same house sitting platform or ask trusted friends and family to step in. -
How do I find a house sitter while traveling?
Use house sitting websites and schedule sitters in advance for multiple locations if necessary. -
How much does a house sitter cost?
Costs vary; professional house sitters charge $20-$100 per night, but many work in exchange for free accommodation. -
Is house sitting legal in all countries?
Most countries allow house sitting, but visa and work regulations may vary, so it’s best to research local laws. We’ve housesat in England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, United States and Canada. Here are some of our favorite countries to house sit. -
How do I become a house sitter abroad?
Sign up for international house sitting platforms, apply for listings, and ensure you meet visa requirements for the country. -
What should I do if a house sitter damages my property?
Address the issue directly with them, document the damage, and check if your insurance or the platform offers coverage. As a sitter, mention any damage to the home owner. Don’t wait for them to discover damage on their own or try to repair their property without permission. -
How do I leave reviews for house sitters?
Most house sitting platforms allow you to rate and review sitters based on their performance. -
What are the risks of using a house sitter?
Risks include property damage, rule violations, or unreliable sitters, but careful screening and clear communication help minimize issues. -
Can house sitters bring guests over?
This depends on the homeowner’s rules; most expect sitters to refrain from having guests unless explicitly permitted. Be sure to get permission in advance if you’re hoping to have friends of family visit while you’re house sitting. We’ve had some home owners happy to have our family stop in for an afternoon, and others who preferred that it’s just our family. -
Should house sitters pay for utilities?
Typically, no—homeowners cover utilities unless the sit lasts several months, in which case an agreement may be made. Each house sit is unique, so be sure to discuss any details like this before making a decision on agreeing.We have heard of home owners saying they’re happy to heat the pool or make the hot tub available at a minimal cost, but we’ve never been asked to pay for anything more than replenishing a couple jugs of drinking water.
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How do I handle conflicts with a house sitter?
Communicate openly, reference any written agreement, and, if necessary, involve the house sitting platform for resolution. We find that most conflicts can be avoided by communicating clearly and early. Appologize for any mistakes you’ve made and propose resolutions. -
Can I house sit with my own pet?
Some homeowners allow it, but always ask in advance and ensure their pet will be comfortable with yours. -
What should I do if I feel unsafe as a house sitter?
Trust your instincts, contact the homeowner or house sitting platform, and leave if necessary. -
Can I be a house sitter without experience?
Yes, start with friends or family, build references, and apply for beginner-friendly house sits. -
How do I make my house sitting profile stand out?
Include friendly photos, highlight pet care experience, showcase positive references, and write a detailed, engaging bio. In our case, since we’re bringing our boys with us, we include photos of them interacting with pets so potential homeowners can see how comfortable our kids are with pets (and how much the pets love our boys). -
What should I do if I lose the house keys while sitting?
Inform the homeowner immediately, check for a spare key, and if necessary, arrange for a locksmith. Common sense and communication is a standard part of taking care of someone’s pet and property. -
Can I house sit if I work a full-time job?
Yes, but clarify with homeowners that you’ll be away during the day and ensure pets don’t require round-the-clock care. -
How do I get repeat house sitting gigs?
Provide excellent service, build strong relationships with homeowners, and maintain a great profile with positive reviews.
Questions about TrustedHousesitters: The Largest Petsitting Platform Around The World
Trusted Housesitters -the largest housesitting platform
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What is TrustedHousesitters?
TrustedHousesitters is an online platform that connects pet owners with sitters who provide care in exchange for free accommodation. It’s the largest housesitting platform in the world offering plenty of opportunities for pet sitters and home owners. -
How does TrustedHousesitters.com work?
Homeowners list their homes and pets, while sitters apply for available listings. After you pay your membership, no payment is exchanged— sitters receive free accommodation in return for pet and house care, which is free to the homeowner. -
Is TrustedHousesitters a legitimate company?
Yes, TrustedHousesitters is a well-established and reputable platform used by thousands of pet owners and sitters worldwide. We’ve personally used it to house sit in 8 different countries, completing more than 30 sits. We’ve house-sat in England, France, Switzerland, Scotland, Germany, Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Here’s our full Trusted Housesitters review. -
How much does TrustedHousesitters cost per year?
Membership fees vary by plan based on insurance coverage and whether you’re a homeowner, a pet sitter, or both. All plans allow for unlimited house-sitting listings (for homeowners) and applications (for pet lovers). Here’s a breakdown of the various Trusted Housesitters tiers. -
Does TrustedHousesitters have a free trial?
No, but you can save 25% on your membership with our trusted housesitters coupon code for new members. -
What are the benefits of using TrustedHousesitters?
Homeowners get free, trustworthy pet care, and sitters receive free accommodation, allowing for affordable travel. House sitters have to verify their identity and home owners can leave sitters reviews. This is much more secure than posting that you’ll be away in a facebook group and hoping the appropriate person shows up to complete your house sit. -
How do I sign up for TrustedHousesitters?
You create an account on the website, choose a membership plan, and complete your profile. Use our Trusted Housesitters coupon code here to save 25%. -
Can I use TrustedHousesitters as both a sitter and a homeowner?
Yes, some memberships allow users to list as both a sitter and a homeowner. -
How do I create a strong profile on TrustedHousesitters?
Include clear photos, detailed descriptions, experience, and references to increase credibility. Complete every field to completion (maximum number of photos, plenty of information about experience, and lots of “getting to know me” information). -
How do I get my first house sit on TrustedHousesitters?
Apply for multiple listings, write personalized applications, and highlight any relevant experience. We recommend applying for newest listings to be considered first on new listings. -
How long does it take to get approved on TrustedHousesitters?
Approval typically takes a few days, especially if verification steps like background checks are required. -
Are there background checks on TrustedHousesitters?
Yes, sitters can undergo a background check to increase trustworthiness. You can also add references from people off of the platform who can help confirm your credibility if you’ve house sat or cared for their pet before. -
Can I get paid for house sitting on TrustedHousesitters?
No, TrustedHousesitters is based on an exchange model, meaning that after your membership is paid, no money changes hands between the homeowner and the pet sitter. There are other platforms that allow paid compensation for housesitting. Here’s a review of the various housesitting websites. -
How do I leave a review on TrustedHousesitters?
Both sitters and homeowners can leave reviews after a sit, helping future users make informed decisions. -
How competitive is TrustedHousesitters?
It can be competitive, especially for popular locations. A strong profile and quick applications improve success. If you have a specific area or specific dates in mind (like between 2 housesits, you’d like to fill in some dates) then you can save a search with a premium membership and get an email notification when relevant house sits are posted. -
How do I stand out when applying for sits?
Write a personalized message, highlight relevant experience, and apply as soon as a listing is posted. We always offer a video call when we apply for a house sit. Remember that you’re interviewing the home owner in the same way they’re interviewing you. This isn’t a matter of just trying to get them to pick you, but to see if the home owner is someone you’d like to work with and be in communication with.
Here are our tips for choosing the best house sit. -
What happens if a homeowner cancels on TrustedHousesitters?
TrustedHousesitters offers a sit cancellation insurance plan for premium members, but sitters usually need to find an alternative themselves. In the case of a cancellation, contact the Trusted Housesitters support and ask what steps you should take next. -
Can I cancel a sit on TrustedHousesitters?
Yes, but frequent cancellations can affect your reputation and future opportunities with a home owner. There is no review process if you cancel a house sit. Reviews are only for completed house sits, but the platform may decide to not allow you to renew your membership if you have a track record of accepting then cancelling sits. -
Are sitters on TrustedHousesitters insured?
TrustedHousesitters provides a basic insurance plan, but sitters may need additional personal insurance. We found that the insurance included in the premium membership (including liability and cancellation insurance) was well worth the additional investment. -
What are some alternatives to TrustedHousesitters?
While Trusted Housesitters has the largest platform, equating to the most housesitting opportunities worldwide, there are other platforms like Rover, MindMyHouse, and Nomador that offer world-wide access along with more geographically specific platforms like Housesitters America, Aussie Housesitters, or Housesit Mexico. Here’s our complete review of the various house sitting websites. -
Does TrustedHousesitters operate worldwide?
Yes, the platform operates globally, with listings in over 130 countries. -
Can I use TrustedHousesitters for international sits?
Yes, many sitters use it to travel and stay in different countries. -
How do I find high-quality house sits on TrustedHousesitters?
Set alerts for new listings and apply quickly for desirable locations. Here are our recommendations for finding house sits. -
Can couples apply together on TrustedHousesitters?
Yes, many homeowners welcome couples, especially for larger homes and multiple pets. We complete all of our housesits as a family. Sometimes we park our RV in the driveway while housesitting if more space is needed, and when we go overseas, we look for housesits that are specifically marked as family friendly. -
Do I need experience to join TrustedHousesitters?
No, but references from past pet or house sitting jobs help. You can get reviews from people who are not on the platform to talk about a time when you’ve cared for their pet or property. While we had cared for friends’ pets before, we secured our first housesit on our first application in England while located in North America. Home owners are often more interested in getting to know you to make a decision rather than basing their decision solely on experience. -
Are there TrustedHousesitters scams to watch out for?
TrustedHousesitters has safeguards in place, but always verify listings and communicate within the platform. Don’t reply to a suspicious email if you’re not sure about its legitimacy, and keep your communication about your house sit on the Trusted Housesitters platform so everyone (including THS head office) has a copy of the correspondance. -
Does TrustedHousesitters offer a refund policy?
They offer a 14-day money-back guarantee for new members. -
What kind of pets do people typically have on TrustedHousesitters?
Mostly dogs and cats, but some listings include birds, fish, horses, and other animals. If you have particular experience with a less-common animal, then mention that in your bio and include a pic of you with that animal in your bio photos. -
How do I handle pet emergencies while house sitting?
Follow the owner’s instructions, contact their vet, and notify the homeowner immediately. Trusted housesitters also has an on-call vet chat through the Trusted Housesitters App. -
How do I contact TrustedHousesitters customer support?
Through email, live chat, or phone, available on their website. Chat with customer support here. -
Can I use TrustedHousesitters while traveling full-time?
Yes, many sitters travel full-time using the app. Be sure to check the length or visa restrictions for your passport in the country you’re visiting. -
Can I use TrustedHousesitters while traveling full-time?
Yes, many sitters travel full-time using the platform. When we spent 7 months traveling Europe with Trusted Housesitters, we filled in dates with hotels, staying with friends and family, and Airbnbs. -
Are there house sits without pets on TrustedHousesitters?
Rarely, but some listings exist where homeowners just want security for their home. Currently, less than 1% of Trusted Housesitters listings don’t require pet care. -
Can I sit for long-term house sitting jobs?
Yes, some house sits last for months while others are only a few days. While every situation is unique, we find that most house sits are for a few weeks while someone travels for vacation or business. -
What’s the best way to get five-star reviews on TrustedHousesitters?
Provide excellent pet care, keep the house clean, and communicate well with homeowners. We often leave fresh baking or fresh flowers when we leave. It’s an excellent “Welcome home” for home owners and contributes to how they feel about the house sit and the review they’ll leave. -
Can I house sit with my own pet on TrustedHousesitters?
Some homeowners allow it, but you must check each listing. Be sure to mention when applying for your house sit that you travel with a pet and confirm permission when you have a video call with the home owner before you agree to the house sit. -
What happens if a pet gets sick while I’m house sitting?
Contact the homeowner and take the pet to their designated vet if necessary. -
Can I negotiate the length of a house sit?
Sometimes, but most homeowners set fixed dates based on their time away. As house sitters, we’ve often been invited to arrive a day or two early to get to learn the property and the schedule for the pets, especially in the case of a hobby farm where we might be feeding animals, collecting eggs, or caring for goats or horses. We don’t often make a request to arrive early or stay late since it feels like inviting ourselves in. -
How can I get a Trusted Housesitters Coupon Code?
Our Trusted Housesitters discount code will save you 25% on your membership. Use this link to register for Trusted Housesitters.
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What questions should I ask a potential pet sitter or homeowner during our first introductory call?
Be sure to ask plenty of questions to get the information you need to decide if the opportunity and arrangements are a match. Confirm dates, experience, preferences, and expectations for time and home with the pet and transportation arrangements to and from the house sit.
