What is the Best Housesitting Platform? Our 2024 Review

Looking to get started in housesitting? We’ve reviewed the best housesitting platforms for 2024. Whether you’re seeking international travel, budget-friendly options for a weekend getaway, or pet care opportunities, you’ll find the right one here. Read on to choose the best platform for your needs. And the best part is, you can enjoy the comfort of staying in a real home while taking care of adorable pets.

Our family of 5 has completed 25 house sits since 2022 in 6 different countries, so while we haven’t tried every platform, we have a good idea of what we’re looking for.

As a general rule of thumb, we think the larger platforms have the most opportunities to find a house sit, but they also have the most competing house sitters, so there’s a balance. You might enjoy a smaller platform at a lower price, or a locally-focussed option to discover if pet sitting is a travel lifestyle that you’ll enjoy.

You might also look for a geographically specific platform. For instance, if you’re looking to be a house sitter in Australia, then Mind A Home Australia has the most listings for Australia specifically, (but none outside of Australia), whereas Trusted Housesitters is world wide, in comparison, with pockets of listings most concentrated in UK, Europe, and Australia.

Our guess (although, difficult to verify) is that there are housesitting platforms available and exclusively for other languages, so while we’re only fluent in English, it may be worth searching in another language if you’re fluent in other languages also.

(This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase based on our recommendation, we may receive a commission at no cost to you.)

 

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Here are the number of active housesit listings on each major platform:

• Trusted Housesitters: 6917
• Nomador: 546
• Housecarers: 108
• Mind My House: 203
• Mind A Home UK (Just UK): 75
• Mind A Home Australia (Just Australia): 1275
• Aussie Housesitters: 980
• Housesitters America: 124
• Housesit Mexico: 11
• Housesitters Canada: 86

(this is at the time of writing this blog post. We’ll update it from time to time if a platforms seems to be significantly changing in listings)

Best House Sitting Platforms and House Sitting Apps for Every Need

We’ve reviewed the best house sitting websites and apps for 2024.

• The Largest petsitting platform: Trusted Housesitters
• Best for Flexible Travel Options: Nomador (the only platform with a stopover feature)
• Best for Budget-Friendly Membership: House Carers
• Best for New Sitters: House sit match
• Best for Low-Cost Membership: Mind My House
• Best Paid Platform for Home Owners: Pawshake
• Best for Australian House Sitting: Mind A Home (Which is free for home owners)
• Best for New Zealand-Only House Sitting: Happy Housesitters
• Best for USA-Based House Sitting: House Sitters America
• Best for Mexican-Only House Sitting: House Sit Mexico
• Best for Canadian-Only House Sitting: House Sitters Canada

Trusted Housesitters: The Largest Platform with the most benefits

Price: $129 – $259 annually (Depending on your needs, and if you’re a pet sitter, a home owner, or if you’d like a combined membership to leave your pet at home and pet sit at your destination). Save 25% with our coupon code.

Since trusted housesitters is the largest house sitting and pet sitting platform, it also means that it has the largest number of opportunities both to find housesitters and pet sitters and for listings of homeowners needing someone to care for their pet and property.

Benefits of Trusted Housesitters:

• Extensive global coverage with house sits in over 140 countries.
• Comprehensive services including vet access, airport lounge passes with upgraded memberships tiers, and insurance.
• The widest selection of housesitters on any platform
• Multiple membership tiers to suit different needs and budgets.
• Free trial membership to see what pet sitting opportunities are available where you’d like to travel.
• Has it’s own Trusted Housesitters App for on-the-go applications and messaging

Cons:

• Higher membership fees compared to other platforms.
• Some users may find the extensive features overwhelming or unnecessary.
• A majority of the listings include pets, so if you’re hoping for simply a housesit, you won’t find as much selection here (but generally speaking, people are willing to go away and leave their home for a week, but typically only need care when they have a pet)
• Primarily focused on UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and US (but available worldwide)

We’ve been using TrustedHousesitters.com as a family since 2022, and we think the pros outweigh the cons. We’re happy to pay the higher membership fee in exchange for the widest variety of opportunities.

Trusted Housesitters stands out as the largest house-sitting platform globally, offering an impressive array of house-sitting opportunities in over 140 countries. As a house sitter, you can enjoy free stays while taking care of adorable animals. The platform’s focus on pet care sets it apart from just housesitting, allowing sitters to enjoy free stays while taking care of adorable animals. The platform offers multiple membership tiers, catering to various needs and budgets, ensuring you can find a plan that fits your requirements.

These comprehensive services are more expensive than those offered by other platforms. Membership fees range from $129 USD to $399 USD annually depending on your membership tier, making Trusted Housesitters more expensive (but you can save 25% on your  trusted housesitters membership with our discount code).

We’ve also reviewed all of the Trusted Housesitters membership tiers (and let you know which we settled on in our first year)

 

Nomador: The “Stopover” feature winner

Price: $99 – $199 annually depending on the features you need and if you’re a home owner or a pet sitter.

What makes Nomador Unique:

• Unique ‘Stopover’ feature for free accommodation between assignments (Usually in a guest bedroom while the home owner is present) – perfect for an overnight layover, a road trip, or just to get away – stay for one night in a guest room while the homeowners are still home.
• Flexible membership options
• A three-month Discovery membership.
• A wide variety of housesits all over the world – seemingly covering more countries than any other platform

Cons:

• The platform is not be as comprehensive in services as others.
• Higher membership fees for premium tiers.
• Cannot search for listings based on if they’re accessible by public transport (if you’re going overseas, for instance)

Nomador is a great for those looking to explore house sitting opportunities around the world.

Its unique ‘Stopover’ feature allows home owners to offer free accommodation to sitters between assignments, fostering a sense of community and trust. The platform excels in connecting home owners and sitters globally, making it perfect for those eager to explore different cultures and regions.

Nomador’s flexible membership options, including a three-month Discovery membership, may seem pricey at higher tiers. Nevertheless, the platform’s international opportunities are unmatched. For avid travelers eager to immerse in local cultures globally, Nomador stands out as an excellent option.

 

House Carers: Best for Budget-Friendly Membership

Price: $50 annually

Benefits of Housecarers:

• Affordable membership fee of just $50 per year for house sitters (FREE for homeowners)
• Access to numerous house sitting listings without high fees.
• Reputable platform with a strong presence in the house sitting community.

Cons:

• Fewer opportunities compared to larger platforms.
• Limited additional services beyond basic house sitting arrangements.
• No tiers of memberships for extra benefits or included insurance.

House Carers is ideal for budget-conscious house sitters. For an annual membership fee of $50, users gain access to diverse house sitting opportunities at an affordable rate. The platform connects homeowners with sitters seeking cost-effective solutions.

Though House Carers may lack extensive opportunities, its affordability and strong reputation make it a practical choice for those looking to save money. For beginners or those aiming to keep expenses low, House Carers is a valuable option.

 

House sit match: Best for New Sitters

Price: £69 annually (About $90 USD) annually

House Sit Match Benefits:

• Personalized house sit matching service with hands-on service from the team at Housesitmatch
• Allows sitters as young as 18 to participate.
• Available around the world, but concentrated on house sitting in the UK, and expanding into Europe.

Cons:

• Smaller database of pet sitting opportunities compared to other platforms (which, on the flip side, also means there is less competition for available house sits).

House Sit Match caters to all ages and types of travelers. Personalized matching services ensure sitters find the perfect match for their needs, not just a listing website where you can apply.

House Sit Match offers a unique and supportive environment for a pet sitter of any age to kickstart their house sitting journey. If you’re not sure which platform to try (or not sure if pet sitting is for you) then this personalized service might be the best entry point to begin.

 

Mind My House: Best for Low-Cost Membership

Price: $29 annually

Benefits of Mind My House:

• Very affordable annual membership fee of $29.
• Positive user experiences and reviews.
• Frequently added ‘sitter wanted’ listings.

Cons:

• Fewer features compared to more expensive platforms.
• Limited additional services beyond basic house sitting matching.

Mind My House is recognized for its incredibly low annual membership fee, making it one of the most house affordable options for house sitters. Despite its low cost, the platform has garnered positive reviews from users who appreciate its straightforward approach and reliable matching services.

While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of pricier platforms, Mind My House’s affordability and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for those looking to join the house sitting community without a significant financial commitment.

 

Pawshake: Best for Pet-Specific Care

Price: Varies by service. Pawshake is a pay per use platform, so as a pet sitter, you can list your services and costs. You’ll get paid to pet sit in this case, but the opportunities are fewer (and likely more local to where you live) than if you want to travel and pet sit to offset the cost of accommodations.

This platform is best for pet owners who would like to pay for a premium pet sitter, and pet sitters who are looking to get paid and compete with others for pet sitting jobs.

This seems like more of a side job opportunity than a travel/accommodation platform. The benefit is for the home owner who is willing to pay for a premium service rather than trade their home for petsitting.

Pros of using Pawshake:

• High-quality pet care services with stringent sitter acceptance criteria.
• Various types of pet care options, from overnight stays to drop-in visits.
• Specializes in pet care, making it ideal for pet owners with adorable pets and happy pets.

Cons:

• Service costs can vary, making it less predictable.
• Focused primarily on pet care rather than house sitting.

Pawshake is the perfect platform for pet owners who prioritize high-quality pet care. The platform accepts only a small percentage of pet sitter applications, ensuring that all pet sitters are highly qualified and trustworthy. Pawshake offers a range of pet care options, from overnight stays to drop-in visits, including pet sitting, tailored to meet the specific needs of each pet.

While Pawshake’s focus on pet care makes it less suitable for those seeking traditional house sitting opportunities, its specialized services ensure that pets receive the best care possible. If your primary concern is the welfare of your furry friends, Pawshake is the platform for you.

 

Mind A Home: Locally-focused pet sitting

Price: Free for home owners. $69 annually for house sitters.

Benefits of Mind A Home:

• Specifically caters to house sitting needs across specific areas (Australia, and UK)
• Connects homeowners with local sitters for a more localized experience.

Cons:

• One platform limited to Australian locations (minahome.com.au) and another for UK sits (mindahome.co.uk).
• Fewer international opportunities.

Mind A Home Australia is tailored specifically for house sitting needs across Australia, making it the go-to platform for those looking to explore the Land Down Under. It connects homeowners with local sitters, providing a more personalized and localized experience.

Although it lacks international opportunities, its focus on Australia ensures relevant and convenient house sitting arrangements. For those seeking to house sit in Australia, Mind A Home is an outstanding choice since it has the most Australia housesitting opportunities of any platform.

 

House Sitters America: Best for USA-Based House Sitting

Price: $49 annually for sitters (free for home owners)

Pros of House Sitters America:

• Extensive listings specifically for house sitting arrangements across the United States.
• Affordable annual membership fee of $49.
• Ideal for domestic sitters seeking opportunities within the U.S.
• Some homeowners offer paid compensation to pet sitters

Cons:

• Limited to U.S. locations.
• Fewer international opportunities.
• Fewer US housesits than the larger (and more expensive) platforms

House Sitters America is an excellent platform for those looking to house sit within the United States. With extensive listings for house-sitting arrangements nationwide, it caters to domestic sitters seeking convenient and diverse opportunities. The platform’s affordable annual membership fee of $49 makes it accessible to many users.

Though it lacks international opportunities, its U.S. focus ensures users find relevant and convenient house sitting arrangements. For those looking to house sit in the United States, House Sitters America is an excellent option.

House Sitters America also has associated housesitting sites in these countries:

• House Sitters UK
• Aussie House Sitters (Australia)
• Kiwi House Sitters (New Zealand)
• House Sitters Canada

House Sit Mexico: Best for Mexican House Sitting

Price: $79 annually for both petsitters and home owners

House Sit Mexico Pros:

• It’s MEXICO!
• Connects homeowners with trustworthy sitters, ensuring reliable care for homes and pets.
• No additional fees or restrictions for members.
• Supports both short-term and long-term house sitting arrangements.
• More available housesit listings in Mexico than the larger platforms

Cons:

• Limited to Mexican locations.
• Fewer features compared to larger, international platforms (insurance, airport lounge passes).

House Sit Mexico is the ideal platform for those interested in house sitting opportunities in Mexico. It connects homeowners with trustworthy sitters, ensuring that homes and pets receive reliable care. Members can engage in house sitting without incurring additional fees or restrictions, making it a flexible and cost-effective choice.

Despite its focus on Mexican locations, House Sit Mexico supports both short-term and long-term arrangements, offering various options to suit different needs. For those looking to explore Mexico’s rich culture and diverse landscapes through house sitting, this platform is ideal.

 

How to Choose the Right House Sitting Platform

Choosing the right house-sitting platform depends on several factors, including your budget, desired locations, and specific needs. Start by determining whether you want to house-sit locally or internationally, as this will significantly impact your choice of platform. Platforms like Nomador are excellent for international opportunities, while House Sitters America and Happy Housesitters are ideal for those staying within the U.S. or Australia, respectively.

Next, consider the features and services offered by each platform. Trusted Housesitters, for example, provides comprehensive pet care services and a 24/7 vet hotline, which can be invaluable for pet owners. On the other hand, platforms like Mind My House and House Carers offer more budget-friendly options without compromising on essential services.

Lastly, think about the community and support each platform offers. Some platforms, like House Sit Match, emphasize a secure environment and community trust through ID checks and personalized matching services. Considering these criteria will help you find a house sitting platform that suits your needs and improves your overall experience.

Summary of our Comparison of House Sitting Platforms

In summary, house sitting offers a unique and rewarding way to travel, save money, and immerse yourself in local cultures. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive services, international opportunities, budget-friendly memberships, or region-specific options, there’s a platform out there for you. Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, House Carers, and the other platforms reviewed here each offer unique benefits tailored to different needs.

Choosing the right platform involves considering your budget, desired locations, and specific requirements. By doing so, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable house sitting experience. So, take the plunge, join a platform that fits your needs, and start your house sitting adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is house sitting?

House sitting is when you take care of someone’s home and pets while they’re away, usually for free lodging. It’s a great way to travel and enjoy a new place!

What is the membership fee for House Carers?

The membership fee for House Carers is just $50 per year. Get Pricing information here.

What unique feature does Trusted Housesitters offer to house sitters?

Trusted Housesitters has a cool perk for house sitters: a 24/7 vet hotline. This means you can get help with any pet issues anytime! You can also upgrade your membership to access liability insurance, cancellation insurance, and airport lounge passes.

What is the annual fee for MindMyHouse?

The annual fee for MindMyHouse is just $29 USD, but homeowners can join for free.

What are the membership fees for TrustedHousesitters for sitters?

You’ll be looking at annual membership fees for sitters ranging from $129 to $299 USD, depending on your chosen plan. Use this code to save 25% on your Trusted Housesitters Membership.

 

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