What is Housesitting? A Beginners Guide (2024)

Are you wondering, what is housesitting? Or how does housesitting work? You’ve come to the right place!

If you’re an animal lover constantly seeking opportunities to spend quality time with furry friends, or are a wanderlust spirit yearning for affordable ways to explore new destinations, then becoming a housesitter could be the perfect pursuit.

Housesitting is when you temporarily live or stay in someone else’s home to care for their pets, plants, and property while the homeowners are away. We’ve been housesitting since 2008, for friends and strangers alike, all over the world!

By offering your services as a housesitter, you’ll gain access to a world of unique experiences, all while providing invaluable peace of mind to pet owners and homeowners alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore the exciting realm of housesitting from the perspective of a potential housesitter, covering everything you need to know to get started. Let’s go!

The Role of a Housesitter

As a housesitter, your primary responsibilities will revolve around ensuring the well-being and security of the home, pets, and plants during the homeowner’s absence.

Common duties may include:

Pet Care: Feeding, exercising, grooming, and providing companionship to the homeowners’ pets, which could range from dogs and cats to birds, fish, or even more exotic animals. This is the most common responsibility, as most house sits also include pets,

Plant Care: Watering and maintaining the health of indoor and outdoor plants, gardens, and landscaping. Usually this just includes watering, but could involve other tasks like pest treatments.

Home Maintenance: Performing light household tasks such as collecting mail/packages, taking out the trash, and maintaining the home’s cleanliness and organization.

Most homeowners don’t stop their mail delivery when they have a housesitter, so you’ll usually just gather the mail daily and put it in a pile or basket for the homeowner to sort through when they get home.

Home Security: Acting as a deterrent against potential break-ins or trespassing by having a lived-in presence at the property. We’ve house-sat for people without any pets who just wanted someone in their home while they visited family abroad.

If the homeowner has a security system, be sure you have the necessary information to disarm it and notify if the alarm company if it’s accidentally triggered.

Additional Duties: Some homeowners may request additional tasks like pool maintenance, lawn mowing, or minor home repairs/renovations.

You’ll usually be expected to clean the home before you leave. Always plan to leave a home at least as clean as you found it. This isn’t Airbnb.

The specific duties will vary based on the homeowners’ needs and the duration of their absence, so clear communication is key to ensuring a smooth housesitting experience for both parties.

Benefits of Being a Housesitter

Becoming a housesitter offers a unique blend of practical and personal advantages:

✔️ Affordable Travel: By residing in someone else’s home, you can effectively eliminate accommodation costs while exploring new cities or countries.

✔️ Pet Companionship: For animal lovers, housesitting provides the opportunity to spend quality time with and care for pets without the full-time commitment of ownership.

✔️ Cultural Immersion: Housesitting can offer a more authentic and immersive experience in a new location, as you’ll be living like a local.

✔️ Supplemental Income: While some housesitting gigs are unpaid, others may provide compensation, making it a potential source of supplemental income.

✔️ Flexible Lifestyle: Housesitting can be an excellent option for those with location-independent lifestyles, such as digital nomads or retirees.

✔️ Personal Growth: Caring for someone else’s home and pets can foster a sense of responsibility, trust, and personal growth.

Finding Housesitting Opportunities

With the increasing popularity of housesitting, there are numerous avenues to explore for finding opportunities. Our favorite it Trusted HouseSitters, but it’s just one of many choices available these days.

Online Platforms: Dedicated housesitting websites and apps connect homeowners with potential housesitters worldwide. These platforms often include reviews, verification processes, and search filters to help match your preferences.

-> If you want 25% off your first-year membership, then click here for our Trusted House Sitters discount code!

Personal Network: Reach out to friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues who may be seeking trustworthy housesitters for upcoming trips.

Local Classifieds/Community Boards: Check local classifieds, community boards, or social media groups for housesitting opportunities in your area.

Word of Mouth: Once you’ve established a reputation as a reliable housesitter, word of mouth can be a powerful tool for securing future gigs. We’ve gotten a fair number of house sit referrals the last few years. Referrals are our favorite!

Establishing Trust and Building a Reputation

As a housesitter, building trust and establishing a strong reputation are crucial for success. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

Compile References: Gather references from previous homeowners or employers that can attest to your reliability, responsibility, and pet-care skills.

Create a Profile: Develop a compelling online profile that highlights your experience, interests, and what makes you a great housesitter candidate.

Background Check: Consider obtaining a background check or police clearance to provide an extra layer of reassurance to potential homeowners. Some house sit websites, like Trusted Housesitters, include free background checks.

Acquire Certifications: Pursue certifications in areas like pet first aid, animal behavior, or houseplant care to demonstrate your expertise.

Be Responsive and Communicative: Respond promptly to inquiries, provide regular updates during your housesits, and maintain open lines of communication with homeowners.

Housesitting Etiquette and Best Practices

To ensure a positive and successful housesitting experience, it’s essential to follow proper etiquette and best practices:

Respect the Home: Treat the homeowner’s property with the utmost care and respect, adhering to all provided instructions and house rules.

Maintain Open Communication: Keep homeowners informed of any issues or concerns, and provide regular updates as requested.

Be Reliable and Responsible: Fulfill all assigned duties diligently, ensuring the well-being of pets, plants, and the home during the homeowners’ absence.

Leave the Home in Pristine Condition: Upon departure, leave the home in the same condition (or better) as when you arrived.

Provide a Summary: Offer a detailed summary of your stay, including any notable events, observations, or feedback for the homeowners.

So just What is Housesitting? Our Final Thoughts

By demonstrating professionalism, responsibility, and a genuine love for pets and home care, you can establish yourself as a trusted and sought-after housesitter, opening doors to exciting travel opportunities and memorable experiences.

Housesitting is a unique and rewarding pursuit that combines the joys of pet care with the freedom of travel and cultural exploration.

Whether you’re an animal enthusiast seeking quality time with furry friends or a wanderlust spirit looking for affordable ways to experience new destinations, becoming a housesitter could be the perfect fit.

With a commitment to building trust, following proper etiquette, and providing exceptional care, you can embark on a journey filled with unforgettable adventures and cherished memories.