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It’s like Airbnb for free. But you gotta love pets!
Do you have dreams of traveling the world, meeting people, and exploring exotic places, but can’t afford it? Well, you’re in luck. There’s a perfect solution for you, assuming you’re a pet lover.
People all around the world need your help. They want to travel too but need trustworthy people to watch their homes and pets while they’re away. They would love it if you’d stay at their house and take care of things.
They live in the south of France, the jungles of Brazil, on the beaches in Mexico, and deep in the woods of British Columbia. Would you like to stay there and explore for a month or three? Does “free lodging” fit your travel budget?
What is house sitting?
House sitting is a quietly growing industry where trustworthy pet lovers are matched with homeowners who need someone to care for their prized possessions: homes, belongings, and pets. Pets are important, as over 80% of all house-sitting gigs involve pet care.
Over the last decade, a growing number of people have found it’s one of the best ways to travel on a limited budget. You can visit amazing locations, stay in nice homes for free, and enjoy time with lovable animals. In a sense it’s a job, but the “work” is simple and rewarding, and leaves plenty of time for exploration and adventure.
Ido stayed in our home in Puerto Vallarta for ten days while we took a trip to Guadalajara. Our cats took to him quickly which is always a sure sign of a good person. (They really can tell). Ido maintained our plants and garden while we were gone, as well as our two cats, and everything was as we left it when we returned. He is truly a good soul and a trustworthy person to leave your house and pets to.
Richard, Homeowner and Sitter @ HouseSitMexico
Sitters
Sitters are responsible, clean, and respectful individuals, couples, or small families. They could be young adults exploring the world, sometimes with their children and pets in tow. They can be adventurous seniors with free time and dreams. Many retirees are short on cash and long on time, so these opportunities are a perfect fit for them.
When selected, you are expected to arrive on time and live in the host’s house. You’ll use their home as if it were your own while you keep it clean and safe. The hosts expect you to water the plants, watch the surroundings, and call the local specialists when there are problems you can’t solve on your own. You’ll update the hosts regularly and be available for calls and deliveries. Most of all, you’re expected to love and care for the host’s pets.
Exploration in and around the local region is one of the main reasons you’re there, and the hosts understand that. For the most part you’ll be expected to work your schedule around the needs of the animals, but in some cases, you can arrange to be away for a day or two for more distant explorations.
Hosts
Hosts are people who want to get away as well but prefer a live-in caretaker rather than friends who only stop in occasionally. In-house sitters are best because pets get more attention and homes are safer. Many countries don’t have good pet care centers and you’ll find that some homeowners have unusual pets such as snakes, birds, and even horses. Some animals need frequent walks or special medications, which are more easily managed by live-in sitters.
Before you commit, hosts should clearly express their expectations verbally and in writing. The most common conflicts come from mismatched expectations.
How it works
It all starts with a website (links below). There are dozens of sites that match hosts and sitters. Most require an annual fee of $50 to $150. When a host has an opportunity, they’ll post it on the site. Sitters who are interested will respond back and the host will sort through them and pick a few top choices. At that point, they’ll begin direct communication through phone calls and emails.
When the host closes in on a final decision, it’s common for them to meet the prospective sitters through a Zoom or Skype call where they’ll discuss specific details. It is a good practice to insist on written terms that spell out the expectations from both sides. This agreement is the equivalent of a contract, so there will be no surprises.
House sitting is a nice balance of adventure and caretaking. Gigs can be a few days or several months. You’re not stuck at home all day, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the local area. Just keep in mind that you’re there for a reason, and the care and safety of the home and animals are your priority.
An unwritten rule is to leave a home in as good or better shape than when you got there.
How to get started as a house sitter
The first step is to ask yourself if this is really your thing. You’ll have wonderful opportunities to see the world, but there are daily responsibilities, and it does tie you down to a specific location for some time. You can’t just up and move away on a whim.
Next, spend time exploring the different matchmaking sites. Many are specialized by region. HouseSitMexico is all about sitting in Mexico, TrustedHouseSitters is strong in Europe, and Normador has a worldwide scope. You can belong to as many sites as you like. Search for “House Sitting” and be sure to read the reviews.
Once you settle on a site or two, you’ll need a compelling profile. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of competitors hoping to visit the same places that interest you. To stand out, you’ll need to develop an outstanding profile.
Tips on how to stand out from the rest:
- Uploads pictures of you with pets. Most appointments involve pets so show how much you love them.
- Get some excellent house-sitting references. They’ll almost certainly be contacted, so make sure they’re honest and legitimate. It’s important that you have a history of home sitting and pet care. These arrangements are based on trust, and hosts need to know they can trust you.
- Write up an exciting bio about yourself demonstrating your commitment to house sitting and pets. Talk about the languages you speak, botanical skills, your animals, your dreams and desires. Talk about other hosting gigs you’ve done. You want to give the impression that you’re dedicated, approachable, experienced, and skilled.
- You’ll have a leg up if you have a green thumb. Along with pets comes plenty of plants that need care too. Indoor and outdoor plants.
- Another advantage is handyman skills. Things break all the time and if you have the skill to fix them up, you’ll save your hosts some money, and stand out from the competition.
- Emphasize your cleanliness. Nobody wants a slob living in their home.
- And above all, show ENTHUSIASM for your pet sitting career. Make sure you emphasize that it’s not a one-off event, it’s something you do often, and want to do more often, and will continue to do as long as you are able.
When you do get an interview, be sure to ask lots of questions. Document and clarify it all in writing. Always select the gigs that match your skills. If you’re not versed in equestrian care, don’t take an appointment caring for horses.
Be honest with yourself and the hosts.
Communication builds trust
Every home has its quirks. Weather is unpredictable. Animals and people get sick.
At some point in your house sitting career, you’ll battle storms, search in the middle of the night for lost animals, encounter personal health or family issues, and more. It happens.
When it does, you need to communicate. Honesty and communication are foundations of trust. If you handle problems well, it can make you a hero with stellar reviews. If not, you may not have many more opportunities.
Takeaway
If playing with pets, meeting new people, and visiting exciting places are in your future, house sitting is a great way to do it all on a budget. Now is the time to get in because the industry is growing fast and so is your competition.
Go in with your eyes open though. It’s not like a regular vacation, it’s a job paid for with free accommodations.
Remember that pets are your key. If you’re an adventurous pet lover, this may the best career you’ve ever had!
References
The industry has grown so much there’s a magazine all about it: https://housesittingmagazine.com/get-started-as-an-international-housesitter .
Here are some of the top sites:
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-assignments/ .
https://www.mindmyhouse.com/ .
https://www.housesitmexico.com/ .
https://www.housecarers.com/ .