The Ultimate Guide to House Sitting

When it comes to traveling as house sitters, we are lucky enough to say that we have some experience. For the first two years of our travels, we house sat full-time in various countries, including Australia, the UK, Finland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, and Germany. We enjoyed unique accommodations like mansions, vineyards, and beach houses, each offering its own perks such as pools and jacuzzis. Consequently, housesitting allowed us to embark on long-term and luxurious travel experiences. Nowadays, we house-sit occasionally but are fully committed to helping newbie house sitters succeed through this blog. While many people think house sitting is an extraordinary idea, others believe they cannot do it. Thus, this guide aims to answer your questions, alleviate your doubts, and leave you thinking, ‘Yes, I should become a house sitter.’

1. Do House Sitters Have to Stay in the House the Whole Time?

Short answer: No.
Long answer: There are various house sitting opportunities available, with requirements varying among homeowners and their needs. While some house sits may require you to stay in the house 24/7, such cases are quite rare. Generally, homeowners prefer house sitters to be present to deter potential burglaries, yet they understand that most sitters will want to explore their surroundings. The primary responsibility is often to care for pets, as many homeowners are okay with sitters not being home throughout the day.

It’s important to communicate with homeowners about your daily plans while keeping their pets in mind. This leads to the next common question:

2. Do Pet Sitters Have to Take the Pets with Them When They Go Out?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: The decision largely depends on the types of pets and your plans. Whether you are pet sitting dogs, cats, or exotic animals, ensuring they have food and water is crucial. Many house sitters enjoy taking dogs along, especially for activities like hiking or going to the beach.

Generally, if you don’t enjoy being around dogs, you might want to consider cat sitting instead. There are plenty of opportunities available for both pets.

The general rule is that dogs can typically be left alone for about four hours, provided they have access to water and some toys. Always consult with the homeowner regarding their pets’ specific needs.

3. Are House Sitters Stuck in One Place for a Long Time?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Many travelers interested in house sitting fear that they will be confined to one location. However, the duration of house sits varies, ranging from one night to over two years. In Europe, many house sits tend to last one to two weeks, accommodating homeowners’ work schedules.

Our longest sit was six weeks in Spain, while our shortest was just one weekend in the UK. The ideal duration tends to be between two to four weeks, which allows for adequate exploration without monotony. However, whether you choose to do short-term or long-term sits, there’s likely an opportunity that suits your preferences.

4. Is There a Rating System to Ensure the House Sit Is Safe?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Most house sitting platforms require sitters to provide references to homeowners. Features such as ratings can enhance safety and assurance for both parties involved. We recommend having a conversation with the homeowners via video calls to gauge compatibility before committing to a house sit.

5. I’m Allergic to Pets, Can I Be a House Sitter?

Short answer: Maybe.

Long answer: This largely depends on your specific allergies. Some house sits do not involve pets, but may require additional home or garden work. Additionally, there are numerous pets that do not trigger allergies, such as certain hypoallergenic breeds.

Check with each listing to see how many options are allergy-friendly. If you find several suitable opportunities, consider exploring house sitting further!

6. Do House Sitters Get Paid?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: House sitters enjoy various costs covered, such as rent, utilities, and other living expenses, which is a significant benefit. Although transportation costs to your house-sitting destination are typically your responsibility, most homeowners facilitate pickups from the airport or train station, making travel easier.

While most house sitters do not expect payment, some homeowners may offer monetary appreciation or gifts. The level of generosity varies among homeowners.

7. Do You Have to Pay to Be a House Sitter?

Short answer: No.
Long answer: You should not pay homeowners for the privilege of house sitting. House sitting is often seen as a mutually beneficial arrangement, where you save on accommodation costs while providing care for their homes and pets. However, you may incur fees associated with house sitting platforms.

8. Isn’t House Sitting Boring?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: The excitement of house sitting depends on your interests. Engaging with pets, working on personal projects, and discovering new locales can make this experience fulfilling. House sitting can be a great opportunity to balance relaxation and exploration.

9. Aren’t You a Bit Young to Be House Sitters?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Younger sitters may face some skepticism, but many homeowners appreciate their energy and eagerness to earn good references. The perfect age for a house sitter ranges from 30 to 60, balancing experience with vitality.

10. It’s like Couchsurfing… Why House Sit When You Can Couchsurf?

Short answer: It really is not like couchsurfing at all.

Long answer: While there are similarities such as free accommodation and integration into the community, house sitting takes on a more independent essence. Sitters often enjoy significantly different environments compared to couchsurfing.

11. Can You Be a House Sitter with Kids?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Many families successfully house sit. The suitability for children varies by listing, so always check for family-friendly options. House sitting offers a unique opportunity for families to travel without the high costs of accommodation.

When considering your potential as a house sitter, ask yourself the following three questions:

• Do you love animals?
• Do you respect other people’s houses?
• Do you want to travel the world rent-free?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then exploring house sitting opportunities could be an excellent fit for you!