House sitting jobs: how to become a house sitter
By Jordan Reid · Last updated
House sitters look after someone's home, and often their pets, while they are away. Some house sits are paid, and others are an exchange where you stay for free in return for care. It can suit students, remote workers, retirees, and anyone who is reliable and enjoys animals. This guide covers how house sitting works, how to land your first sit, what to agree before you arrive, and how to stay safe. Availability and terms vary by homeowner and location.
What does a house sitter do?
- Caring for pets: feeding, walking, medication, and company
- Keeping the home secure and lived-in
- Collecting mail and packages
- Watering plants and light garden care
- Taking out trash and recycling on collection days
- Keeping the home clean and tidy
- Contacting the owner or a tradesperson if something breaks
Paid house sitting or free stays?
Paid house sitting usually means the homeowner pays you to stay, especially when there is a lot of pet care or the stay is during holidays. Rates vary by location, length of stay, and responsibilities.
In an exchange house sit, you stay for free in return for looking after the home and pets. These are popular with travelers and remote workers, and are often arranged through house sitting membership websites that charge sitters a yearly fee. Read what a membership includes before you pay, and check reviews of the platform.
Who house sitting suits
- Students and young adults looking for flexible extra work
- Remote workers who can work from anywhere with Wi-Fi
- Retirees who enjoy travel and pets
- Pet sitters and dog walkers adding overnight services
- Anyone between homes or moving to a new area
How to become a house sitter, step by step
- Start locally. Offer to house sit for neighbors, friends, and family to build experience and references.
- Create a profile on a house sitting or pet care platform, with clear photos, your experience with homes and pets, and references.
- Get a background check if the platform offers one. It builds trust with homeowners.
- Apply to sits that match your experience, and write a personal message that mentions the pets by name.
- Hold a video call or meet the homeowner before you agree to a sit.
- Do a great job, send regular updates, and ask for a review afterward.
Building a profile homeowners trust
- A friendly, clear photo of you, ideally with animals
- A short introduction about who you are and why you house sit
- Specific experience, such as dog breeds, cats, horses, or pets with medical needs
- References or reviews from previous sits or pet care clients
- Any pet first aid training
- Whether you smoke, drive, or work from home during the sit
Questions to ask before you accept a house sit
- What are the pets' routines, diets, medications, and quirks?
- How long can pets be left alone each day?
- Who is the emergency contact, and which vet should I use?
- Is there anything in the home that needs special care, such as a pool or alarm system?
- Can I have visitors, and where can I park?
- What should happen if the owner's travel plans change?
What to agree in writing
- Dates and times for arrival and departure
- Pay, if any, and when it will be paid
- Responsibilities, including pet care and household tasks
- Emergency contacts, vet details, and authority to approve vet care
- How expenses such as pet food or repairs will be handled
- House rules, such as visitors, smoking, and use of the car
A simple routine during the sit
- Follow the pets' normal feeding and walking times as closely as you can.
- Lock doors and windows whenever you go out, and set the alarm if there is one.
- Send the owner a photo update every day or two.
- Keep a short log of anything unusual, such as a pet not eating or a leak.
- Leave the home as clean as you found it, with fresh linens if agreed.
Staying safe and avoiding house sitting scams
- Be cautious of homeowners who will not do a video call or share the address before the sit.
- Never pay a homeowner a deposit or fee to secure a house sit.
- Be wary of overpayment scams, where a homeowner sends too much money and asks you to send back the difference.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are staying and for how long.
- If a listing seems too good to be true, such as a luxury home with very high pay, research carefully.
Taxes on house sitting income
If you are paid for house sitting, that income is generally taxable, and if you work for yourself you are usually responsible for reporting it. Free stays in exchange for care are treated differently from cash payments, so check the IRS guidance or a tax professional if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Do house sitters get paid?
Some do and some do not. Paid house sits are common for local stays with a lot of pet care, while exchange sits offer free accommodation instead of pay. Rates and terms vary by homeowner and location.
How do I become a house sitter with no experience?
Start by house sitting for neighbors, friends, and family to build references, then create a profile on a house sitting or pet care platform with clear photos and those reviews.
Is house sitting safe?
It is generally safe when you verify the homeowner, hold a video call first, agree the details in writing, and tell someone where you will be. Never pay a homeowner to secure a sit.
How long do house sits usually last?
Anything from a weekend to several months. Short local sits are common around holidays, while longer sits are popular with remote workers and retirees.
Can I work my regular job while house sitting?
Often yes, especially if you work remotely. Tell the homeowner beforehand and check the Wi-Fi, and make sure your schedule still meets the pets' needs.
What is the difference between house sitting and pet sitting?
Pet sitting focuses on the animals and may involve drop-in visits, while house sitting usually means staying overnight in the home and looking after the property as well as any pets.
Do I need insurance to house sit?
It is not always required, but some sitters get insurance, and some platforms include limited protection. Ask the homeowner what their own insurance covers while you are staying.