House sitting is a great way to travel for free and make some extra cash.
But if you have pets yourself you might be wondering…
If you can house sit and hire house sitters for your home?
I mean, you can’t house sit for yourself.
This article will help clear this tough question up!
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Can You Do Both?
There is no reason why you can’t house sit for other people and hire a professional house sitter for your own home.
Doing both may even improve your experience.
If you know what a house sitter expects, you’ll be able to accommodate the house sitter.
You may also know what makes your experience as a house sitter more enjoyable.
Then you can ensure that you provide that same experience to the person you hire.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll be able to bond over your house-sitting jobs and become lifelong friends!
What Is House Sitting?
House sitting is when someone takes care of another person’s house while they are away.
Often, a reliable house sitter will do basic tasks, like check the mail or keep an eye for any home emergencies. They may even be expected to take care of any pets.
Some people will have more or fewer expectations. Each house sitting job will be slightly different.
Prospective house sitters should discuss house-sitting arrangements ahead of time.
If they can reach a mutual agreement with the homeowner, they will have a positive experience.
What Is Pet Sitting?
Pet sitters take care of pets when the pet owners are away.
Often, house sitters will also be given pet care instructions.
Pet owners want their furry friends to be cared for by trusted house sitters.
Pet care is an important part of the house sitter’s job when the house owner has a pet.
What Should You Charge?
Whether your a house sitter or homeowner you might want to know what to charge.
The going rate for a house sitter can be seen here.
The average dog sitting rates can be seen here
This is will help you remind that the average prices are and and to set yours accordingly.
Your location will determine which house-sitting platform to use.
How To Become A House Sitter?
First, you will need to start the application process.
Your location will determine which house-sitting platform to use.
House Sitters America, Trusted House Sitters, and House Carers are some more popular platforms.
Some of them are in the USA while others are international house-sitting websites.
Sign up with an email address and submit your background checks. If the police check and application go through, look for your first house-sitting gig.
When we started house sitting in London our favorite site to use was Trusted House Sitters and still is 5 years later!
For more information on getting started see here.
How To Hire A House Sitter
If you’re thinking about hiring a house sitter, you may have no idea where to begin.
Your first step is to find a house sitter platform you can trust. Trusted House Sitters, House Carers, and House Sitters America are some popular platforms.
Looking at reviews may help you come to a decision.
Most people are more likely to leave a bad review than a positive review.
But maybe stay away from platforms or house sitters with many bad reviews.
Some of these platforms have a membership fee.
If you can afford this yearly membership fee, you may consider paying it.
Make sure to talk to your insurance company if you plan to have a house sitter. Insurance companies often like housesitters because they help keep insurance costs low.
It is also important to clearly explain your expectations to the person you hire.
This is crucial if you want them to meet your expectations.
When Should You Post Your House Sitting Listing?
You should post your house sitting listing soon as you know your going away you should post your listing.
That way you get to pick the best house sitter for your home.
Do you want to try house sitting and hire a house sitter?
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
