Recently, we had a chat with Crystal, she has have house sat all arounds the world, including Bolivia, Argentina, Australia and The US.
Find out how they landed they first house sit in beautiful Bolivia and where they will be heading next!
Tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you, where are you from, for, do you do it full-time or sporadically
We are an Australian couple who work as digital nomads, specializing in full-time house sitting.
How many housesits have you had and where?
We’ve completed approximately 20 house sits in various locations, including South America, the United States, and Australia.
What was your favorite housesitting experience to date and why?
Our favorite house sitting experience was a four-month assignment caring for two cats in Buenos Aires, particularly in Palermo. One of the cats was exceptionally intelligent and mischievous, capable of opening doors.
Palermo is one of Buenos Aires’ best neighborhoods, vibrant and lively, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring its cafes, restaurants, dessert shops, and ice cream parlors.
Why did you do house sitting? What is the primary motivation?
Our journey into house sitting began during the COVID-19 pandemic when we were stuck in a small border town in Bolivia. I discovered the therapeutic benefits of spending time with dogs and cats. It became a priority for me to be around pets, fulfilling a childhood dream.
A friend in the US who worked as a pet sitter suggested house sitting as a way to travel and work/study from home simultaneously.
How did you find out about housesitting?
A friend of ours in the US, who knew about my passion for pets, introduced us to the concept of house sitting. She mentioned that many homeowners prefer couples with our background.
After researching further, I came across websites and groups dedicated to house sitting, which proved immensely helpful.
Pros of House Sitting
There are so many pros!
We get to care for and play with other people’s beloved pets.
We can continue our digital nomad lifestyle, traveling the world.
We get to interact with various breeds of pets, fulfilling a personal pet bucket list.
It often feels like a vacation when staying in others’ homes.
We experience life as locals.
It provides great company for evenings of Netflix and studying.
It’s a therapeutic experience, as pets love us unconditionally.
We’ve made many friends through house sitting.
House sitting significantly reduces our travel expenses.
Cons of House Sitting
We must be extra cautious with using the furniture and appliances, especially if they’re light-colored.
Sometimes, we’re reluctant to cook because homeowners’ kitchens look brand new, and we fear scratching their cookware.
Larger houses may require daily cleaning.
There are numerous responsibilities towards both the house and pets.
We must hide food from food-driven cats and larger dogs.
We’ve encountered instances of lost or damaged items by the pets we’ve cared for, although nothing too valuable.
Have you ever had to care for unusual pets or take on unconventional responsibilities?
Currently, we are caring for two incredibly unique pets—gigantic stick insects that resemble a cross between scorpions and king prawns. It’s a fascinating experience!
What’s been the biggest adventure so far?
Our most memorable adventure was our very first house sitting booking on a platform in Downtown Los Angeles. We were just a block away from Skid Row and the infamous Cecil Hotel. We initially didn’t realize that parts of downtown LA could be quite dangerous. However, we had an amazing time staying in a luxury penthouse, and everything went smoothly.
How do you decide on a destination?
Currently, we focus on domestic house sitting in Australia after being abroad for nearly four years.
Our destination selection involves considering cities of interest, securing the longest house sit within a 5 to 10-hour driving distance, assessing the weather for the month, and establishing a connection with the homeowners and their pets.
How much luggage do you travel with?
For international travel, the two of us carry two carry-on suitcases and two to three additional bags.
For domestic house sitting in Australia, we add some appliances like an electrical pressure cooker and coffee machine, along with a few more bags for clothes.
Was it hard for you to secure your first housesitting gig? How many applications did you have to send before you got accepted for your first assignment?
I was incredibly fortunate with our first house sit. The first person I contacted through a Facebook group welcomed us with open arms and was exceptionally kind.
She even invited us to her beautiful house in Argentina for a delicious dinner and introduced us to her English-speaking friends. This first experience gave us the confidence to continue house sitting. Argentinians are truly amazing!
Want to try House Sitting As Well?
There are thousands of opportunities to house sit around the world!
Learn how to become a house sitter with no experience
Have you had any funny housesitting experiences?
Yes, we’ve had a few funny moments during house sitting. One cat once urinated on my clothes and suitcase, and we’ve lost a few pairs of slippers due to a puppy’s obsession.
Tips for Others Wanting to Get Started?
Trust that the world is generally safe. Adopt an abundance mindset; you’re offering your services and love to pets in exchange for accommodations.
Be quick in responding to listings, have a template ready, and tailor it to address the homeowner’s specific requirements.
Trust your instincts; if you don’t feel a connection with the homeowner, their pets, or their house, it’s okay to politely decline.
Obtain a pet first aid certificate and a police check.
Invest in learning about pet behavior through online courses like Udemy.
Consider volunteering at rescue centers, such as the RSPCA.
Where to next (when you can)
Our travel plans are flexible, and we’re waiting for flight tickets to become more affordable. Once they do, we’ll explore countries that offer the longest visa stays for Australians. However, for the next few years, we intend to stay primarily in Australia.
Want to Read More House Sitting Stories?
We have interviewed over 60 house sitters. Full time house sitters, part time, retirees, digital nomads, house sitting families, we have interviewed them all.
See more house sitting stories here
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.
