Recently, we chatted with Crystal. She has house-sat all over the world, including Bolivia, Argentina, Australia, and the US. Find out how they landed their first house-sit in beautiful Bolivia and where they will head next!
Tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you, where are you from, and do you do it full-time or sporadically?
We are an Australian couple working as digital nomads, specializing in 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 found 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 excellent 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 furniture and appliances, especially light-colored ones.
- 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 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 care for two incredibly unique pets—gigantic stick insects resembling 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 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 a fantastic 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?
We carry two carry-on suitcases and two to three additional bags for international travel.
For domestic house-sitting in Australia, we add appliances like an electric pressure cooker and coffee machine, along with a few more clothes bags.
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.
Respond quickly 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 decline politely.
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 offering Australians the longest visa stays. However, we intend to stay primarily in Australia for the next few years.
Need Help Getting Started With House Sitting
Have we got you excited about house-sitting? We love sharing our house-sitting experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys.
So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.
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.
