You’re interested in house sitting but don’t love animals. Can you find house-sitting opportunities that don’t require pet care? Keep reading to learn if it’s possible to house sit full time without pet sitting.
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Can You House Sit Without Pet Sitting?
Yes, you can. Many worry about coming home to a flooded house or having a break-in! Or maybe they have a pool or garden which can’t be left unattended!
What Is House Sitting?
Many homeowners hire housesitters when they travel. These people will take care of the things around the home so that the owners don’t have to worry about them.
They often check the mail, secure the property, and care for furry friends. Some housesitters do this to earn extra money or decrease travel expenses. Others do it full-time and don’t even have their own homes.
To get into house-sitting, I have a complete resource here you can follow. I recommend you start by making an online house-sitter profile! You may have to pay an annual membership fee for some websites, but it can be worth it.
Do People Hire House Sitters For Pet-Free Homes?
Many housesitters do not have pets, and they have several different reasons for this. I have listed some of the common reasons below.
It’s Their Second Home
Many people who have second homes will hire someone to stay in their homes. It gives them peace of mind to know that their house will be in good condition when they return to it.
Many people from the UK and the USA have second homes in countries like France, Spain, and Mexico. Since they can’t check on their house daily, they might want someone else to live there part-time.
One cool thing about sitting in second homes is that they’re usually luxury houses. People who can afford two homes often have lovely homes. House sitting in one of these perfect houses would increase the quality of your travel plans.
Maintenance
While most houses are okay to be left alone, this isn’t always the case. If someone has a pool or a garden, they can’t neglect it for days. Instead of caring for their pets, you must devote some time to these chores.
House Plants
Tending to a garden can be overwhelming, but watering houseplants may be a good start. People who have plants in their homes wouldn’t want them to die while they travel, especially for people who have spent years perfecting their green thumb.
Pipes Not Freezing
In some places, the pipes are not designed for cold weather. If it gets cold enough, it might be worth paying someone to let the water run.
Many homes could also experience problems. The air conditioner might start to leak, or a faulty outlet could spark a fire.These emergencies can be addressed if someone is home. Paying a house sitter ensures homeowners won’t come home to a disaster.
Security
While many people never worry about home security, others are very mindful of it. Some live in areas with higher crime rates, while others have nice homes that are appealing to burglars.
Having someone in the house overnight decreases the chances of a robbery. You may be expected to turn the lights on at night, ensure the alarm system works, and check the perimeter.
Mail And Package Delivery
Some people get packages daily. Instead of letting these packages sit out, they might pay someone to take them in. This is also true for important mail. It isn’t always easy to plan mail arrival around travel adventures.
Also, people may expect an appliance delivery or repairman. Sometimes, these companies get booked up, and you can’t plan around your travels. If that is the case, a homeowner may want someone available all week in case the company shows up.
How To Find Pet-Free House Sits
Since most house-sitting jobs involve pets, it can be hard to find pet-free gigs. Fortunately, most major platforms allow you to filter your search. I have recorded a video to show you exactly how to use the filters to find pet-free homes for all the popular platform below.
How to Find Animal Free House Sits on Trusted House Sitters
See this video to learn how to find these pet-free sits.
How to Find Animal Free House Sits on American House Sitters
See this video to learn how to find these pet-free sits.
How to Find Animal Free House Sits on Aussie House Sitters
See this video to learn how to find these pet-free sits.
You must stand out above the rest to house-sit at pet-free homes regularly. Most homeowners have dozens of sitters to choose from. Why should they choose you?
You must catch their attention by improving your skills and broadening your experience. Make a name for yourself to ensure plenty of opportunities! You may also need to search various locations to find jobs without animal care.
Maybe your target city doesn’t have any pet-free opportunities. Check out the suburbs. You may also want to choose your house-sitting websites wisely. A site like Pawshake might not be the best if you don’t want to take care of animals. However, Trusted House Sitters and House Carers may have more pet-free opportunities.
Need Help Getting Started With House Sitting
Have we got you excited about house-sitting? We love sharing our 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.
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.
Great article.
Are there house sits where we can bring our own dog (beagle)?
Thank you.
Hi Melodye,
Thanks for writing in I think it totally depends on the homeowner and their animals.
You will find that on some house-sitting sites, you can apply filters to look for assignments where homeowners allow you to bring your own animals.
https://www.thetravellinghousesitters.com/how-to-house-sit-with-your-own-pets/
Let me know how you go
Best,
Brittnay