Want to Try House Sitting Without Pets (How to Find These Types of Assignments)

Want to travel the world while saving money on accommodation – but not so keen on pet care? While most house-sitting opportunities involve looking after furry friends, there’s a growing market for pet-free house-sitting. From protecting vacant vacation homes to maintaining luxury properties, discover how to embrace the house-sitting lifestyle without taking on pet responsibilities. Let’s explore whether full-time house-sitting without pet care is possible.

Can You House Sit Without Pet Sitting?

Yes, you can. Many homeowners worry about coming home to a flooded house or having a break-in! Their concerns go beyond pet care – they need someone to maintain pools, tend to gardens, collect mail, and ensure their property stays secure. From snowbirds protecting their winter homes to frequent business travelers wanting peace of mind, there’s a growing demand for reliable house sitters who can focus solely on property care.

But before we discuss how to find these pet-free opportunities, let’s first understand exactly what house sitting involves and what homeowners typically expect.

What Is House Sitting?

Many homeowners hire housesitters when they travel. These people will take care of the things around the home so 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.

I have a complete resource here for getting into house-sitting. 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 reasons. 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 that their house will be in good condition when they return.

Many people in 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 need regular maintenance to prevent costly damage. A neglected pool can develop algae growth and chemical imbalances within days, potentially leading to expensive repairs. Gardens, especially during growing seasons, require consistent watering, weeding, and care to prevent plants from withering or becoming overgrown. Instead of caring for pets, you’ll focus on these essential property maintenance tasks.

Some homes also have specialized systems or features that need monitoring, such as solar panels, water filtration systems, or smart home technology. Plus, regular checks for issues like frozen pipes in winter or ventilation during humid summers are crucial in certain climates. These responsibilities might take less time than pet care, but they’re just as important for protecting the homeowner’s investment.

House Plants

Tending to a garden can feel overwhelming for novice house sitters, but caring for houseplants offers a gentler entry point into plant maintenance. Many homeowners have invested years nurturing their indoor plants – from delicate orchids to prized monstera plants – and can’t bear losing them during travel.

These plant-only house sits are perfect for beginners since they typically require basic watering schedules and the occasional dusting of leaves. Unlike outdoor gardens that need extensive weeding and pest management, houseplant care usually involves following simple care instructions and paying attention to watering needs. Plus, you’ll gain valuable experience that could lead to more complex plant-care opportunities.

Pipes Not Freezing

In some places, the pipes are not designed for cold weather, so it is good to have someone in the house that can ensure the pipes don’t freeze.

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 if 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.