How to Find a House Sitter (Who is Reliable and Trustworthy in 9 Simple Steps)

Planning a vacation or heading out on a long-term trip? Finding a reliable house sitter is one of the most important steps to ensure your home and pets are well cared for while you’re away. Whether you need someone to look after your furry friends, water your plants, or simply keep your house safe, choosing the right sitter can give you peace of mind.

But how do you find a trustworthy and experienced house sitter? Should you hire a professional, use a house-sitting platform, or rely on recommendations?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find a professional house sitter who can not only provide great pet care but also ensure your home stays secure. From where to look to what questions to ask, this guide will help you confidently choose the best sitter for your needs.

1. Plan Ahead of Time

Don’t wait until the last minute before reaching out to potential housesitters.You should post your house sit listing as soon as you know you’re going away. This will give you time to search and vet them based on their experience, reviews, and skill level. However

Most of the best active house sitters will be booked in advance, so the sooner you start looking, the better. 

2. Pick a House-Sitting Website 

When choosing a house-sitting platform, selecting one that offers insurance for both homeowners and sitters is essential. This provides extra protection and peace of mind, ensuring a secure and stress-free experience for everyone involved.

There are many reputable house-sitting websites that connect homeowners with reliable sitters. After over eight years of house sitting—both as sitters and homeowners—we’ve found that some platforms stand out more than others.

This is our top recommendation for finding trustworthy house sitters:

Trusted House Sitters – Want 25% off your membership? Click here and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

These platforms properly vet sitters and create a safe community, making it easier to find the right fit.

3. Create an Advert About the House-Sitting Opportunity 

Create an advert on the site about the opportunity, dates, and any special skills required. Write an engaging advert that attracts the perfect match to the job.

Since there are other attractive house-sitting jobs, the advert should sound enticing.

Here are some ideas you can include in the advert: 

• Talk about your animals. Describe your pets in detail. Are they docile or anxious? How old are they? What kind of habits do they have? Do they have any favorite toys or treats that they like? 
  
  
• List the responsibilities of the trustworthy house sitter. For example, you may require the sitter to keep the house clean, water the garden, walk the dog twice a day, feed the pets, and administer medication to them. 
  
  
• Describe your home. Remember to list any appealing amenities or traits about the home. Perhaps it’s a quiet and safe neighborhood. You could provide favorable amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, video games, a swimming pool, etc.
  
  
• Explain the qualities you’re looking for in a sitter. Perhaps you’re looking for someone young and strong who can handle your 30 kg, German Shepherd. Or maybe you need a patient sitter who gently engages an anxious kitty who hides under the bed. If you have a garden, you may prefer someone with gardening skills to keep your plants alive and healthy. 
  
  
• Add photos. Sharing photos of your pets, garden, or home can entice more qualified applicants and get them interested in the opportunity. The photos can help the sitter reassure that the opportunity is authentic and it is indeed a real house. 
  
  
• Share information about the area you live in and the dates you’ll need a sitter for. Giving general details about the neighborhood allows the sitter to plan out their commute. 

4. Review the Applications 

After a few days, you should start receiving responses from interested sitters. At this stage, you may have several options to consider, and it’s time to narrow down your choices to find the best fit.

Most house-sitting platforms offer secure messaging where you can communicate with applicants, ask questions, and review their profiles. Take the time to go through each profile carefully, looking at key details such as:

✅ Years of Experience – A seasoned sitter with multiple past sits is often a safer bet.
✅ References & Reviews – Check what previous homeowners have said about them.
✅ Profile Description – Look for a sitter who aligns with your needs, whether it’s pet care expertise, home maintenance skills, or security awareness.
✅ Services Offered – Some sitters go beyond basic care and offer grooming, training, or even gardening.

Once you’ve reviewed the applications and profiles, create a shortlist of candidates who seem like the best fit. Reach out to them to confirm availability and gauge their interest in moving forward with an interview.

Taking these steps ensures you’ll find a responsible and experienced sitter who can provide the care and attention your home and pets deserve!

5. Perform Background Checks on the House and Pet Sitters 

When reviewing house sitter profiles, look for police checks and references to ensure you choose a reliable candidate. A police check provides insight into any offender history and adds an extra layer of security when inviting someone into your home.

In addition to reading reviews, ask for references and their contact details so you can speak with previous homeowners personally. Talking directly to referees allows you to get a better sense of the sitter’s experience, reliability, and how they handled responsibilities such as pet care, home maintenance, and communication.

Taking the time to verify credentials and past experiences helps you feel confident that your home and pets are in safe hands!

6. Meet and Greet the Potential House Sitter 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of applicants, the next step is to meet them in person whenever possible. This is a great opportunity to introduce your pets to the sitter and see how they interact. A good animal caretaker will know how to approach pets gently and will likely show enthusiasm when meeting them.

During the meet-and-greet, give the sitter a tour of your home and go over any important details. Show them how to administer pet medications, adjust the thermostat, or handle any specific household tasks. This is also the perfect time to discuss expectations and clarify any concerns.

A video interview is the next best thing if an in-person meeting isn’t possible—especially if the sitter is traveling. Platforms like Trusted House Sitters offer video call options so you can get a feel for their personality and gauge your comfort level before making a final decision.

If pet care is involved, you should also ask about their dog-sitting rates (if applicable) to ensure their services align with your budget. Taking the time to vet your sitter thoroughly will help you feel more confident in your choice and provide a positive experience for everyone involved!

7. Come to a Mutual Agreement and Choose a House Sitter

Now that you’ve found the right house sitter, it’s time to make it official! Choose your preferred sitter and let them know the good news.

To set clear expectations, consider having them sign a house-sitting agreement form outlining the site’s terms and conditions. While most house-sitting platforms don’t require this, a written contract can help avoid misunderstandings by ensuring everyone is on the same page.

If you’re unsure what to include, use our House-Sitting Instruction Template to make sure all essential details—such as pet care, house rules, and emergency contacts—are covered.

Before your departure, exchange contact information, confirm arrival and departure dates, and arrange a key handover plan. These final steps ensure a smooth transition and give you peace of mind while you’re away!

8. Prepare the House for Their Arrival 

Before you leave, please take a few final steps to ensure your house sitter has everything they need for a smooth stay.

✅ Provide Written Instructions—A detailed guide will help your sitter understand your pet’s routine, house rules, and any special tasks. Use our Printable Pet Sitter Instructions Template to ensure nothing is forgotten.

✅ Leave Emergency Contact Information – Include phone numbers for your vet, an emergency animal hospital, trusted neighbors, and any nearby relatives.

✅ Share Local Information – Let your sitter know where to find supermarkets, restaurants, or public transport if they need anything while you’re away.

✅ Clean & Prepare the Space – Make your home comfortable by clearing space for their belongings and ensuring common areas are tidy.

✅ Secure Valuables – Store important items in a safe or take them with you to prevent concerns.

✅ Inform Your Neighbors – Let a trusted neighbor know that a sitter will stay in your home, so a new face doesn’t catch them off guard.

✅ Have a Backup Plan – Leave a spare key with a family member or friend in case of any unforeseen issues.

A little preparation goes a long way in making your sitter’s experience positive. This ensures they can focus on caring for your home and pets while you enjoy your trip stress-free!

9. Do You Have Cameras?

If you have security cameras inside or outside your home, you must inform your sitter beforehand. This is a non-negotiable and should be openly discussed to ensure trust and transparency. While many sitters are comfortable with outdoor cameras, indoor monitoring can be a privacy concern, so it’s important to clarify this before they accept the job.

Finding an ideal house sitter isn’t always easy. If you’re happy with their service, keep their contact information for future trips. Having a reliable sitter who already knows your home and pets can make your next getaway even smoother.

Next Steps: Finding Your Ideal House Sitter

To start your search, explore reputable house-sitting platforms that connect you with trusted sitters. Many offer insurance and a secure, well-vetted community to give you peace of mind.

Click here to check out our favorite house-sitting websites and find the best platform for your needs. With the right sitter and clear communication, you can travel knowing your home and pets are in good hands.