Long-term house sitting offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a new environment. Unlike traditional travel, this arrangement allows individuals to experience a destination as a local rather than a tourist.
We have seen long-term house-sitting assignments offered for six months up to 5 years in some cases, and we prefer long-term house-sitting jobs. We have even had a long-term house-sitting job looking after a 60-foot yacht in the Caribbean!
By caring for someone’s home and pets for an extended period, house sitters gain a deeper connection to the community. This lifestyle particularly appeals to those seeking flexibility, adventure, or cost-effective travel options.
From digital nomads to retirees, many people find long-term house-sitting a fulfilling and enriching experience. So, if you’re searching for a more meaningful or free vacation experience, a long-term home-sitting job is a fantastic way to create experiences that will last a lifetime.
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How to Find Long-Term House-Sitting Jobs
Finding long-term house-sitting jobs can be a little bit more difficult than a regular house-sitting gig. As the cost of living increases and more people struggle to save for homes, long-term house sitting is becoming increasingly competitive.
Typically (depending on location), long-term house-sitting gigs receive more applications than short-term sits.
Prepare Your House Sitting References:
Having good references is essential for landing long-term house-sitting jobs. The homeowner has trusted you with their home for a long time and needs to know you are trustworthy and reliable and can take care of their home and animals with no issues.
Get A Criminal Record Check:
A criminal record check is the perfect way to back up your references. As mentioned above, it’s all about showing the homeowner that you are trustworthy and reliable. To obtain a record check, contact your local police, government, or Ministry of Justice.
Complete A Pet First Aid Course:
A pet first aid course is one of the most appealing skills you can have as a long-term house sitter. Demonstrating a commitment to animal welfare is crucial for successful house-sitting. Completing a pet first aid course showcases your dedication to the well-being of the pets you care for. This training equips you with essential life-saving skills to handle common pet emergencies.
It demonstrates your proactive approach to pet care and increases your value as a housesitter. Many house-sitting platforms and homeowners prioritize candidates with pet first aid certification.
Join House Sitting Websites:
To find long-term house-sitting assignments, we use Trusted House Sitters and Housecarers. They both have the best range of house sits worldwide. I would also recommend setting up alerts.
You can set up an alert on Trusted House Sitters to receive an email when a house sit becomes available for certain dates/ length/ location and animals. This allows you to apply quickly when long-term sits come up. You can see how to set up alerts here.
Networking
There are lots of other places you can find house-sitting assignments; you just have to think outside the box. If you are looking for a house-sitting job in a specific location, search for local Facebook groups and online forums.
If you are looking for a gig local, you can always do letterbox drops, put up fliers on local noticeboards and drop your house sitting card in local shops. The more you advertise and network your services, the better!
Also, inform friends, family, and acquaintances about your interest in house-sitting. They might know someone who needs a house sitter.
Apply, and Don’t Forget to Follow Up:
Once you have found a house-sitting gig, apply as quickly as possible. Don’t use a generic email when applying. Make sure you read the homeowners’ listing, and in your application, tell them why you would be the best one for the job.
In your application, include your criminal record check and references. This will save the homeowner the trouble of asking and show them you are serious about looking after their home.
Talk or Video Chat With the Homeowner:
Try to meet or get on a Skype call with the homeowner as soon as you can.
This is the best way to land a long-term house-sitting job. Homeowners get a much better feel for you over video chat. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way!
Where Can I Find House-Sitting Gigs?
Long-term house-sitting gigs are not quite as common as short-term gigs. However, they do pop up on nearly all house-sitting websites.
The house-sitting websites we use to find long-term jobs are:
| House Sitting Website | Website Link | Membership Cost | Country | Logo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trusted House Sitters | (We have an exclusive EPIC discount of 25% off ALL plans) If you click the 25% discount will be added at the checkout automatically Click the link above to use the Trusted House Sitter discount code | $129 USD ($109 AUD) – Basic Sitter $169 USD ($149 AUD) –Standard Sitter $259 USD ($279 AUD) – Premium Sitter | Worldwide |  |
| House Carers | Visit House Carers | $50 USD | Worldwide |  |
What are the Duties of a Long-Term House Sitter?
The duties of a long-term housesitter can differ slightly from those of a shorter sit. Because you are looking after a home for an extended period of time, the job may include additional duties or tasks you may not encounter on a short sit.
Generally, long-term house-sitting jobs include:
- Maintaining a tidy home and reporting (or fixing) any issues.
- Completing all garden and pool maintenance.
- Looking after animals. Including but not limited to walks, feeding, vet visits, medication administration, gathering mail, paying bills,
- Ensuring the home is safe, secure, and manned at all times.
- Taking care of indoor plants.
- Reporting back to the homeowner on a communication schedule.
Each house-sitting assignment is different, and duties can vary. Discussing expectations with the homeowner before you accept any assignment is very important.
Looking For Medium-Term House Sits?
A would classify a long-term house sit as 6 months plus. If you’re looking for a medium-term house sits, 1-5 months, then I would suggest looking at the post below.
How to find medium-term house sits.
House Sitting Job Description
See the house-sitting job description here. Every house sit is different, but the majority of tasks and responsibilities are the same.
House Sitting Without Animals
There are many opportunities to house-sit without animals.
For example, many people have second homes. They might feel more comfortable with someone in the house for the following reasons.
Garden maintenance
Pool maintenance
Ensuring pipes don’t freeze
Package Delivery
Here, you’ll learn how to apply filters to find assignments without pets.
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.
More House Sitting Information
What a fantastic post. I’ve been a house sitter on and off (in Australia) for the last two years and never thought of doing a pet first aid course! Thanks.
thanks Kate!!! We found that it gives homeowner just that little more piece of mind. Plus it also made us feel a little more confident if anything was to go wrong in a house sit!!