Recently, we had a chat with Cathy. She has house sat in some incredible places, including France and Panama (with many repeat assignments there).
She house sits sporadically and has a home base in Florida with her own cats. We learn how she has built this incredible life which allows her to travel 6 months out of the year.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a single 70-year-old woman living in central Florida. I retired from my second career three years ago. My first was a twenty-year career in the U.S. Army, where I worked in nursing and was stationed in Washington D.C. and Hawaii.
I always knew I wanted to travel in retirement, and in the two years before I finished up I started researching ways to do it affordably. I discovered Workaway, TrustedHousesitters, and HomeExchange and joined all three.
When I retired, though, my parents were both still living and not in great health — 87 and 90, and just two miles from me.
One month after my mum passed, I was in Mexico staying at a cat sanctuary I’d found through Workaway. That turned out to be the only gig I’ve done on that platform, but I’ve been back three times now — a month each visit. I love it.
I’m a sporadic house sitter. I own my home in Florida and have thought hard about going fully nomadic, especially now that I’m spending about six months of the year traveling. I’ve decided against it for a couple of reasons.
First, I have two cats — Felix and Bella, both around 10. Cats make lousy nomads. But also, I genuinely love my home and like coming back to roost after a trip. As a 70-year-old, I figure I’ve got about ten more good travel years in me, and I want somewhere to land when that time comes.
Why did you get into house sitting?
It lets me travel more affordably, and it’s slow travel rather than the rushed tourist experience. I like staying in a home, grocery shopping, taking days to do absolutely nothing. I enjoy caring for the pets and I provide excellent service to the homeowners in return.
What surprised me most is the connections I’ve made — with both the homeowners and sitters who’ve come to care for my own cats. I’ve already got repeat sits booked in the UK and France.
What was your favorite housesitting experience to date and why?
That’s like asking which of my children or pets is my favorite. I’ve enjoyed them all, for very different reasons. I think one of the best things about house-sitting is the variety.
How did you find out about housesitting?
Just by researching it online. This was four to five years ago now and I don’t remember the details.
How many house sits have you had, and where?
So far, I’ve had eight housesits, six on THS which is my favorite site to find house sitting assignments and then I have had two by word of mouth. I’ve watched dogs in my home town, Panama and France, and I’ve watched cats in Kentucky, Washington DC, France and three different locations in England.
Cons of House Sitting
I haven’t encountered any negative experiences so far, but, that’s always a possibility. One thing I realize is that I’ve got to have a plan B. And, enough resources to be able to get accommodations in the event of the unexpected happening.
What’s been the biggest adventure so far?
This past spring I was on the road for three months straight. I had three sits across the UK — Manchester, Marlow and London, each 10 to 14 days. Then I flew to Geneva to care for two little Havanese dogs in Ornex, just over the French border, before flying back to catch a cruise from Southampton through the Norwegian Fjords. After that, back to Ornex for another four days before spending a month in Italy — Bologna, the Dolomites, Tuscany and Cinque Terre.
A few memorable moments: at one sit, a cat went missing the evening I arrived (while the owners were still there). She strolled back in six days later, none the worse for wear. Near the end of the trip I came off an e-bike and ended up on the ground — a week later my entire right lower leg was badly bruised. I was very glad that happened near the end of the trip rather than the start.
How do you decide on a destination?
It usually starts with a listing that catches my eye. The Ornex sit began because I loved the way the homeowner described her home and dogs — we just connected. Once I’ve locked in one sit, I look for others nearby in the same travel window. I prefer cats but I’m open to small dogs. I like to plan at least two to three months at a time.
How much luggage do you travel with?
Too much. Even when I start well I end up buying things and needing to get an extra suitcase. It’s something I’m working on.
Do you take on unusual pets?
I’m selective. I’m not comfortable with large dogs and wouldn’t take on more than two or three small ones. I’d never apply for a sit involving horses, donkeys or sheep. Chickens I’d consider. Parrots — maybe. A houseful of cats? Absolutely.
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?
Not too bad. My first was a small dog in my own town for just a few days — a perfect low-stakes way to start building feedback. I’d also already been on Trusted House Sitters as a homeowner for two years before I started sitting myself, which I think helped my profile.
I still get rejected fairly often, usually without explanation. You just have to roll with it.
Tips for Others Wanting to get started?
Be flexible and don’t take things personally. There’s a lot of rejection in this and you just need to be able to roll with it. When you apply, READ the profile.
Make sure this is a good fit for you, let the homeowner know that you understand what’s important to them, and, why you’re the right person for the job. Start off local, or with last minute sits.
Ready to Start Your House Sitting Journey?
Cathy’s story is proof that you don’t have to go fully nomadic to make house sitting work for you. Whether you’re after a few trips a year or a life on the road, we’d love to help you get there. Browse our getting started resources or reach out with any questions — we’re happy to help.
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.
