What To Ask Home Owners In House Sitting Interview – For House Sitters 

Congratulations on landing a house-sitting interview! But what should you ask? The questions below are what we ask at all interviews; they ensure we come across as professional and thorough.

So what happens now? Read on, and we’ll go through some things to consider and ask so you can prepare for your interview. 

What Questions Should I Ask Before Committing to a House Sit?

You can ask a few questions to make sure the house or pet sitting is the right fit for you. Knowing exactly what’s expected of you is important before you begin. You’ll then know if the arrangement will work for both of you.

This will avoid any unexpected nasty surprises when you’ve committed. The interview process works both ways, so don’t hesitate to ask whatever you need.

We’ve developed a couple to get you started, but you will undoubtedly have a few to add.

Still struggling to find a sit? See the tips for landing your first house sit

Ask About Past Experiences

Ask the host if they have had pet sitters before you. How was their experience? If the previous house-sitting experience was negative, why? What were the positives?

Past experiences can help you gain an understanding of the host’s expectations. And give you a chance to improve on them!

What Is A Typical Day For Your Pets?

Ask about the animal’s normal routine. Stick to this as much as possible so the animal isn’t disrupted and will settle into the presence of a stranger. 

Ask if there are areas that are off-limits for the animals—are there certain areas they shouldn’t go to? Are they allowed on the furniture? Are there certain places they like to eat and sleep?

If there are multiple animals, do they get along?

For dogs – ask about dog-friendly areas to walk. Is the dog social? Where is the leash, toys, etc kept? Are there any dog-friendly attractions close by?

For cats – does the cat go outside? Does the cat have treats, toys, etc? Where is the litter kept and how often is it cleaned?

Does The Pet Have Any Special Medical Care or Dietary Needs?

Most pet owners will give details of any extra requirements, but it always pays to ask.

Are there any medical issues or medication needs.

Gain some understanding of the feeding routine. Where is the food kept? Do they have particular bowls and feeding routines?

What Days/Dates Would You Like Me To Arrive And Leave?

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the arrival and leaving days and times.

Hosts may like potential sitters to arrive the day before, especially if you haven’t met in person yet. This will give them a chance to hand over keys, show you around, and point out any important information.

Are There Any Home Tasks To Be Done?

Is there an expectation for tasks other than the care of pets? Basic general cleaning tasks are a given when you living at the property. 

But for extended stays, there may be further chores, such as yard care, pool maintenance, and houseplant care. Be clear on the expectation of extra chores. 

Always secure the home as required. Shut windows, close curtains and blinds, and lock doors when leaving for the day or at night. Enquire about alarm systems and activation to keep the house safe.

Is The Home Close To Public Transport Options?

Make sure you ask about access to the home. Especially if you are relying on public transportation to get to your house sit. Will there be a car available? If public transport is far away, will they be willing to collect and drop you off?

Is there an alternative way to get to a vet in an emergency?

What Sort Of Facilities Are Available At The Home?

If you are working remotely while there, is the internet reliable? What are the passwords? Where is the modem, in case there are any issues?

Can you use the washing machine, dishwasher, and any other appliances? Make sure you know how to use them before the host leaves! Check if there are any areas the host would prefer you not to go into.  

Are there any tricks or quirks with the house?Is the host comfortable with you having guests over for a visit?

Wild parties are off the cards, but is a visit from a nearby aunt acceptable?

What Are The Expectations For Communication?

One of the biggest areas of misinterpretation is the expectation of communication. This is the most common area of negative feedback for previous sitters.

Clarify how often they would like updates and the best time or way to communicate. Don’t send hourly text messages if the host is happy with once-a-trip updates.

Similarly, the host may prefer a daily photo of the pets and be unhappy with the sitter’s lack of contact. Clear expectations set with sitters in advance will avoid any confusion. Make sure you are both on the same page!

Who Should I Contact In An Emergency?

Is there someone in the local area I can contact in an emergency? You may not feel comfortable if there is no one at all, so this is an important question to ask.

Are There Internal Cameras in The Home?

It’s important to ask the homeowner directly if there are internal cameras. Here’s how you might phrase the question:

• Are there any internal cameras or surveillance systems in the home? If so, can you provide information about their locations and usage?

Understanding whether there are cameras can help you respect the homeowner’s privacy and ensure you’re aware of any monitoring systems in place. If there are cameras, clarify any specific guidelines or rules related to their use.

Who else has access to the home?

You should ask the homeowner who else might have access to the home. Here’s how you might phrase the question:

• Who else has access to the home during my house-sitting period? Are there any service providers, cleaners, or others who may need to enter the property?

This information helps you prepare for visitors and ensures you can coordinate effectively if needed.

Your Decision

If you were offered the house sitting position, remember to also decide if it is for you. When deciding based on the information you’ve gathered, it’s essential to carefully review and consider each detail to ensure a well-informed choice.

Assessing all relevant factors—such as the home’s condition, the needs of any pets, and the instructions provided—will help you weigh the pros and cons. By analyzing this comprehensive information, you can make a decision that aligns with your priorities and the homeowner’s expectations, ultimately leading to a successful and satisfactory house-sitting experience.

The Handover + Information Pack

Depending on your platform, the homeowners may be prompted to create an information pack.

However, we suggest sending over your handover document at least 3-4 days before you start the house sits. This gives the homeowner time to think about the questions.

Plus, it prevents endless emails and messages from going back and forth. You can also ask all the questions when you arrive, as the homeowner may be busy packing. 

Once your home sit is confirmed, you will receive an information pack from the homeowner. These welcome guides are a wonderful resource before and during your sit but you may want more information so still send your handover document.

Different house-sitting platforms, such as Trusted House Sitters, will have different formats. But most will contain the basic information you’ll need. Pet details and needs, details about the home and location, and emergency contacts.