Are you looking for paid house sitting jobs?
Or are you wanting to understand a bit more of the process?
Whatever the situation, I aim to provide a little inside knowledge.
I can give you some advice on making that dream a reality (and that will help secure one of these paid house-sitting jobs)
Table of Contents
What Is House Sitting?
So, what exactly is house sitting?
Well, the accessibility to travel is at a new height!
By this, I mean that thousands of homeowners are away from home for work or traveling themselves.
A paid house sitter is exactly what it says on the tin!
Homeowners want respectful people to take care of their property while they are away.
They are willing to pay for the service.
How Do I Find House Sitting Jobs?
Breaking down my methods, there are some distinct categories you need to explore.
These staple skills and knowledge will give you the best chance of getting a paid house-sitting job.
These jobs can be contested and need a bit of time to allow yourself and the strategies to flourish.
Nothing happens overnight so do not be discouraged if it’s a bit slow to start.
I will say with persistence a paid house-sitting gig will come your way!
Try It For Free
It might seem funny that my first recommendation is to try it for free.
This will also help you know if it suits you before investing too much time in finding the ideal house!
Close family or friends’ houses are a perfect way to get some initial experience.
You might think this is house minding in a place you have been but treat it like a professional job.
Ask them exactly what they want to be done and forget you even know them.
This immersion will give you peace of mind you are willing and able to do this for a specific period.
If it involves child care or pet sitting then you know you have covered all the basics.
Before your paid international house sitter jobs.
Exploring Current Online Resources & Communities
There are many communities and organizations that you can engage with…
Further in this guide, I have listed a few helpful websites.
I will say though, as a disclaimer that generally these are not for paid house-sitting jobs.
They are still great matching services and a way to be introduced to the community.
These are websites with a monthly membership fee or online subscription.
Be prepared to invest a bit of money at the start.
Marketing Yourself
Have you explored the available resources?
Joined some of the online job sites and organizations?
It is time for self-marketing in your online profile.
This is very like social media or a CV when applying for any type of job.
Marketing yourself is a skill that needs to be perfected like anything else.
I would research and look at examples of people in a successful house-sitting role.
Think about your spelling and general profile statement.
Include inviting pictures and previous client feedback.
Be clear in your availability and sell your skills. Think of what property owners must as you may even be one yourself.
Experience & Skills
If you haven’t got house sitting experience think of the transferable skills you may have.
Have you done any housekeeping services, administration, or working with animals?
This can always be added to the marketing yourself.
Maintaining Leads & Clear Communication
Clear communication and follow-up with potential employers is a cat and mouse game.
I recommend being honest and to the point especially with a personal travel plan.
Having clear communication enables the best working relationship.
It also irons out any house rules or more costs.
A trustworthy house is a perfect house and this is can be established before you start so it’s not too late.
Where To Find Paid House Sitting Jobs?
All that information is great, but where do I find a paid housesitting opportunity?
We now have more in-depth knowledge of the processes behind getting a job.
So now let us discover where to find them!
Door Knocking
Door knocking in a neighborhood you want to work in is a good place to start.
Do not be afraid to be upfront and introduce yourself.
This confidence and the face-to-face meeting will break down any barriers.
Helping build trust in any potential employees.
Flyers & Contact Cards
Making a flyer is a quick and sure way to get your information out there.
Make it a day of walking with music!
Ensure the design is minimalistic and to the point. Don’t write for any lengthy amount of time and use lighter colors.
Put your name and contact information in large font letters and research similar ones to get an idea.
You could even hire a designer if you have extra cash.
Churches & Community Social Clubs
Any community or institution with lots of people is great.
Also, think about the demographic you are targeting.
Generally middle-aged or older people will have houses… And the money to pay for looking after them.
Churches and social clubs are great to target because they consist of these aged and types of people.
Vets & Petshops
The people that visit vets and petshops might need a to find a house sitter.
I would reccomend putting leaflets in these businesses.
Airports & Taxi Services
Airports are full of traveling types who likely need their home being looked after.
Consider standing outside and approaching people coming out…
Rather than the people rushing in.
You could find someone going away on business who didn’t know they wanted a house sitter!
Putting leaflets or cards in a few taxis that go to the airport is another way to get engagement.
Client Referrals
When you land clients make sure you have a prepared feedback form or review from them to use as marketing.
You can use this feedback as evidence and give them as a referral to any potential customer.
Get A Background Check
Having a police check is less embarrassing if a client requests one.
It also lets them know you are professional and understand trust and safety.
This is providing you do not have a criminal record.
Make A Professional Facebook & Linkedin Business Profile
Facebook and Linkedin are some of the biggest social networking sites.
These 2 alone have billions of profiles and potential customers.
Why not get ahead of the game and make a professional business page?
Share your profile and build it up.
You should have professional online conduct as well as personal.
Think about joining groups that are likely full of house owners.
Email Alerts
Email alerts from subscriptions or job sites enable you to act fast.
By acting fast you can get ahead of anyone else trying to apply.
Make a separate email for house sitting.
This is so they don’t get missed and you can compile your information in 1 account.
See how to set up the alerts here.
Do You Want A House Sitting Job?
Before focusing on where and how to find a paid house-sitting job, I ask you to think about whether you want it.
This is very subjective and down to personal situations but ask yourself the below.
- Are there any health concerns that might hinder you?
- Are you okay with the possibility of being isolated in another culture?
- Are you okay with the responsibility and trust in looking after a home or care of pets for someone?
- There might be little control over what country you house-sit in.
- It might not be luxury accommodation or culture you wanted to be in
- Can you commit to a time when you get a house-sitting opportunity?
This will save you wasting time trying to find a potential house and job!
Online Resources For House Sitting
Below is a list of house sitting websites where you can for house-sitting assignments. I would suggest visiting all these and picking the ones most suitable for your situation.
Some of these aren’t for paid house sitting jobs but are still great resources for building your references
I know that Trusted House Sitters and Mind a Home don’t provide paid jobs.
However, rover is catered more to paid jobs so be sure to sign up there!
https://www.rover.com/house-sitting/
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com
https://www.aussiehousesitters.com.au
https://www.housesittersamerica.com
https://www.happyhousesitters.com.au
https://www.kiwihousesitters.co.nz
I hope this has helped provide information on obtaining a paid house-sitting job.
Happy hunting!
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.
