From the heart of a bustling city to the quiet countryside, or even a tropical island, house and pet sitting can offer a range of adventures and experiences. Homeowners have entrusted you with their beloved pets and the safekeeping of their home. This immense responsibility emphasises the trust inherent in the world of house sitting. But how do you ensure you live up to this trust? In this blog, we’ll cover how to become a house sitter and our top 10 pet and house sittting tips.
As house sitters, we’ve been fortunate enough to care for homes and pets in some incredible locations, and we’re frequently asked to return. So, if you’re looking to establish yourself and build a network of repeat sits and ensure you earn 5-star reviews, let’s dive in!
What is a House Sitter?
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a house sitter is an individual (or couple) who cares for a house while the owners are away. Whether it’s a short weekend break or a month-long getaway, the house sitter ensures everything remains in order at home.
The importance of a house sitter cannot be overstated. By having someone in their home, homeowners reduce risks such as theft, vandalism, or unforeseen mishaps like water leaks. Additionally, pet owners can leave their furry friends in the comfort of their own home.
Essentially, a house sitter offers homeowners an invaluable asset: peace of mind. Furthermore, house sitting is fundamentally built on trust. Handing over the keys to your personal space and often cherished pets is no small gesture.
From the sitter’s perspective, this role provides an opportunity to live in and experience various places, sometimes even funky apartments, luxurious homes or exotic locations most only dream about. It’s almost like having multiple homes around the world.
What Does a House Sitter Do?
Delving deeper into the daily life of a house sitter, their responsibilities are not limited to just residing in the property.
If you’re intrigued by how to become a house sitter, it’s essential to understand that duties include maintaining the home’s security, caring for indoor plants, collecting post, managing minor chores, and occasionally tasks such as mowing the lawn.
Pet Care and Specialised Duties
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll be pleased to know that many homeowners have pets that need attentive care in their absence. This might involve basic tasks such as feeding and walking, but can also encompass more specialised care like administering medications or adhering to specific dietary routines.
Every pet has its own unique personality and needs, and your role, especially when understanding how to become a house sitter, is to ensure these are met while the homeowners are away.
Handling Unexpected Situations
Unexpected situations can arise at any moment. Whether it’s a sudden rain shower requiring the outdoor furniture to be brought inside, a plumbing mishap, or the regular maintenance of the garden, a house sitter needs to be prepared to handle any eventuality.
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The Importance of Communication
Consistent communication is paramount. House sitters provide regular updates through photos, texts, or even video calls provide homeowners with comforting reassurance, keeping them informed about the well-being of their home and pets.
Cleanliness and Adhering to Instructions
A house sitter should ensure the home remains tidy, aiming to return it to the homeowners in a condition as good as, if not better than, how you received it.
Also, any specific instructions given by the homeowners are of utmost importance. These guidelines, whether related to pets, plants, or property systems, are vital and demand your meticulous attention.
Top 10 Tips on How to Become A House Sitter
Figuring out how to become a house sitter can take time. However, it’s a rewarding venture that offers travel experiences and the chance to explore different environments. We’ve learned from our experiences, listened to house sitters who’ve been doing it longer than us, and built a trusted formula for a successful house sit.
Below are 10 things we think are crucial. Obviously, the requirements of every house sit differ and are largely guided by the homeowner, but if you use a selection of, or all of these 10 things, you’ll be on your way to a 5-star review.
1. Agree on Expectations with the Homeowner
Understanding how to become a house sitter starts with setting clear expectations. As every homeowner has unique requirements and preferences, it’s vital to have a detailed discussion before beginning the house sitting assignment. Some homeowners might want daily updates, while others might prefer a check-in once a week. Ensure you align with their wishes.
So, before the homeowner leaves you to your own devices, ensure you’ve established the style of updates they want and how frequently they wish to hear from you.
2. Communicate Clearly
In your journey to become a house sitter, the importance of communication cannot be overstated. Clear channels of communication, whether through texts, calls, emails, or video calls, can prevent misunderstandings. This ensures homeowners are always informed and reassured about their property and pets.
We find communication works best when everyone is involved, so no one misses out. We usually create a group chat with our homeowners.
3. Ask Questions and Confirm Information
One of the primary tips for house sitting is always to seek clarity. If you’re unsure about any instructions, don’t hesitate to ask. This proactive approach showcases your dedication to fully understanding what is expected of you and ensuring it’s executed perfectly.
4. Follow the Homeowner’s Instructions
Learning how to become a house sitter also means respecting and adhering to the homeowner’s wishes. Their guidelines, especially regarding pet care, are paramount. Following them meticulously builds trust and ensures a successful house sitting experience.
You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’ve neglected the instructions and something goes wrong.
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5. Maintain a Log of Important Events
An often-overlooked aspect of being a house sitter is the maintenance of a detailed log. Documenting tasks, any unexpected incidents, or peculiar pet behaviours can give homeowners a comprehensive overview of their absence. This log acts as an effective checklist for both the sitter and homeowner.
In this document, you can log any expenses incurred, such as vet bills, additional pet food or any other unexpected payments.
6. Don’t Overpromise
If you’re aiming to truly master how to become a house sitter, never commit to tasks or responsibilities you’re uncertain about. It’s better to be transparent from the outset about what you can and cannot do. This ensures there are no unpleasant surprises for either party.
For example, if a homeowner needs you to take care of a large garden, but you don’t have the knowledge, skills, or time to dedicate to its upkeep, then don’t say you can do it.
7. Leave the Home Cleaner than Found
One of the golden tips for house sitting is to return the home in pristine condition. This not only demonstrates your respect for the homeowner’s space but also significantly increases the chances of positive referrals or repeat assignments.
You’d be surprised by the number of homeowners we’ve sat for who are overwhelmed by how clean their property is when they return. Personally, we wouldn’t dream of leaving a house untidy, but apparently, some house sitters do.
Our top tips are to wash your towels and bedding, ensure all chores are done, and the house is spotless. Also, as an added bonus, if their animals are dogs, give them a bath and groom too.
8. Share Photos and Videos of Pets
For homeowners, visual updates can be a heartwarming touch. When considering how to become a house sitter, especially one trusted with pets, sharing photos and videos of their furry companions can be a great way to bring smiles and reassure homeowners of their well-being.
It’s also great for your own memories; to be able to look back on cherished times with your temporary fur babies is amazing. Every time we delve into our photo albums and see photos of the cuties we’ve cared for, we can’t help but smile and reminisce!
9. Honesty is the Best Policy
Mistakes can happen. In your journey to becoming a house sitter, always prioritise transparency. If something goes amiss, inform the homeowners immediately and work towards a resolution.
At some point, the mishap will be uncovered. If you haven’t shared it with the homeowner, you appear dishonest and untrustworthy. Following this, it’s unlikely you’ll be invited back to sit again, and you could end up with a negative review.
10. Preparation for Homecoming
A bonus tip on the house sitter checklist is preparing for the homeowners’ return. Little gestures like stocking up on basic groceries or leaving a ‘Thank You’ card can have a lasting impact.
We like to give homeowners a ‘welcome home’ gift as a thank you for giving us the opportunity to stay and care for their home and pets. Leaving on a positive note helps build relationships too.
House Sitter Checklist: Everything You Need Before a Home Owner Leaves
For the House:
- Have a comprehensive checklist from the homeowners, detailing tasks and any specific responsibilities.
- A list of emergency contacts, including local services, neighbours, and essential family members.
- Know the location of the home’s main power source and water valve.
- Know the security precautions of the house – alarm systems, security cameras, and general security measures.
- Understand if you need to check the mail, packages, and newspapers, as an overflowing mailbox can be a tell-tale sign of an empty home.
- Confirm passwords and usage restrictions for Wi-Fi, computers, or any smart home devices.
- Ask about the watering schedule and specific care for indoor and outdoor plants.
- Know the pickup days and any sorting guidelines for garbage and recycling.
- Ensure you have a set of spare keys and know where a backup set is, in case of emergencies.
For the Pets:
- Understand their routine inside out – from feeding times to walk schedules.
- Stick strictly to the pet’s diet and refrain from feeding them anything outside their regular meals.
- If medication is required, understand the dosage, timings, and method.
- Always have the contact and location of the nearest emergency vet.
- Familiarise yourself with any peculiar behaviours or fears the pets have, such as reactions to thunderstorms or strangers.
- Understand the type and duration of exercise each pet requires, especially for active breeds.
- Know the grooming routines, like brushing or bathing, especially if it’s a long house sit.
- Ensure you’re aware of the pets’ favourite toys or comfort items, especially if they’re anxious or stressed.
- Understand the pets’ sociability with other animals or humans. This will be helpful if they encounter neighbours’ pets during walks or if there are visitors to the house.
General Checklist:
- Supplies: Make sure you have adequate supplies for the duration of the house sit – this includes food for pets, cleaning supplies, or any other essentials the homeowner expects you to use.
How to Become a House Sitter
If you’re looking to become a house sitter, we recommend using Trusted Housesitters. It’s a widely-used, popular platform that connects homeowners with sitters. They have a strong verification process, ensuring safety for both sitters and homeowners. Plus, with plenty of reviews and a user-friendly interface, it’s our top pick for those new to house and pet sitting.
If you’re interested in becoming a house and pet sitter, use our link to sign up and you’ll get 25% off your membership. It’s a great deal for those starting their house and pet sitting journey.
Final Thoughts on How to Become A House Sitter: Top 10 Pet & House Sitting Tips
House and pet sitting is not just about living in someone else’s home or looking after their pets. It’s about building a foundation of trust, ensuring the safety and happiness of the pets, and maintaining the sanctity and security of someone’s home. When you see the gratitude on a homeowner’s face when they return to a spotless home and happy animals – all the work is worth it!
As you embark on your house sitting journey, we hope these tips guide you, ensuring every stint is successful and rewarding. Let us know in the comments if you have any house sitting tips we’ve missed!
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