Trusted Housesitters: Pros and Cons

✓ Creating a profile is straightforward.

Trusted Housesitters is easy to use, making it a hassle-free experience. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just learning how to use a computer, signing up and creating your profile is straightforward, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.

To boost your chances of landing great house sits, or house sitters, be sure to share original and detailed information in the key sections on your profile.

Don’t forget to add some photos and a reference or two to make your profile stand out.

Once you’ve set up your profile on the app, updating your availability, pictures, and profile is also a breeze.

✓ Searching for sits is super easy.

Your ideal pet sit is just a click away!

With Trusted Housesitters, you can customize your search by destination, sort by newest or recommended sits, choose your date window.

You can also easily refine your search with buttons for duration, preferred pets, and nearby attractions which include beach, city, countryside, or mountains. Filter by family friendly places, high speed wifi, disabled access, accessible by public transport, and use of car included to really narrow in on what your looking for.

Here is what the drop down for the pets filter looks like.

Tailor each search to reflect your unique preferences and uncover the perfect pet-sitting adventure for you!

Want help writing a profile that homeowners can’t resist?

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✓ The platform has helpful features.

Discover a hassle-free pet-sitting adventure with Trusted Housesitters’ useful features.

You can save searches.

We’ve learned to make the most of the ‘save search’ feature on Trusted Housesitters. It allows us to customize our searches, get notified when any sit gets added to the platform that fits within our saved preferences.

In the image above, you can see that we currently have three searches that we’ve named Anything BC, Ottawa 2024, Victoria Feb-March. The first is broad as it we want notifications for ALL sits in British Columbia, because we want to explore this whole province.

But currently we’re in Victoria and want more sits here as we have some gaps in our schedule, so we have notifications for any Victoria sit between February – March.

We also want to visit family is Ottawa this summer, so we’ve created a saved search for that place and time so we can see what pops up that we might want to apply to.

There are excellent filters.

You’re able to refine your search based on location, sit length, type of animal, and amenities like Wi-Fi or a car with the great filters on this platform. Whether you have specific criteria or prefer to scroll through possibilities, Trusted Housesitters puts finding your dream sit at your fingertips!

The app sends you notifications to keep you up to date with new sits.

If you don’t want to miss a beat, we suggest downloading the Trusted Housesitters app to your phone and enabling notifications. You can also have emails sent to you if that’s your preference.

With the app on our phones we get notifications daily of both listings that fit within the parameters of our saved search and for favourited listings with new dates available.

As mentioned previously, one of our saved searches focuses on Anything BC. Each day, we receive a minimum of 5 notifications for new pet sitting opportunities across British Columbia.

Favourite sits so that you don’t miss out when they add new dates.

Discover the ease of favouriting sits! Just click the heart icon on profiles you like. Perfect for listings without suitable dates; be the first to know when future dates align with your plans.

We have a few sits saved in places like Greece, Israel, Hawaii, and even in our home towns (in case we want to spontaneously go visit our family).

Here’s a screenshot of some recent notifications we received for a couple of listing we have saved in San Diego.

We know we want to go back to California in our camper van, so we’ve saved a few that we’d love to stay at. You just never know when dates that work for us will pop up.

Saving sits allows you to really hone in on what you’re looking for in a sit. It’s a valuable tool for finding the ideal sit for you.

The Welcome Guide is useful and accessible once you’ve booked a sit.

There’s also a Welcome Guide available to sitters from the homeowner. Packed with valuable information about the pet, home, and local area, it’s a helpful resource throughout the stay.

Here’s an example of the information the home owner is asked to fill out.

Though homeowners don’t need to fill it out, sitters benefit from requesting this guide to gain access to its insights for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

✓ Connect to Trusted Housesitters through live chat.

Experience real-time support with Trusted Housesitters’ live chat feature.

Unlike some platforms that rely solely on email communication, their live chat provides prompt responses to members’ questions and concerns.

You get to enjoy the convenience of instant assistance and get the information you need without delays.

Note: You do start the chat with a bot, but can easily connect with someone if the bot isn’t able to direct you to a helpful webpage on the THS site.

✓ A Trusted Housesitters membership pays for itself quickly.

When you’re budgeting for accommodations, your choices can be limited. With Trusted Housesitters, the cost of one year’s membership is often comparable to or even less than a weekend away at spots on Airbnb or Vrbo.

If we were to compare the most recent sit we enjoyed, a two-week stay in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. It was less than a 5 minute walk to the beach and the home was stunning.

This place had ocean and mountain views, a fantastic outdoor garden, 3 comfortable bedrooms, and all the extras like Netflix, cable TV, high-speed internet, a BBQ, and even the use of the homeowner’s car.

In exchange for staying in this amazing home, we cared for two super sweet dogs, brought the mail in, took the garbage out, and watered some plants. All of this came at the cost of our yearly Basic Sitters membership, which is under $130 USD.

And that was just one of 15 sits we did in 2023.

What a place like this would cost on a home rental site:

We found a somewhat comparable Airbnb listing. It’s something we’d love to rent (if we needed to), it’s really beautiful, not too far from where we are, with similar features and amenities. Bonus, it was Emily Carr’s studio once upon a time!

The price of this a house rental in this area is around $131 USD per night, meaning that would have cost us over $2,159 USD after taxes and other fees for the two weeks we were here.

Although the Airbnb and our stay are somewhat comparable because they share some amenities and neighborhood, it’s important to note we are in a two-floor, 3-bed room home, filled with books, lots of kitchen appliances, and we have access to a car.

As you can see, one night in a house like this on Airbnb would cover a year on Trusted Housesitters at the Basic or Standard membership tier!

Note to reader: Prices are presented in USD and may fluctuate over time.

Thinking this house and pet sitting thing is something you’re into trying? Don’t forget to use code STRAYS25 for 25% off.

✓ Unlimited access to pet sits (and sitters!).

In 2023 we did 15 sits, 3 in California and the rest in beautiful British Columbia.

We stayed in so many stunning places for just $129.00 total (the cost of our annual membership) because, as a sitter, when you join you can apply for as many sits as you want in that memebership year.

Here’s a heartwarming series capturing the beloved pets we’ve cared for through Trusted Housesitters over the years.

We love that our membership provides us, as sitters, unlimited flexibility to travel and care for pets all year long. But knowing that we’ve been able to help 25+ pet owners go on vacation, not stressing about the care of their home or animals, has been a big bonus in this pet sitting gig.

Fun Fact! In 2022, the most active pet sitter on Trusted Housesitters completed an impressive 42 sits. I wonder if we’ll ever get close to a number like that in one calendar year.

✓ Home care exists beyond pet sitting.

If you’re a homeowner, you probably have plants to tend to, garbage to dispose of, packages to receive, and you simply want your home to appear lived in while you’re away. Additionally, there’s always the chance of encountering leaks or other unexpected issues during your absence.

Maintaining a lived-in appearance and addressing potential problems are key concerns for homeowners when they’re away from their property. From daily chores to unforeseen emergencies, ensuring the home remains functional and secure is paramount.

Trusted Housesitters offers peace of mind by providing reliable house sitters who can care for your home while you’re away, whether or not you have pets.

✓ Cut your travel costs on transportation rentals.

Homeowners may sweeten the deal by providing access to their car, bikes, or other transportation options, enhancing the budget-friendliness of your adventures!

Of course, this varies from home to home, and should not be expected from every sit you book.

This is something that is usually outlined in the ‘Amenities’ section on the homeowner’s listing. Alternatively, you can also filter ‘use of car included’ to narrow down your search.

In many cases the listing didn’t include a car in the amenities section, but we sometimes get a nice surprise and have homeowners offer us the use of their car after we meet them.

As we travel with our camper van, we don’t necessarily need a car, but having access to one enables us to save on gas, find parking spots effortlessly, and give our van a well-deserved break.

In our experience, most homeowners welcome us to use what we see when they take us on tours of their garages. Bikes, scooters, sport equipment, games, tools, and sometimes that even includes the use of their car.

A car is definitely a helpful add-on to any sit as it makes getting groceries easier, may allow for some day trips, and is awesome for taking the pets on walks that aren’t in the homeowners neighbourhood.

We love using owners’ cars to transport dogs to nearby beaches, parks, and trails. We don’t have a safe place for extra dogs to sit in our camper when we drive, so having a car adds an element of freedom to our plans.

Save even more money! If you have to rent a car be sure to use sites that compare car rental prices for you. Click here to visit one of our favourites, Discover Cars.

✓ Cut costs by cooking in a fully equipped kitchen.

Booking a sit through Trusted Housesitters and having access to a kitchen is a budget-friendly alternative to dining out daily when traveling.

Unlike some Airbnb and VRBO rentals, THS homes usually come with a well-stocked kitchen, offering amenities you might not even think about.

We’ve been to rentals that have broken pans, not enough plates, and very few kitchen appliances.

While house-sitting through Trusted Housesitters, we’ve enjoyed kitchen amenities like:

☕️ Coffee Machines
Our last sit featured an amazing coffee machine, whipping us up fancy café-style lattes, or even the perfectly smooth esspresso has consequently giving our coffee shop spending a rest.

Plus coffee always tastes that much better with a view of the sun rising over the ocean.

🌶️ Spices
Using someone else’s kitchen is a chance to explore different spices and cooking essentials, turning your stay into a tasty adventure that expands your cooking horizons.

📚 Cookbooks
Many homes have a collection of cookbooks in the kitchen for added culinary inspiration.

One kind homeowner even took out vegan cookbooks from the local library for us to flip through. It was such a thoughtful and appreciated gesture.

🍴 Cooking Utensils
Unlike some rentals, THS homes come with essential tools like spatulas, ladles, tongs, and can openers for everyday cooking.

🔌 Small Kitchen Appliances
From air fryers and toaster ovens to BBQs and incredible ovens, the homes we’ve stayed in all had an array of cooking gadgets rarely found in Airbnb rentals.

We’ve encountered countless toaster ovens, but this toaster oven holds a special place among our favourites.

🍷 And so much more!
In all of our sits, homeowners have encouraged us to explore their fridge, freezer, and pantry and have generously offered treats like wine, beer, coffee, tea, and the delightful option to pick fresh herbs, veggies, and fruits from their garden or trees.

It’s not just a stay; it’s an inviting experience filled with abundant hospitality.

While not every homeowner may offer this, it has been our experience, though we recognize it’s not an expectation.

Must-Have Kitchen Essentials!

Now that we’ve tried so many kitchen appliances and gadgets, we’ve made ourselves a wishlist for when our home isn’t a tiny camper van!
🍟 Air Fryer: Perfect for crispy and healthy meals.
🧹 Vacuum Cleaner: Great for keeping the pet hair under control.
🫖 Kettle: A quick and efficient way to boil water.
🧋 Blender: Best for whipping up delicious smoothies.
🍴 Cutting Board: Essential for meal preparation.
⚡️ Toaster: Versatile for baking and toasting.
☕️ Coffee Maker: Brews the perfect cup every time.

We have used all of these kitchen essentials during housesits and they made the experience more enjoyable.

Numerous ways to upgrade your travel.

✓ Live in unique and beautiful homes.

Indulge in unique and beautiful homes with Trusted Housesitters. Stay in stunning properties, unique locations, and even experience creatively decorated homes or care for a farm. There’s something out there for everyone.

Some of the homes we’ve enjoyed are like something off a vision board! Packed with luxurious decor and thoughtfully arranged, we often joke that we’re living inside a Home and Garden Magazine spread.

We’ve experienced everything from a cozy cabin in the woods of northern Ontario on acres of property to a house in the hills of Oakland among California’s Redwoods, and several places on Vancouver Island with a view of the ocean, to private golf courses, and we’re super grateful for them all!

During a pet sit in South Carolina, we took care of two playful cats in a big house with lovely gardens on a golf course. We enjoyed relaxing on the deck, watching golfers pass by, and using the spacious yard for our workouts.

Inside the home, there was a special room just for the cats, filled with toys and things to make them happy. It was something!

Staying in the homes of pet owners, once strangers now friends, has been a series of memorable and positive experiences we won’t forget.

✓ You can find sits in over 130 countries for global adventures.

While so far our Trusted Housesitters adventures have been exclusive to North America, we do talk about expanding our pet-sitting travels overseas one day. Why? Because we can!

Currently, we’re immersing ourselves in the fantastic sits available on Vancouver Island. But the allure of international exploration is always on the horizon.

As a member, you can explore over 130 countries through pet and house sitting.

Here’s a screenshop of the current map zoomed out as far as it would allow. As you zoom in, the numbers spread out and show more details of where each of these sits are located.

In 2022, the countries with the most listings were:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Ireland

Imagine exploring the beautiful streets of Paris, while looking after an adorable cat in exchange for your accommodations. Or getting lost in the enchanting architecture of the United Kingdom with a dog, or feeling the vibrant energy of New York City, USA with a cat or a dog all from the comfort of your temporary homes around the globe. It’s all possible with a Trusted Housesitters membership!

We’re always keeping an eye on California because it’s driving distance, we have friends from house sits we can visit, and we really enjoyed van life along the west coast.

We also love just getting lost in the database, saving all the amazing opportunities abroad. We see ourselves staying on a tiny island in Greece or exploring intriguing sits in Spain – those are just some of the places on our THS travel wish list!

Your membership isn’t just about looking after pets; it’s your passport to a world of unique experiences and connections.

Explore these THS pages that list out all countries, all regions, all counties, as well as all cities, where owners can find a sitter. Pet sitters can look at house sits can find sitters from all over the world using the same breakdown of lists.

It’s a straightforward way for pet owners and sitters to connect and travel, no matter where they are on the map.

Your Trusted Housesitters membership makes exploring the world so much better, mainly because pets are involved!

✓ Find your perfect sit, whether short or long-term.

You’ll find a variety of sit lengths on Trusted Housesitters to suit your preferences.

We’ve come across sits as short as a day or two, which we think is the perfect solution for van lifers and road trippers! A brief sit might be just what you need to refill water and power and also refresh with a shower, a cooked meal, and a cozy night’s sleep, all while enjoying the company of a furry friend.

Being digital nomads, we’re all about those extended pet sits, the ones that stretch beyond three weeks. It’s our way to carve out a routine and dive deep into work mode.

We filtered 1 month or more and were able to peruse 170 possible sits all around the world.

We’ve even seen sits lasting as long as a year, offering an extended escape for homeowners with work travel plans, global exploration aspirations, or a nomadic lifestyle like ours.

In fact, in 2022, the longest booked sit on Trusted Housesitters was an impressive 265 days!

🐶 Our longest sit to date? Six weeks of bliss, looking after two adorable pugs, in an awesome neighbourhood, in a small quiet town, with beautiful views, parks, and beaches, for really sweet humans who we are still in touch with and now consider friends.

✓ Embrace living like a local.

A THS membership gives you a chance to explore different cities and truly immerse yourself in local living.

When you pet sit, a lot of the time the homeowners want to give you insight about the area you’ll be staying in. This could include their favourite restaurant or coffee shop, where to go if they want a less busy beach, the awesome trail walks that their dog loves, the different places to people watch, where to see the best sunset, or even introduce you to the neighbours.

Through sits with Trusted Housesitters we have:

• Summited Mt. Woodson to see the Potato Chip Rock in San Diego.
• Hiked the Redwood Forest in California with a pack of 4 chihuahua mixes.
• Visited multiple cute local shops and plant-based cafes for delightful treats.
• Enjoyed daily beach walk work breaks all over Vancouver Island, BC.
• Shopped at thrift stores in random towns and scored unique travel memories.
• Explored adorable neighborhoods and parks while walking a handful of pups.
• Watched the Savanah Banana’s baseball team play!

During our last sit, the kind elderly neighbour dropped by, introduced herself, and handed us a map of her favourite trails in the area that were not found on google maps. Thanks to her, we enjoyed lots of great walks. It’s these sweet gestures that truly warm our hearts.

And if it wasn’t for Trusted Housesitters and all the amazing pet sits we’ve had around Victoria, BC, we would never have found our favourite vegan cafe, the Fern Cafe and Bakery.

A key takeaway here is that the sitter always gets the inside scoop on what’s good in town!

✓ Get to know a city you’re thinking of moving to.

Contemplating a move to a city you’ve never visited before or considering a change within your current city? Make the exploration more affordable by using Trusted Housesitters to book a housesit in that desired area.

We’re currently putting this strategy into action!

Coming from Toronto to give west coasting living a try, we initially thought we’d want to be as close to Vancouver as possible. But our Trusted Housesitters experiences have shifted our focus, highlighting our newfound love for Vancouver Island life.

See, this experience allows us to find out where we fit, what we like, and where we may want to eventually settle down (if ever!).

Another bonus is making friends in your new city of choice.
We’ve made friends with many of the people we’ve sat for, so by using THS you’re also creating a new community, or at least finding some people you can connect with in your new city.

✓ Experience dream homes beyond your budget.

If you love luxury and epic views but don’t want to blow your budget on them, you may want to give Trusted Housesitters a try.

Pet sitting through THS is a great way to get access to homes that if booked as a rental would otherwise be unaffordable on Airbnb or at a hotel.

We’ve stayed at some amazing places, from million-dollar homes on golf courses to homes facing the ocean, and from homes with heated pools to others with hot tubs. We’ve sat in homes with saunas, amazing rooftops, and covered decks.

The house sit we did for a family in Sea Pines, South Carolina was in a gated community and included an adorable and shy beagle/pit bull mix.

The home was stunning! It overlooked a marsh, was steps from a golf course, and was surrounded by amazing walking paths. We had access to their bikes, skim boards, hot tub, and BBQ, and were a short distance to restaurants and beaches.

We used The Sea Pines Trolley, a free trolley that takes you around town, to explore the area.

We were even invited to sit in the drivers seat for a picture after a very fun and sweet conversation with the retired gentleman that drove the trolley around.

The highlight of this pet sitting experience was undoubtedly Chuckles, a sweet and lovable pit bull beagle mix. Initially shy and reserved upon our arrival, Chuckles took a day or two to warm up to us. However, once he felt comfortable, he became playful and affectionate, always seeking our company.

Months before, a family member of Karen’s stayed at the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, in the same area we pet sat, and paid over $600/night for a 4 -star resort that did not include a kitchen space, fun toys, or a cute dog!

They had to eat out every meal, pay to rent bikes, and had way less square footage than us for their family of four.

Take a peek at this Sea Pines Airbnb rental – it has similar qualities as the place we pet-sat. See how much you can save on stays in amazing homes!

This is why we love Trusted Housesitters! You can enjoy the luxury of upscale lodging without the hefty price tag in exchange for the care of the pets and home.

✓ Redirect savings from accommodations to experiences.

Now that your accommodations are covered with a pet sit through Trusted Housesitters, you can reallocate some of that travel budget money to excursions and outings.

Consider putting those extra funds towards an enlightening visit to a museum, immersing yourself in the city’s cultural heritage. Maybe there’s a live show in the area you can go see, a market where you can support local artists, or an exciting sporting event to take in. These outings add a memorable touch to your stay.

Pet sitting with Trusted Housesitters helps us save money on accommodations, which means we can spend more on fun experiences.

We like to use our saved travel money for road trips in our van to interesting places like The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Historic Downtown Wilson, North Carolina.

We also enjoy trying out local vegan coffee shops like The Fern Bakery and Cafe. And sometimes we like to get out and explore farmer’s markets or go hiking on local trails during our pet sits.

If you feel the call of nature, redirect the money you save toward a visit to a nearby national park. It’s a chance to enjoy a refreshing escape into the great outdoors. We often use our saved funds for campground stays to enhance our nomadic experience.

The money saved from accommodations can also contribute to planning more trips throughout the calendar year. With Trusted Housesitters, you can expand your travel horizons and create a wealth of new experiences.

Put that saved money to good use and create those core, lasting memories.

As van lifers who like to chase the sun, we’ve used our saving to book hotels when it’s too hot to be in the van and there’s no sits in the area.

This cute place was all we needed, it had air conditioning, a cozy bed, cute decor, and was modern and clean.

✓ You can sometimes bring your own furry friend along.

While it’s not a guarantee for every sit, Trusted Housesitters allows you to add your pet(s) to be part of your profile!

The possibility of landing a sit where you bring your dog depends on various factors like your pet’s temperament and the preferences of the families you’re applying to.

With Dewey as part of our pack, we’ve still been able to sit dogs and cats. On top of that, we recently did a sit with a mini horse and two hilarious sheep. We’ve done over 15 sits with Dewey and have more booked in the months ahead.

We like to read reviews of homeowners and have read a few times that, like us, other sitters bring their dogs along for the pet-sitting adventure. We once cared for two cats while their family took their dog to Europe for a pet-sitting opportunity there.

We’re grateful to have our dog Dewey accompany us on sits. Bringing him along enhances our experiences and allows him to make new friends in different places. This perk enriches our entire little family!

✓ Make new friends around the world.

Trusted Housesitters not only provides a place to stay but also opens doors to new friendships, both globally and locally.

The unique bond formed between sitters and homeowners often leads to genuine connections, making it feel like you’ve gained a friend or even a new family member.

As nomads, this sense of community has been a blessing, allowing us to make friends with homeowners and create lasting memories together. From engaging conversations to shared meals, Trusted Housesitters has become a platform for building meaningful connections wherever our travels take us.

✓ Stay fit with other people’s home gyms.

Another great thing about Trusted Housesitters is the exercise equipment we have access to at the places we stay.

We enjoy working out and appreciate trying different fitness gear. Whether it’s a fancy home gym or simple but effective equipment, each stay offers new ways to stay active.

Although we come with some of our own equipment, some homes have specialized equipment like spin bikes, trampolines, basketball nets, dumbbells, squat racks, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and fully equipped CrossFit gyms. This variety not only keeps our fitness routines fresh but also allows us to explore different workout styles.

We’ve stayed in homes with fantastic backyards with open spaces with ample room for exercise, including enough room to add some sprints to our routine. You can always find us making the most of the property to keep fit and energized.

Plus the added calorie burn of taking dogs for multiple, or long walks each day becomes a refreshing part of our daily physical activity.

We’re grateful for the opportunities to stay fit while pet sitting!

TIP: Bring your own fitness gear!
As nomads living in our camper van, we always have a few fitness essentials with us. Our favorite pieces of easy to use, easy to travel with is the TRX – it’s compact and lets us work out different muscles.

We also use fitness apps like Pliability, Nike Training, and SmartWOD Timer. These apps make staying fit on the road a breeze!

✓ Access to books, games, streaming networks, and more.

There are so many perks to pet care with Trusted Housesitters! Many homes come with an array of exciting extras like board games, puzzles, a library of books, and access to popular streaming networks like Netflix or Amazon.

Check out this awesome puzzle we discovered at a sit in the beautiful hills of Oakland California.

Living in our camper van without a TV, we’re grateful for the luxury of cable and spacious screens. During sits we get to catch up on all the Netflix shows we probably shouldn’t be watching – turning each stay into a delightful and entertaining escape.

✓ Sits might include weekly cleaning and dog walking services.

Of course, this isn’t something you can expect from all your THS bookings. However, some homeowners may already have a cleaning service scheduled and offer sitters the option to continue or cancel it during their stay.

We’ve had this happen a few times and appreciate the cleaning service, as it allows us the opportunity to step out for our errands while the home is professionally cleaned.

Some pet owners also request that their dog continue to join their regular ‘pack walk,’ providing both sitters and the dog with the added benefit of maintaining a familiar routine and socializing with their regular pack.

These extras enhance the overall sitting experience for everyone involved.

✓ You might get a thoughtful token of appreciation.

Sometimes, as a gesture of gratitude for our top-notch pet care, homeowners surprise us with a handwritten card along with a gift. We have received monetary tips, gift cards, apple tags, travel souvenirs, delicious meals, and books.

While it’s not an obligation, nor something we expect, the genuine thank-yous have been heartwarming surprises that we deeply appreciate.

✓ Discover your home decor and design preferences.

This one sort of surprised us as a bonus of living in other people’s homes.

From layout and decor to colour palettes and cozy furniture, pet-sitting introduces us to some beautiful design elements. Whether it’s discovering a preference for plant arrangements, appreciating unknown artists, or encountering unique flooring options, each house offers us so much to look at.

During a pet sit in Oakland, we were so into the layout of the home that we sketched it out and filed it away for future inspiration. In another sit, the concrete floors surprised us with their warmth, easy maintenance, and charming imperfections. It’s these small details that make each house special. We’ve also been inspired by some pretty amazing backyard spaces.

We’ve taken pictures of the things we love in these homes and added the ideas to our vision board for our dream home.

✓ Pet sitting is fun for the whole family!

Many homes on Trusted Housesitters cater to families with kids.

From enough beds for the whole family to video game consoles and board games, arts and crafts, bikes, skimboards, and a variety of toys, you’re sure to find sits that provide a unique and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

It’s an excellent way to blend a family getaway with a loving pet experience while enjoying nice neighbourhoods all without the high costs of a traditional rental.

Bonus: Turn pet sitting into an enriching family learning adventure.

As a Montessori teacher, I believe in the educational potential of every experience.

Engage your kids by researching and understanding the animals you care for. Make it a family learning journey that not only brings you closer but also enhances everyone’s knowledge.

Need a family-friendly travel activity? Our expertise extends past nomadic living to education! We have engaging content on our other blog, That’s So Montessori, to enhance learning at the elementary level.
We have created several activities to keep your family busy while having fun learning on vacation!

For instance, explore the world of rebus puzzles with our printable cards, perfect for road trips, plane rides, and cozy hotel evenings.
Make your journey unforgettable with shared moments of laughter and puzzling excitement!

✓ Young adults or those with shared living situations.

Living at home with family or even roommates can sometimes feel overwhelming, and if you find yourself needing a break from sharing such close quarters with humans, consider the therapeutic alternative of booking a pet sit with Trusted Housesitters.

This hidden advantage allows adults in shared living situations to trade the hustle and bustle of human interactions for the calming company of a furry friend. It’s an opportunity to take a breather, recharge, and experience a change of pace by enjoying the presence of a pet.

Keep in mind that you must be 21 or above to join Trusted Housesitters.

Trusted Housesitters is the perfect solution to explore new work locations while enjoying the companionship of a furry co-worker by your side.

You’re sure to find a sit that meets your unique remote work needs and create a flexible workspace where professional commitments seamlessly blend with the joy of pet care.

As van lifers, we’ve used THS to secure a consistent interest connection, as well as beautiful office spaces and views.

Our favourite nomadic office was the backyard deck of a pet sit in White Rock, British Columbia. It had comfy couches, a cozy outdoor fireplace with lots of blankets, and came with a sweet Cavapoo.

Although the view of a recent sit might just be the most gorgeous view we’ve had so far. And what you can’t see in this picture is that there are beautiful mountains past those ocean waters. In exchange, we looked after a border collie, a mini horse, and two sheep. This life is such a gift!

Remote workers beware!

Choose house-sits wisely to match your workload and needs. If you have lots of work to do, consider low-energy pets like cats over high-energy dogs, unless you’re like us and welcome any excuse to get out to walk and play. Ensure the sits you apply for align with your schedule, letting you enjoy the experience without compromising your work commitments.

Learn from our mistake and don’t hesitate to communicate your tech needs! If you need reliable internet for work, discuss this with homeowners before confirming a sit.

We learned this the hard way during a 10-day stay in the woods of Algonquin, Ontario, with two energetic huskies. Despite the listing promising ‘high-speed wifi,’ the actual connection wasn’t as robust as we needed, resulting in quite a bit of stress during our work commitments. It was still such a worthwhile sit.

Being clear about your internet requirements will lead to a smooth experience, allowing you to focus on both your work and the pets. Don’t be shy, it’s so much better to communicate your needs ahead of time and make sure a sit truly does align with your work/nomadic/wifi needs.

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✓ For those who want to live differently.

We feel like we have discovered this incredible nomad trick: take care of pets, get free rent!

By committing to full-time sitting and having a camper for those in-between moments, it feels like we’re living rent-free. Of course, our van has its monthly expenses, but trust us, it’s a fraction of what we used to pay for our condo in Toronto. Plus when we’re at a sit, we’re not using up as much gas, which is extra savings!

Our Trusted Housesitters membership has helped us live our nomad dream, cut costs, and enjoy the journey.

✓ Enjoy a relaxing staycation.

We’re from Toronto and have completed three sits in the Toronto area. Some people think we’re nuts for staying local, but we think we’re on to something!

Instead of jetting off to a new destination, we chose to sit closer to home to explore the beauty of Toronto like tourists. We did a week-long cat sit over the winter break, with the most amazing Tonkinese cat in a cute neighbourhood in downtown Toronto.

We enjoyed leisurely walks in parks we’d never visited before, enjoyed vegan treats from restaurants we had never tried, checked out stores in different neighbourhoods, and ventured onto trails around the city, discovering hidden gems that were so close to home.

Take it from us, this is an exciting and unique way to enjoy your city, appreciating its wonders through a new lens.

✓ Anyone visiting out-of-town family and friends.

Visiting family out-of-town no longer means compromising on comfort or breaking the bank.

Instead of settling for cramped Airbnb apartments, or awkwardly sharing space with family members, now we opt for pet sits that offer not only proximity to family but also the comforts of a spacious house.

Trusted Housesitters has redefined our family visits.

We love family time, but as adults who eat plant-based and have a sometimes-yappy chihuahua mix, having our own space to retreat to at the end of the day is important to us.

We did a pet sit in Ottawa that was a 10-minute walk to my parents and included a car, pool, beautiful backyard, and many delightful walks with one sweet dog. It was such a great way to spend quality time with family!

Plus, there’s a quirky perk: with pet-sitting responsibilities, you’ll always have the perfect excuse to gracefully exit family gatherings to attend to the needs of your furry friends!

Take it from us, you can save big while enhancing the quality of your family visits with Trusted Housesitters!

✓ There are many low-maintenance sits on Trusted Housesitters.

Pet sits require effort, and it’s crucial to commit to the responsibilities. However, if you prefer an easier experience, opt for low-maintenance pets.

While many dogs may need multiple walks, affection, feeding, and possibly medication, it’s important to note that not all animals, or even all dogs, have the same requirements.

If you’re looking for a sit with less responsibilities, opting for feline companions or even low-maintenance pets like reptiles and birds can be the way to go because they don’t require walks. This is perfect for those who want to balance exploration with their pet-sitting commitments.

Be sure to choose a sit that aligns with your preferred level of interaction, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both you and the pets.

✓ Create lasting memories with furry friends.

If you’re like us – avid animal lovers with a soft spot for paw prints – get ready for heartwarming experiences during your Trusted Housesitters stays. These animals are more than pets; they’re your trusty sidekicks, adding a special touch to your days.

We’ve had lots of laughs remembering the funny antics of the pets we’ve sat for.

From Shelby’s endearing snorts signaling playtime or mealtime to the melodic serenade of pugs’ snoring, and the delightful misadventures of Joey, the rescue dog, attempting acrobatics to catch a ball, to Chuckles, the pit bull mix, discovering the joy of playing with a toy for the first time – these moments become cherished memories.

✓ Experience a variety of animals.

Trusted Housesitters not only offers opportunities to care for a variety of cats and dogs but also extends to other animals. Although we haven’t looked after lizards or birds ourselves, there are numerous chances to do so.

Some sits even include the care of chickens, providing a distinctive and diverse pet-sitting experience.

Breakdown of new pets joining Trusted Housesitters in 2022:

• 🐕 Dogs – 64.85%
• 🐈 Cats – 29.08%
• 🐁 Small pets – 2.14%
• 🐎 Horses – 1.81%
• 🐢 Reptiles – 1.24%

✓ Get to know dogs of different breeds and sizes.

Thanks to Trusted Housesitters, our pet-sitting adventures have introduced us to a diverse range of dogs, each with its own charm and character. From Banjo, the lively Crestipoo, to Oscar, the majestic and petrified Jindo, and Chuckles, the shy and lovable Beagle Pit, we’ve had the pleasure of caring for some unique dog breeds.

And THS has allowed us to spoil dogs of all sizes. Whether it was the petite Hazel, a 6-pound Chihuahua who stole our hearts, or the gentle drooling giant Montau, a 100-pound Golden Retriever, every size comes with its own set of delightful surprises and memorable moments.

Oh, and if you’re thinking about getting a dog of your own, THS is a great way to test out some different breeds to see what you like.

We’ve sat 6 out of 10 top breeds on Trusted Housesitters, our goal is to find and book a sit with a Dachshund to love on!

✓ Experience the love of an animal without actually having to own one.

A major perk with Trusted Housesitters is the joy of pet companionship without the commitment of ownership.

Whether it’s a playful pup, a cuddly cat, or even more exotic critters, THS allows you to satisfy your animal-loving heart without the full-time responsibilities. It’s a unique chance to enjoy the best parts of having a pet, all while exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories!

We have to be completely candid here – the advantages of this platform far outweigh any drawbacks. Nevertheless, it’s worth addressing the few potential downsides as well.

🐾 Did you know?
Trusted Housesitters has been featured on CNN, BBC, The Guardian, and Forbes as well as other trusted media outlets.

The company has been around since 2009 and has helped thousands of homeowners find trusted house sitters worldwide.

✘ There are a lot of sitters out there leading to competition for sits.

Success in securing a house sit isn’t guaranteed. The ultimate decision lies with the homeowner, who selects the applicant they’re most comfortable with based on profiles, references, and conversations.

With so many sitters on Trusted Housesitters, booking a sit can be competitive. It’s common not to even receive responses when applying for housesits due to the high competition among sitters. But, here’s the silver lining – this is a chance for you to shine!

Stand out by creating an impressive profile and writing a thoughtful application. Your uniqueness and proactive approach can make you the top choice for that perfect popular housesit.

We use our pet-sitting applications as a way to show pet owners that we genuinely already care about their pets. We also tailor the words in our application to meet the specific needs and preferences of each pet. This is a great way to make a good first impression!

✘ It’s hard to book sits with few or no reviews.

When you’re new to pet sitting on Trusted Housesitters, securing a housesit without reviews can be challenging. Initially, you might face more rejections than successes until you get more reviews.

To boost your profile on Trusted Housesitters, consider applying for less popular or local sits. Look for opportunities with specific requirements you’re comfortable with, like caring for farm animals or senior dogs.

Trusted Housesitters also features last-minute sits and those with low applicants, making them a great starting point. This strategic move helps you build your profile and gather valuable reviews.

✘ A sitter cannot view a homeowner’s profile.

We hope THS improves this aspect: while sitters’ profiles, filled with details about themselves, are accessible to all homeowners, sitters are unable to view homeowners’ profiles.

The inability to explore homeowners’ profiles thoroughly can be a drawback. However, consider this as a chance to create an open dialogue. By initiating conversations, you not only get to know the homeowners better but also create a more personalized and enjoyable pet sit.

Reading reviews (or feedback as it might be called) from previous sitters helps us get to know a homeowner and what to expect from them and their sits.

✘ Your travel dates are based on the homeowners’ plans.

House-sitting dates are usually determined by the homeowners’ schedule, which may seem restrictive at first.

However, we’ve found that many homeowners are quite flexible with their travel dates, allowing for adjustment, especially if they haven’t booked anything yet or have friends or family willing to cover some of the dates.

We got invited to return for a sit, but due to overlapping dates with another commitment, we couldn’t make it on time. Thankfully, the family arranged for their mom, who lives nearby, to care for the dog during the three-day overlap. Building good relations pays off, and people are often willing to work with your schedule!

Clear communication and understanding between both parties can often lead to an arrangement that works for everyone, providing a level of flexibility on your part.

✘ To book sits you have to pay a membership fee.

You have to pay it if you want to apply for a sit and as we mentioned, you aren’t guaranteed booking a sit.

You’ve got the whole year to give it a shot though! And if you’re in the UK, you have 14 days after the date you join to cancel your membership if you can’t book a sit during that time or if you decide it’s not for you.

The way we see it, the membership is sort of like a secret handshake that ensures everyone on Trusted Housesitters is serious about taking care of other people’s pets and homes.

This fee acts as a filter, bringing together a community of committed people dedicated to providing homeowners peace of mind while they are away.

Plus, when you compare a Trusted Housesitters membership to the cost of an Airbnb rental, as we did above, it’s a budget-friendly choice. So, what seems like a downside is a smart investment for making pet-loving connections while saving money on travel stays.

✘ Not all homes on Trusted Housesitters are clean and tidy.

Houses vary in cleanliness, and standards differ from owner to owner.

To handle this, carefully examine profile photos, especially of the bathroom and kitchen before even applying to a sit. Be sure to zoom in on these areas to get a better look at the space and animals you are applying to care for.

Out of 20+ sits, only one wasn’t as clean as we expected.

Our very first sit with Trusted Housesitters was in Georgia and had unexpected cockroaches. But since then, every home we have sat at has been super clean when we arrive.

Even though we found cockroaches during our first pet sit in Georgia, USA, we kept going with Trusted Housesitters. We realized it was a rare occurrence (or better yet, a common thing in the south!), and we’re glad we didn’t let it spoil our overall positive experience. Now, we’re pretty good at finding great housesits in amazing homes and beautiful places.

Curious about more tips on what to watch out for and the right questions to ask when considering a house sit? We’re putting together a blog just for that! Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll let you know when it’s ready for a read. Stay in the know!

As mentioned in the pros section, we’ve done sits that have their regular cleaning service scheduled right before the sit starts, at the end, and sometimes even during (for longer sits), reducing our cleaning responsibilities. But this is a bonus and not something that every homeowner is going to offer.

✘ Not all sits come with access to a car.

Sure, it’s an advantage when a house sit comes with a vehicle, but not every house sit comes with access to a car. But that’s okay!

Use the money you save on accommodations to rent a car, bike, e-bike, moped, or any other transportation method that suits your needs. Nowadays, many cities offer bike rentals and electric scooter rentals, and local shops sometimes provide rental services.

If you find yourself in a walkable area or with access to local transit, a car may not be necessary. You can also opt for grocery delivery if needed.

For us, walking everywhere, sometimes farther than planned, becomes an adventure. On our last sit, we took the dogs on an 8km walk just to grab bread and coffee from a neighbourhood that was only 2km away. It was a great way to enjoy the sunshine, explore the area, tire out energetic dogs, and get what we needed.

Before committing to a sit, ask the homeowner about the location and do some research to see if there are easily accessible amenities nearby, like a grocery store. Some listings will specify if they’re close to public transportation, and in certain locations, having a car might not be needed.

Tip: We suggest bringing a knapsack and reusable bags on your trip! These handy items are helpful when you need to carry groceries and don’t have access to a car, especially if the store is within walking distance. Having a knapsack and reusable bags ensures you’re always ready for impromptu errands or a stroll to the local store.

✘ You might have to care for naughty pets.

While many pets are well-behaved, there’s always a chance that you could encounter animals that cause a bit of mischief. This may involve dealing with activities like unruly behaviour, selective hearing, or occasional messes.

We once cared for an adorable dog (whom we’d gladly care for again!) with some quirky habits. She was a talented counter surfer, requiring us to be constantly mindful that nothing on the counter was within her reach.

Additionally, she exhibited excitement-induced little accidents and had an early-morning wake-up routine at 5 am from her crate on the main floor. During walks, she enthusiastically picked up and carried various items, from rocks to acorns. Despite her mischievous puppy antics, we couldn’t help but fall in love with her.

While a range of pet personalities and behaviours can add an element of unpredictability to the experience, it’s also an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and patience as a pet sitter.

Fortunately, some heartache can be alleviated by the possibility of future reunions. We’ve been fortunate to be invited back to sit for some of our favourite pets, turning the tear-filled farewell into more of a “see you later” also filled with tears.

✘ The heartbreak of saying bye to pets you have bonded with.

An inevitable part of house-sitting is forming bonds with the animals you caring for. Saying goodbye to your new furry friends when the pet sit is over can be emotionally challenging, especially if you’ve grown attached.

To navigate these heartfelt farewells, it’s helpful to be emotionally prepared and focus on the amazing experiences gained during the sit. While the goodbyes may be challenging (and accompanied by tears), the positive memories and the fulfillment of caring for animals are cherished.

Just like every coin has two sides, exploring the drawbacks of Trusted Housesitters helps you make informed decisions about whether pet-sitting is the right choice for you.

✘ You have a lot of responsibility, which might be limiting.

House-sitting comes with significant responsibilities, making it essential to carefully assess whether it aligns with your lifestyle.

Sure, this can be an epic travel vacation, but the reality is that it comes with caring for pets, tending to plants, and handling home maintenance. This level of responsibility may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you plan to be away from home for extended periods.

We’ve encountered situations like watering over 35 plants weekly, maintaining a backyard garden daily in the South Carolina heat, mowing lawns, and even dealing with a major basement leak, requiring water cleanup and plumber hire during a sit.

Taking pets to vet appointments (a less common request) and handling errands like picking up pet food from the local store are some of the extra steps we’ve taken for homeowners. The range of pet responsibilities varies significantly, with some pet owners expecting multiple daily walks or play sessions, while others have more low-maintenance requirements.

TIP: As nomads who work from home, we prefer sits that are in homes vs. apartments because it makes doggy potty breaks a lot easier and less time-consuming.

Consider your availability and lifestyle before diving into pet-sitting. While the work is enjoyable and relatively easy, it demands your valuable time.

To set clear expectations, communicate with the pet parent and ensure both sides agree on the responsibilities, even if they are outlined in the listing.

If you prefer a low-maintenance sit, consider opportunities with animals that don’t require extensive walks, attention, or a significant time commitment.

✘ You may have to pay for accommodations between sits.

If you’re going to be going from sit to sit, or are asked to meet up a day or two before the sit begins to go over the routine, you may need to pay for a hotel or Homestay rental during your transition between house-sitting assignments.

Some homeowners generously offer a night or two of hospitality on both ends of the stay, helping smooth these transitions. Remaining open to these possibilities can be a wise strategy to manage expenses while on your pet-sitting travel adventures.

Being grateful for our campervan is an understatement, especially during the times between sits. Not only does it make accommodations affordable, but it transforms the in-between moments into mini-adventures.

✘ A Trusted Housesitters booking can be canceled, even last minute.

Rare as they may be, house-sitting cancellations can disrupt your travel plans. A flexible schedule helps navigate unexpected changes.

We had a sit get canceled just half a day in. The homeowner couldn’t fly due to bad weather, so they had to turn back. We had to pack up right after unpacking. Luckily, we have our campervan, so we always have a place to stay. It’s essential to remember that not everyone is as fortunate.

Bouncing back after a cancellation can be challenging, requiring patience and quick thinking, especially after the stress it brings.

Be prepared to handle cancellations with minimal disruption and stay optimistic. Take a look on the Trusted Housesitters app for sits in the area highlighted ‘last-minute’ to see if you can find something to fill your travel dates.

If you opt for the Premium Membership, there’s an added benefit: in the rare event of your pet parent canceling, the guarantee provides compensation of up to $150 per night for alternative accommodation, with a cap of $1500 per sit. But of course, Terms and Conditions apply.

You should also consider getting travel insurance to safeguard against potential flight cancellations.

This feature isn’t useful to us right now because we travel in our tiny home on wheels, but we will upgrade our membership when we decide to fly somewhere for a sit. We see how the peace of mind it offers during unexpected situations would make the upgraded membership worthwhile.