Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Natalia
If you’re new to the world of housesitting, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you get started. Signing up for a platform like TrustedHousesitters should be your first point of action, but if you don’t learn how to be a good housesitter, then you might struggle to get the sits you want. We’ve been housesitting since 2021 and have done more than 40 sits, and during that time we’ve learnt a lot. To be successful, you’ll need to know things like how to make your application stand out, what questions to ask before agreeing to a sit, and the best way to build reviews quickly. Here’s our guide to the top housesitting tips to help you get started.
What’s the best housesitting platform?
Our personal preference for a housesitting platform is TrustedHousesitters, as it gives you access to thousands of sits in over 100 countries worldwide. The platform runs on an exchange model, where sitters get free accommodation in return for caring for the owner’s pets and home. It’s particularly great for housesitting in England and the USA, which is where the majority of sits tend to be, though you can still find plenty elsewhere too.
It’s got a load of great features, like verified profiles, ID checks, and reviews, which help make it a secure option for both sitters and owners. The site and app are really easy to use, and there’s a great search function where you can filter by dates, location, and how long you want the housesit to last.
There’s an annual membership fee for both sitters and owners, but it’s extremely affordable, especially when you consider how much you’d end up paying for accommodation otherwise. To make it even better value, we’ve teamed up with TrustedHousesitters to give you 25% off your first year’s membership with the code SOF25.
If you’re not sure just yet, you can even sign up for a free account to get a feel for the platform before you commit to paying for a membership (but be aware you can’t apply for sits with a free account).
Click here to sign up to TrustedHousesitters today!
Top Housesitting Tips
Personalise every application
Making a good first impression is key to being a successful housesitter, so it’s essential that your original message stands out and addresses the main points of the owner’s listing. Start by introducing yourself briefly, then touch on your relevant experience to show that you’re a good match for the owner’s pet(s) and home.
A common mistake is sending a generic, copy-and-paste message. Instead, be sure to use the owner’s and pets’ names to show you’ve read the listing carefully. You should also make it clear that you’re capable of handling all the listed responsibilities.
Include any details that set you apart from other potential housesitters. For example, if you work remotely, make it clear you’ll be around to give the pets lots of attention throughout your stay.
Wrap up the message by mentioning that you’re happy to set up a phone or video call if they’d like to chat further, and that you’re open to answering any questions they may have.
Always arrange a call
Having a video call or phone call before you commit to a housesit is well worth doing, as it’s a great way to get a feel for whether it’s a good fit. Some owners may even want to meet up, but in most cases, a call is sufficient.
Calls are a great way to build trust between each other and learn more about the specific responsibilities of the sit. Duties vary between housesits, but typically include general pet care (feeding, playing, and walking), watering plants, and keeping the house clean and tidy. Some homeowners may ask for additional tasks like cutting the grass, so you’ll need to make a judgement call as to what you’re willing to take on.
Take the time to clarify all the responsibilities and ensure expectations are clearly set out to avoid any unwelcome surprises. To help you prepare, we’ve outlined some essential things to ask and tips for your housesitting call below.
What to ask before accepting
When you’re applying for a sit on TrustedHousesitters, there’s no definitive list of questions to ask during an initial call, so it’s important to read the listing thoroughly and clarify any points you’re unsure on. That said, there are a few standard questions that are worth asking for almost any potential housesit.
Start by clarifying the pet’s daily routine and whether they need any medication, although the latter will normally be mentioned in the listing if it is required. It’s also a good idea to ask about whether the pet is social, if they have any toys they like to play with, and where they normally sleep at night.
If the sit is for a dog, it’s definitely worth asking if they’re reactive to other dogs. We tend to avoid sitting for reactive dogs as we’ve had bad experiences sitting for them in the past, so be cautious if the owner mentions they aren’t good with other dogs or people.
Use this opportunity to confirm any logistics, including the arrival and departure times and dates, if there’s parking available at the property, and how long the pet can be left alone for, if that’s not already been mentioned.
By asking the right questions, you’ll be able to decide if it’s truly a good fit. It’s especially important for longer sits, and if any of the answers seem like a red flag, it’s probably best to decline to housesit. One of the biggest red flags we’ve encountered was when an owner asked us not to leave their dog alone for longer than an hour or two, but also not to use their kitchen at all during our stay, which was an instant dealbreaker for us.
Set up a group chat
It’s important to agree on expectations regarding updates and communication during the sit, so be sure to establish this during your call. Some owners will want daily updates with pictures of their pets, while others are happy with more occasional updates.
We always ask owners how often they’d like updates, and setting up a WhatsApp group as a central place to communicate is one of the simplest but most important housesitting tips. It’s an easy way to share updates while keeping everyone in the loop, as well as being a way to keep in contact if any issues arise during your stay.
Be cautious if you notice slow response times from an owner during the application process, as this can often be an indicator of how they’ll communicate once the sit begins and can prove problematic in the case of an emergency.
Treat the home with care
An important part of housesitting is being respectful of the owner’s home and personal space. It’s your responsibility to keep the house clean and tidy, and you should leave the property in the same condition as when you arrived.
It’s always best to ask what you can and can’t use in the house, though many homeowners are fine with you using things like perishable foods and spices. And, if you happen to break or damage anything, it’s a good idea to let the owner know right away and offer to buy a replacement.
As part of respecting the home, a crucial housesitting tip is to avoid having guests over without agreeing on this in advance with the homeowner. Some owners are more than happy for you to have guests, and we’ve had several where they’ve allowed friends and family to stay overnight, whereas others aren’t comfortable having people they don’t know staying in their home, which is completely understandable!
Start local to build reviews
The easiest way to get started on a site like TrustedHousesitters is to complete a few short, local sits to build up some positive reviews. Having good feedback on your profile gives owners the confidence they need to trust you with their home and pets, and goes a long way toward securing more desirable housesits in the future.
At first, it can be hard to secure housesits in major cities like London, as owners will typically have their choice of applicants with good reviews. We recommend trying to book some last-minute housesits instead, as they’re often easier to secure because top-rated sitters are usually booked up, so owners are more open to trying someone new to the platform.
Make sure it’s a good match
One of our top housesitting tips is to avoid picking a housesit purely because of the location or the house itself. A beautiful location or a dream home might look tempting, but the pet and responsibilities need to be a good fit for you.
The most important thing to consider is the pet’s routine. For example, if they need lots of long walks or can’t be left alone for more than a couple of hours, it might not be a great trade-off. Ultimately, it’s a decision that only you can make, and although a couple of extra responsibilities can be worth it in some instances, try not to take on too much.
Remember that even the house itself can add to your workload. Large gardens, swimming pools, or rural properties often require additional maintenance, so even if the listing doesn’t mention this, be sure to clarify what’s expected of you before agreeing to the housesit.
Beyond this, you also need to think about the duration of the stay and if you’ll need transportation, since a long sit in a rural or remote area can become a challenge without a car.
In the end, choosing a sit that isn’t a good fit can quickly become stressful, so only applying for housesits that are a good match will make for a much better experience overall.
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