What is House-sitting

Experience the Benefits of House-Sitting: Travel, Save Money, and Connect with Furry Friends and Cultures!

• benefits both the owner of the house and the person doing the house-sitting
• for someone who is looking for an alternative travel vacation and lifestyle
• the owners can go away on vacation knowing their home is being safely looked after

House-sitting is mostly an unpaid service you provide to the owners of the property. You can see the world without spending a fortune and it is very beneficial if you work online. You can do so anywhere in the world and therefore have the comforts of home, and cook your own meals. Meet not only furry friends but new cultures and people in the community. Any adult, whether young or a senior can do house-sitting.

The owners can go away on vacation knowing their home is being safely looked after and it is a way to go on vacation without paying for accommodation. You can choose to do house-sitting for a few days, weeks or months. Owners have someone reliable looking after their pets and you can learn about different breeds of animals throughout the world.

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How to Become a House Sitter

House-sitting is a form of adventure travel. Read about how important adventure travel is. The most important thing about house-sitting is that you need to love pets. Some owners have lizards, mice, rabbits, horses and a variety of other different creatures, not only cats and dogs. Do you love animals? Have you had some experience with pets?

Before you begin you need to join a house-sitting website. Some are more expensive than others and some are only relevant to one country. There is an annual fee but this is great, so not every tom, dick and harry will join. Also over a year, this is not much. On some of the sites, the homeowner has to pay an annual subscription as well.

Once you have joined you can apply for a house sitting in the country or location you want and for the period of time that is offered. You will need to enter your required location and you can view the hosts that are offering their homes and what they require.

You will need to make a profile so the hosts can see what you are all about and if they would like you in their homes. Communication will take place directly with the homeowner.

Points to take note of when choosing a reliable house-sitting site

1. How well-known is this site? How many years has it been around?
2. Do they operate in the countries you would like to go to?
3. Is the site easy to use?
4. How secure is the site with your contact details
5. Does the site offer insurance? This is a must!
6. Are there Id and verification checks?
7. Do you have customer support 24/7?
8. What is the ratio between sitters and owners?
9. What is the annual membership fee to join and is there a renewal discount?
10. What extra services are offered?

Reliable recommended house-sitting websites are:

Trusted House Sitters	This is my best. They are international and have an excellent reputation and also are the largest. The site is easy to go around. Their annual membership fee is more expensive than other house-sitting websites, both for the sitter and homeowner, but this is a good thing as the serious house sitter only applies and the serious homeowner. They make it easy to find house-sitting spots. There is a 24/7 online for expert vet advice. The Insurance Backed Guarantee is automatically included. It protects the homeowner and yourself against property damage, theft and public liability. You receive email alerts, notifying you of fabulous house-sitting vacations. To me, this is a very important feature.
Luxury House Sitting	Luxury House Sitting is far cheaper. They also are international. The homeowners do not need to register which does concern me a bit. Not all homeowners list their assignments but rely on messaging. Friendly website. They recommend that the homeowner and house sitter sign a contract to protect both parties.
Mind My House	They started back in 2005, so have been going for some time. The registration annual fee is very low. Homeowners do not need to pay a fee. Their community section is great and the site is very relaxed and easy. You need to register and contact the homeowners directly by email.
House Carers	They are also international. Started in October 2000. Another one of my favourites. They are professional and focus a great deal on security for both the homeowner and the house sitter. They know the worth of retirees and encourage them to house-sit. Many seniors have been with them for years! They help guide you on how to go about applying to house sit and all that is required. Of course, you will need to build a profile with their assistance. Have a look at their blog to also see testimonials.
House Sit Match	Another great site! Also if you book through Tripgrndma you get a discount on your annual membership which is not high at all. What I love about this site is that they do police and ID checks of the house sitters, which gives the homeowners peace of mind. You can also give your preference to house sit birds, dogs, cats, guinea pigs or rabbit sitting. A fabulous friendly site! Options to house sit, include Australia, Canada, the USA and Europe. Both the homeowner and house sitter pay for an annual membership. You can sign up for Standard or Premium Membership. I like this option.
Nomador	An international destination for house sitting. A very good blog and a membership fee. They get to the point. Register and go for it approach. They have two options. The Discovery Option which is free and limited, and the Confidence Option. Their blogs are very informative.
Kiwi House Sitters	This site is for those of you who live in New Zealand. A direct market, or if you are travelling to New Zealand and looking to house sit, is a great site to go through. An easy site to go through with online support. They are associated with other sites such as Aussie House Sitters, House Sitters Canada, House Sitters America, and House Sitters UK. They do have an annual registration fee.
Aussie House Sitters	A comfortable inviting site and 100% Aussie. Of course, there is an annual subscription for the sitter. They do ID checks for the homeowners. Very positive reviews.
House Sitters Canada	Associated with the New Zealand, Australian and UK sites. House Sitters Canada has the same website feel and appeal as the other sites. They focus on their country, which is not a bad thing. Have a registration fee and a user-friendly site, which is wonderfully laid out.
House Sitters UK	Exclusively for the UK and associated with the other 3 sites. It is a family-run business and has thousands of members and homeowners. These sites are great and have a constant stream of new houses. You will get alerts as soon as your required home house sit comes up. Definitely check it out!

What do I have to do as a House Sitter?

When you house-sit, you are staying in someone else’s home while they go on vacation or business. The reason they want a house sitter is for someone primarily to look after their precious pets. It is more settling and cheaper for the animals to stay in their own environment than be placed in an animal boarding house. The owners require you to love and care for these beautiful furry creatures as they would. You will need to feed them at their allocated times, take the dog for his daily walk, give them cuddles, and love and brush them when required. Where are the animal feed and treats kept and are there sufficient until they return?

So you do need to love animals! When you view the different homeowner’s requirements on the site, they will mention what animals they have. If you do not favour looking after goats, for example, you do not need to apply for that house-sitting job.

Their house is their beloved home, so you will need to keep it tidy and clean. You will have use of the washing machine, fridge, stove and all other amenities in the house. Make sure on their return the linen you were using is clean, towels rehung beautifully clean, the bathrooms are spotless, the kitchen is perfect and other rooms are clean and welcoming.

The animal beds keep clean and take your shoes off before entering the house, even if it is not their rule. I always advise this and it is incredible how clean the house stays. Turn lights off and on outside to show any prospective burglars there is someone in the home.

Water the plants inside and outside per their instructions. If they forget to mention it on their list, ask them.

You may have to mow the lawn. Make sure you know how to operate the lawnmower. Is it petrol or electric? Where is the lawn mower kept and the other gardening tools?

Where should you place the mail when it arrives? Is there a newspaper delivery each day? Where should these go for them on their return?

If there is a swimming pool, how often do you need to put in chemicals if they need to be thrown in? Where are they kept? You will have use of the pool which will add to your delight on those warm days.

Most homeowners do not appreciate you inviting guests over, so respect that. Rather go out and mix with the town and learn a new culture or community. Very importantly lock the house up every time you go out, even if the homeowners say “not to worry”. If there are alarms, make sure you know the code. Also which security company is it linked up to?

Who is a person you can contact if there is a major problem? A neighbour, a relation? This is the real world we live in and you never know what might go wrong. It is always wise to get a relations telephone number as well, just in case!

Get a list of their plumber, electrician, supplier of gas (if stove or geysers are gas, vet, fire brigade, doctor (in case you need one) and anyone else who you may need or perhaps is coming around to do any maintenance on the property. Do they have a gardener? House cleaner? Which day or days do they come in?

These all seem scary when you see the list, but actually, if you are organized they are not. You have run a home yourself or been in one, so all is quite normal. Make sure you have a book to write down all the things you need to do before the hosts disappear for their vacation. Lots will be discussed via email, but when you are with them new things will pop up. Keep all your information in one place.

Find out about the internet. What is the connection code? Write this down.

While the homeowner is away, send them Whatsapp pictures of their pets, garden and home. Confirm with them when the best time would be to send these pictures. This will give them reassurance that all is going well. Make sure you have the correct international mobile number to do so.

Prior to the homeowner’s return, why not purchase them a homecoming gift and stock up their fridge with the basics? Some housesitters prepare a homecoming meal, but I never know what they like to eat, as tastes and preferences vary so much today. In future, you may want to look after their home again. Also, they will give you a review on the website if you want a good one!

With all of that out the way, start researching where you will be travelling to. Treasure and enjoy your time there!

How to Register for House-Sitting Jobs

• go through the site of your choice, looking at different house-sitting jobs
• register on the site you choose as a member
• pay your annual fee (look for discounts which can be obtained by getting a coupon from this blog)
• load your profile. Make it professional but personal
• include in your profile a picture of yourself with your animals or animal
• are you a solo sitter or will you be travelling with a partner
• will you be accompanied by a partner
• list your full name and security number and your partner’s (if applicable)
• your age and if you have a partner, your partner’s age
• let them know where you live
• what is your occupation
• why do you want to house sit
• tell them a bit about yourself. Include hobbies and interests
• have you had any previous house-sitting jobs? If not why do you think you are qualified to do the job
• do you have any skills or animal qualifications
• start checking out what housesitting jobs you would like to apply for
• start applying for your house-sitting jobs
• check listings every day as new ones are added daily
• enrol in email alerts
• if new to house sitting apply quickly and get in there fast

Applying for House Sitting Jobs without any previous Reviews

1. Read the application very carefully
2. Apply early and impress the host, so you need to check what becomes available every day
3. When applying, do a detailed application, Include your full profile
4. Communicate to the host by name which is given on the site, not by sir or madam
5. Communicate why you want to house sit and why in the location of their home
6. Always be honest
7. Where have you come from
8. What do you do if now retired, let them know what you did
9. Explain what you will be doing in their home every day other than looking after their animals and home
10. What experience have you had with animals? It is good to mention your animals by name
11. What did you do with your animals during a thunderstorm for instance
12. Talk about their animals by name
13. Ask questions about the animals and home, such as what are the animals’ routines, do the dogs sleep inside, their ages, when are they fed, do they have any allergies or are on any medication or do they require any injections, what do they do if there is a thunderstorm. If you need to take the animals to the vet, how far is it, can you take them in the car, is there an animal cage, or will the vet come to the house? Do you have a gardener or house cleaner, what day is the rubbish collected?
14. Let them know your needs. Internet usage, shopping, access to public transport
15. You need to do the shopping for food. Food is not provided in the homes. Is there a bus route nearby, or are the shops within walking distance? Some hosts allow you to use their vehicle, but see if this is on their profile. If don’t ask. Is your driver’s licence up to date?
16. At the end of your application, request a Facetime meeting or Skype meeting, so they can get to know you a bit better
17. Make sure you have a pen and your notebook ready for these meetings. Also, make a list of questions and answers in the same book. I have a book for each vacation I take with all the relevant information inside

Tips to Start Planning your Trip

Now you have secured your holiday! Whether it is short or for a long period of time, you need to get things in order. House sitting is a form of job, but only a pleasure if you love animals. Unlike going on holiday to a hotel or Airbnb, your accommodation will be free. What a WIN! You will still need to purchase your own food and budget for those cappuccinos in quaint little cafes and meals in restaurants. Transport if you have not got used of the host’s car will also need to be catered for.

The Road Not Taken
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
by Robert Frost

Going from one country to another for your house-sitting vacation

How do you book your airline ticket or car rental? Remember to book early so you can meet the host and go over everything in the house. The pets need time to be introduced to you. It is also very important to book ahead so you get the best prices.

Here are some suggestions on where to book your air tickets and car rentals if needed:

• Skyscanner is excellent for airline tickets and car rentals. They also find amazing hotel deals. I do a check and comparison between all the search sites.
• Momondo gives you a selection of cheap flights to choose from that often other search engines skip out on.
• Tripadvisor flights are reliable and internationally known.
• CheapOair I find has very inviting deals.

Passport, visa, injections – all to be considered!

One of the most important factors is travel insurance! So many housesitters think that because they are not going to a hotel or on a tour, they should not have travel insurance. This is not so. It is just as important!

• World Nomads is the best insurance company for those who house sit. What I also like about them is their focused awareness of the need to support charities with a small portion of what you will pay as your insurance. Responsible travel has been done incredibly since 2004. “1,290,163 travellers who have raised $3,465,779 in order to support charities from around the world. Because of you, we have been able to complete 249 projects“. Currently, my best is the protection of Juvenile Turtles in the Gulf of North Mexico, although they have numerous other projects you can choose to support.

Have multiple credit cards

What happens if you lose a card? You do not want to be left stranded. Some cards give you points for travelling or points for food shopping. Contact your bank and let them know you will be travelling. If you are going to different countries, your card needs to be opened for international travel. Different cards are available in different countries so it is wise to do your own search on which are the best credit cards to go with. It is implausible how one card can differ from the next.

What luggage to take

Remember you will have a washing machine to use while house-sitting. Don’t take too much. You need comfortable clothing, a pair of good walking shoes, some sandals, slippers and a suitcase that is easy to pull along. Maybe one going-out outfit. A backpack is also a necessity.

You don’t need numerous pants, skirts, shorts, shirts or jerseys. Just be practical. Remember a wind and rain breaker, sun hat and swimming costume if the house has a pool.

Your mobile phone. If you are going to another country, get a new sim card while you are away. At the home where you are staying, you will have data so perfect for Whatsapp!

Notify your family and friends of your itinerary and where you will be staying and for how long!

 

“Don’t travel just to see. Travel to try, listen, feel, and taste. That way there won’t be any place you cannot find beauty.” – Drew Barrymore