Pet Owner's Frequently Asked Questions

A house sitting exchange is the trade of free pet care for free accommodation. These opportunities can be found on specific websites designed for these exchanges. House sitting exchanges benefit everyone involved! Owners receive affordable and trusted pet care, house sitters save on travel costs, and pets are able to stay in their familiar environment while maintaining their everyday routines. Overall, it’s a genius and cost-effective solution for travelers and pet owners alike! 

How does a house sitting exchange work?

Do I need to pay to join a house sitting site?

You can expect to pay some Membership fee in order to join a reputable house sitting exchange platform. Membership fees will vary from $20-$250+ depending on the platform you choose and which subscription level you opt for. There are some websites and facebook pages where you can find sitters or house sitting opportunities for free. However, if it’s superior safety features, user-friendliness, and number of connections that you are seeking, you aren’t likely to find them through free sources. Need help choosing a platform? Click here to read our favorite recommendations!

Who pays for the travel costs?

Most commonly, it is the responsibility of the pet sitter to cover their own travel expenses. On occasion, pet owners will also choose to help reduce travel costs further by providing the free use of their car or food for the sitter. 

How can I find a free, and trustworthy house sitter who will take good care of my pets and my home?

Finding a free, and trustworthy house sitter can be simple with the help of specific websites like TrustedHousesitters, House Sitters of America, and other similar sites. Once your listing and dates are posted, sitters can send in applications to house sit for you. Next you will review your applicants, and interview your top candidates. Then it’s up to you to decide who is the best candidate for the role! 

Is a house sit exchange safe for pets?

A house sit exchange is a safe and reliable option for finding pet care, but there are certain steps you should take to ensure everything goes smoothly! Start by filling out all of the details that the platform asks for. Being transparent about your home and required responsibilities is the best way to attract well-qualified applicants! Vet the applicants thoroughly. This means reviewing their references and experience, and ensuring they have a good understanding of your pet's needs. To make things even easier, consider using a reputable platform with a proven track record of positive reviews from satisfied pet owners. By following these simple tips and choosing a trusted platform, you can rest assured that your pet will be in good hands while you're away.

Why should pet owners consider a house sit exchange? What are the benefits?

A house sit exchange is a reliable and affordable option for pet owners seeking high-quality pet care. Apart from the significant savings on professional pet care or boarding services, the greatest advantage is that pets can stay in their familiar environment. By maintaining daily routines, this option helps to reduce the stress and anxiety of their owner being away. Another benefit of house sit exchanges is the potential to build meaningful relationships with house sitters, creating a sense of community and trust. Overall, a house sit exchange is a cost-effective and mutually beneficial solution for pet owners seeking trustworthy pet care services.

Can I find house sitters with specific experience or qualifications?

Traveling pet sitters come from all walks of life and bring a variety of experiences to the table. To find the perfect house sitter, it's important to be transparent about your expectations and needs upfront. This will attract well-suited applicants and help ensure a positive experience for both you and your pet. Additionally, most house sit exchange platforms have review systems that allow you to assess the reliability and trustworthiness of potential sitters. By taking the time to thoroughly vet potential sitters and having open and honest conversations about your pet's needs, you can find a house sitter who is the perfect fit for your needs.

How do I find a suitable house sitter for a house sit exchange? What criteria should I consider?

When searching for a pet sitter, consider the specific type of care your pet needs, such as feeding schedules, exercise routines, and medication administration. Look for sitters who have experience with those requirements and read their reviews and references to ensure they are trustworthy, qualified, and reliable. To further vet potential sitters, schedule a video call to discuss your pet's needs and personality. And always remember to trust your gut - if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

My pet has specific requirements. How can I communicate this to the house sitter?

Provide an informative summary of the house sitting responsibilities when you create your listing. Have a conversation with potential sitters to discuss any questions or concerns they may have, and provide additional details you may have left out of the listing. Once you’ve chosen a sitter, make sure your pet's needs and routines are clearly communicated and outlined in written instructions. Following these steps will help you find the most qualified and suitable sitter for your pets. 

What happens if there is an emergency with my pets while I am away?

In the unfortunate event that an emergency occurs while you are away, be prepared and have a plan in place ahead of time. Before the start of the sit, exchange phone numbers with your sitter to allow for immediate communication. In case your sitter is unable to reach you, it’s important that you have provided them with written instructions and emergency information. Details should include any specific instructions or medical information that your pet requires, their veterinarian's contact information, the contact of an emergency animal hospital, and at least one nearby emergency contact such as a friend, neighbor, or family member. Taking these important steps will allow you to travel with peace of mind knowing your sitter is prepared for anything.

How far in advance should I book a travel pet sitter?

It’s a good idea to book a sitter as far in advance as possible to ensure availability and to allow enough time for any necessary travel arrangements. That said, you can post your house sit listing as late as one day in advance. Even if you think it’s too late, you should post your listing! We ourselves have booked sits as late as one day out. It’s always worth a try.

At a minimum, you should provide your house sitter with a clean and tidy living space, fresh sheets and towels, written instructions on how to care for your home and pets, and emergency contact and vet information. For an even more welcoming experience, consider offering spare toiletries, a welcome gift, snacks, or local recommendations for places to eat and things to do. While these extras are not necessary, adding small personal touches can make your house sitter feel appreciated and welcomed.

How do I prepare for my house sitter’s arrival?

I’m struggling to get applicants, how do I get people to apply to my house sit?

If you are struggling to get sitters to apply to your house, there are a few easy solutions you could try. Make sure you have included at least 10 accurate photos of your home and pets, as well as nearby activities or nature. Provide detailed information on the responsibilities of the sit, what a sitter can expect to have access to, and things to do nearby. Mention public transport options and consider offering a vehicle if it’s needed to get around town. If your sit requires a heavy load of responsibilities, think about ways to give your sitter a break and detail them in your listing. If you're still not receiving applicants, seek help from a community forum or other resources.

“Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our other resources!”

Pet Sitter Frequently Asked Questions

  • The length of a house sitting assignment can vary depending on the homeowner's needs and travel plans. We’ve seen house sits range anywhere from one day to several months. When an owner posts a listing, you can see their travel dates. Additionally, most house sitting

  • Yes, although less abundant, there are house sitting opportunities that don't involve pets. While some homeowners may need someone to take care of their pets while they're away, others may simply need someone to look after their home and property. This could involve tasks such as checking the mail, watering plants, and maintaining the house and garden.

  • The short answer is that it depends. Whether you can bring your pet with you on an assignment or not is up to the pet owner’s preference and their pet’s own personality and needs. Read more about this topic here.

  • Dogs and cats are by far the most common pets to house sit for, but other pets such as birds, fish, farm animals, lizards, and more are in need of caring pet sitters too. Just keep in mind that you should only apply to care for animals that you are comfortable and qualified to care for.

Read more frequently asked questions for pet sitters here.

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