Why You Might Want To Become a House Sitter

House sitting can both make you money and save you money. It can allow you to live or travel rent-free. Read on to find out if becoming a house sitter could benefit you.

The concept of housesitting has experienced incredible growth over the last couple of years. Considering how much money can be saved on rent, hotel bills or pet care, it is hardly surprising.

My partner and I have now carried out over one hundred housesits, both in our hometown and all over the world. We have stayed in all types of properties, from a six-million dollar house to a floating cabin bobbing around in a marina. Among various international sits, we have looked after a hacienda in Mexico, a bungalow next to Lake Ontario in Toronto, and an apartment in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Most Important Qualification for a House Sitter

The most important qualification to have in the housesitting game is a love of animals, as the majority of housesits involve the care of a beloved pet.

Instead of having to pay for kennels or catteries, pet owners have someone to care for their pets free of charge. Additionally, the pet remains in the security and comfort of its own home.

Many cats and dogs find being sent away extremely traumatic, and having someone move into their home eliminates this common problem.

Occasionally, a house sitter is required solely for security purposes, but these types of housesits are in the minority.

How Can Housesitting Benefit You?

The benefits to the house sitter are numerous. Between travels, my partner and I have housesat to avoid paying rent and utilities. If you are based in a major city as we are, it is likely that after a little time, you will be able to build up your clientele and housesit consistently. Over the course of a year, we have saved approximately $18,000 in rent and bills! That is a huge amount of savings.

Housesitting has allowed us to travel and visit places that we would not normally be able to experience due to the cost involved. We avoid hefty hotel bills, especially in the more expensive destinations of the world. Having access to a kitchen means that we can also save money on food.

In addition to the financial advantages, becoming part of the community and “living like a local” is far more preferable to staying in a featureless hotel. You have all the comforts and amenities of home. An added bonus for us is enjoying the company of a dog or cat for the duration of the stay.

Is Housesitting a Good Fit for You?

All kinds of people housesit.

Some, like ourselves, are digital nomads, working from wherever we happen to be in the world. Many retired people housesit, taking extended vacations and saving money on accommodations. Others choose to housesit for a week or two, using it as an opportunity to experience somewhere different. Finally, there are those who base themselves in one area and take advantage of a rent-free lifestyle.

How To Find Housesitting Jobs

There are many housesitting websites, including TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse, and House Carers.

CEO and founder of TrustedHousesitters, Andy Peck, says “A phenomenon that has swiftly evolved into a recognized low-cost vacation option for pet lovers who travel, housesitting is helping people realize their dream retirement and solo travelers enjoy the companionship of pets. It is also making sure families are able to enjoy an affordable break and helping to fill a pet-shaped hole for those that cannot have or may have lost their own.”

You Get To Choose Your Own Housesitting Gigs

Housesits primarily involve looking after a cat or dog, but we have also encountered llamas, donkeys, rabbits, snakes, rats, and even an ocelot requiring care! Obviously, it is up to you to choose the pets that you take care of based on a combination of your experience and preference.

Occasionally, especially on long-term housesits, a request will be made towards paying bills. Of all the sits that we have carried out, we have only chosen to contribute towards bills once and that was because it was a particularly attractive housesit.

It is no wonder the concept of housesitting is becoming so popular. Whether you choose to housesit for a cost-effective vacation or a long-term commitment, it can open up a whole world of possibilities while saving you a substantial amount of cash.

• 7 Easy-to-Start Pet Businesses
• 7 Ways To Travel the World for Free
• How Housesitting Can Cut Vacation Costs
• Can You Make Money Being a Dog Walker?

Reviewed January 2024