Being a house and pet sitter offers a unique glimpse into the lives of others while providing a valuable service. It’s more than just taking care of someone else’s home and pets. It’s about exploring unique places and forming connections with new pets.
In this blog, I’ll share what it’s really like to be a house and pet sitter—my daily routines and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re considering house and pet sitting yourself or just curious about the experience, I hope my insights offer a helpful perspective.
How I Became a House and Pet Sitter
For the past few months, I’ve been exploring the world as a house and pet sitter. This opportunity emerged when I was looking for affordable accommodations to avoid the high costs of hotels and Airbnb during my travels. Since retiring about a year ago, I’ve been traveling frequently, and the expenses were becoming significant.
As a pet parent to my beloved Toy Aussie, Shadow, becoming a house and pet sitter seemed like the perfect solution for an animal lover like me. It allows me to visit different places and spend quality time with various furry friends.
After researching various options, I found the TrustedHousesitters platform. While there are many house and pet sitting platforms available, I chose TrustedHousesitters for its strong reputation and reliability.
Despite being one of the more expensive choices, its longstanding presence and positive reviews made it a trustworthy option. Through this platform, I’ve been able to combine my passion for travel with my love for animals, making each house and pet sitting experience unique and rewarding.
Highlights
Being a house and pet sitter offers a unique and rewarding experience that goes beyond simply staying in someone else’s home. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s really like:
1. Diverse Environments
Each house and pet sitting assignment is different. So, you’ll find yourself in various neighborhoods and homes, from cozy cottages to modern apartments. This variety keeps things interesting and offers a chance to explore new places.
2. Connection with Pets
One of the highlights of being a house and pet sitter is the bond you form with the pets. Whether you’re cuddling with a cat or playing fetch with a dog, these interactions can be incredibly fulfilling. You quickly grow attached to them, and the love and trust from animals are truly special.
3. Great Workspace
If you work remotely or simply need a quiet place to relax and unwind, house and pet sitting offers an excellent option. Many homeowners have dedicated office spaces that you can use, providing a comfortable and productive environment.
Often, you can set up your computer and may even have the opportunity to connect your laptop to an external monitor. This setup makes it easy to stay focused on work while enjoying the comforts of a home rather than a noisy café or cramped hotel room.
4. Enjoying the Comforts of a Home
One of the main benefits of being a house and pet sitter is having the entire house to yourself. Unlike staying in a small hotel room or hostel, you also get to cook your own meals and enjoy the spaciousness of a regular home. This extra comfort and freedom make the experience even more rewarding.
Things to Be Aware
When house and pet sitting, there are several key aspects to be aware of to ensure a successful and stress-free experience:
1. Daily Routines
Your daily routine can vary greatly depending on the pets and the household. Therefore, you might start your day with a dog walk, feed and play with cats, or take care of other small animals. Each pet has its own needs and habits, which means you’ll need to adapt quickly.
2. Responsibilities
As a house and pet sitter, you have significant responsibilities. You manage pets’ care routines, including feeding, exercise, and medication, to keep them healthy and happy. Additionally, you handle home maintenance tasks like cleaning, trash removal, and watering plants.
Therefore, addressing any issues related to the pets or the home is essential to ensure the property remains in good condition for the homeowners’ return.
3. Limited Independence and Flexibility
House and pet sitting provides significant independence and flexibility. You can set your own schedule within the pet care requirements and enjoy working from different locations. It’s a fantastic way to travel and experience new environments without the constraints of traditional accommodations.
However, this role also comes with limited independence, especially if you’re caring for animals that require constant attention, like dogs. You need to carefully plan your outings and errands to avoid being away from the home or pets for too long. If you need to be gone for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time regularly, house and pet sitting might not be the best fit for you.
If you do need to be away for a few hours, coordinate with the pet owners to find the best way to manage the pets’ needs during your absence. This will help prevent any stress or discomfort for the animals and ensure they remain secure and well-cared-for.
Key Tips for Being a Responsible House and Pet Sitter
1. Be in Good Communication with Your Pet Parents
Establish clear and open lines of communication with the pet owners before and during your house and pet sitting assignment. Regular updates about the pets’ well-being and any issues with the home help build trust and reassure the owners that their pets and property are in good hands. This includes informing them of any changes in the pets’ behavior, health, or any maintenance issues that arise.
2. Leave the House in Clean and Orderly Condition
Treat the home with the same respect and care you would your own. This means keeping the house tidy, handling household chores as instructed, and making sure everything is in its place before the owners return.
Clean up after yourself and the pets, including taking out the trash, doing dishes, and ensuring that the home is in the condition you found it.
3. Ensure Pets Are Well-Cared For
Pets, especially those with anxiety or special needs, need regular care and attention. To provide the best care, read the welcome guide thoroughly and follow the pet parents’ instructions carefully. This includes adhering to feeding schedules, exercise routines, and medication needs.
Additionally, spend quality time with the pets to provide affection and reduce stress. Consistent and loving care helps keep pets happy and comfortable while their owners are away.
The Realities of House and Pet Sitting
Being a house and pet sitter provides a unique and rewarding experience. You enjoy the comfort of a real home while caring for beloved pets, forming meaningful bonds with them.
While the role does come with challenges, such as the need to stay close to the pets and not be away for long periods, the joy of interacting with different animals and the satisfaction of offering excellent care far outweigh these difficulties. Overall, it’s a fulfilling opportunity that blends travel, home comfort, and a special connection with pets.
Take a look at my related post on how to be a responsible pet owner. It’s got great tips to help you care for your furry friends!
