When we first started house sitting, we made the classic mistake of putting all our eggs in one basket.
We signed up for a single platform and waited patiently for opportunities to come our way.
What we quickly realised was that spreading our search across multiple channels dramatically increased our chances of finding the perfect house sit.
The Online Platform Landscape
Most house sits today are found through dedicated websites, and there’s quite a variety to choose from.
Each platform has its own personality and strengths, so we’ve found it’s worth exploring several to see which ones resonate with you.
The Major Players
Trusted House Sitters has become something of a household name in the house sitting world, and for good reason. With its massive global community, you’ll find opportunities everywhere from city apartments to countryside estates. The catch? Because it’s so popular, you need to be quick off the mark. Each listing only accepts five applications, so when you see something you love, don’t hesitate.
For our friends down under, Aussie House Sitters has been the go-to platform since 2004. It’s the largest house sitting site in Australia, and they’ve expanded their family to include sister sites in Canada, the USA, the UK, and New Zealand. We’ve had some great experiences through their network.
For $10 off your Aussie House Sitters membership, use code 79FQ5L.
Nomador began its journey in France but has since grown into an international platform with some truly thoughtful features. Their secure messaging system and comprehensive profiles make it easier to build genuine connections with homeowners before you even meet.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of history, House Carers was a pioneer in this space, launching the first international house-sitting platform back in 2000. They’ve been quietly connecting people ever since, and we’ve found their community to be particularly welcoming.
Mind My House and House Sit Match both offer global opportunities with their unique approaches. House Sit Match particularly appeals to us because they really understand that house sitting is about both home and pet care, with members spanning 120 countries.
For those with a taste for the finer things, Luxury House Sitting specialises in upscale properties. We’ve browsed their listings with a fair bit of envy, we must admit.
Caretaker Gazette takes a slightly different approach, focusing on various caretaking opportunities beyond just house sitting. It’s well-regarded for those seeking something a bit more unique or long-term.
Beyond the Digital World
While online platforms dominate the house sitting landscape, we’ve discovered that some of our most memorable sits have come through more traditional channels.
The Power of Personal Connections
Word of mouth remains incredibly powerful in the house sitting community.
Once you’ve completed a few house sits successfully, recommendations will naturally start flowing.
We’ve found that homeowners often prefer working with someone who comes personally recommended, and fellow house sitters are usually generous with referrals when they can’t take on a sit themselves.
Local Opportunities
Don’t overlook your immediate surroundings.
Local community bulletin boards, newspapers, and online forums often feature house sitting opportunities from people who prefer to keep things close to home.
These local sits can be perfect for testing the waters if you’re new to house sitting.
The Social Media Connection
Facebook groups dedicated to house sitting have become treasure troves of opportunities and advice.
The sense of community in these groups is wonderful, with both homeowners and house sitters sharing experiences, tips, and opportunities. We’ve made genuine friendships through these online communities.
Getting Out and About
Sometimes the best opportunities come from face-to-face conversations.
Travel shows, pet exhibitions, and home and garden events attract exactly the sort of people who might need house sitters. We’ve struck up conversations at such events that have led to wonderful sitting opportunities months later.
Building Professional Relationships
Local pet care businesses can be unexpected allies in your house sitting journey.
Veterinarians, grooming salons, and pet supply stores often have clients who travel frequently and might need house sitting services. Building relationships with these businesses can lead to referrals.
Creating Your Own Presence
We’ve seen some house sitters create simple personal websites that showcase their experience and approach.
It’s not essential, but it can help you stand out when homeowners are weighing up their options. Think of it as your house sitting portfolio.
Finding Your Perfect Match
The beauty of having so many options is that you can experiment to find what works best for you.
We’ve found that different platforms attract different types of homeowners and opportunities. Some are better for short-term city breaks, others excel at longer rural stays.
What we’ve learned over the years is that success in house sitting isn’t just about finding opportunities – it’s about finding the right opportunities. The platform that works brilliantly for your friends might not be the best fit for you, and that’s perfectly fine.
Start with one or two platforms that appeal to you, get comfortable with how they work, and then gradually expand your search.
Before you know it, you’ll have developed your own network and approach that feels natural and effective.