Over the years, we’ve had countless conversations with homeowners about what homeowners look for in a great house sitter.
You might think it’s all about having a spotless track record or being an animal whisperer, but the reality is both more straightforward and more nuanced than that.
We decided to dig deeper and asked a diverse group of homeowners to share what they truly value when choosing someone to care for their home and beloved pets.
What we discovered might surprise you – and it’ll help you craft applications that get noticed.
Trust is the Foundation
Here’s the thing about house sitting: at its core, it’s about trust.
Homeowners are handing over the keys to their sanctuary and entrusting you with what they love most. When we spoke to homeowners, this came up again and again.
They’re looking for people who show up when they say they will and leave when they’re supposed to. It sounds basic, but you’d be amazed how many house sitters create stress by being vague about arrival times or asking to extend their stay at the last minute.
What impresses homeowners is consistent communication.
A quick message to confirm or update your travel plans on any minor issues shows you’re taking responsibility seriously. They want to feel confident that if something does go wrong, you’ll handle it properly and keep them informed.
Genuine Pet Love
If they have them, most homeowners care more about their pets than their possessions.
Their four-legged family members aren’t just animals; they’re cherished companions with personalities, quirks, and routines that matter enormously.
Homeowners look for someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with animals, rather than someone who views pet care as a chore to endure for free accommodation.
They want house sitters who’ll give their pets proper attention, not just the bare minimum of food and water.
If the role involves energetic dogs that require long walks or multiple daily outings, they need to know you’re physically capable of it.
Similarly, if they have cats that love interactive play or rabbits with specific care requirements, they want someone who will embrace these responsibilities rather than see them as inconveniences.
One thing that homeowners absolutely love is receiving updates about their pets.
A photo of their dog enjoying a walk or a quick message about their cat’s amusing antics can make their holiday so much more relaxing.
Experience Helps, But It’s Not Everything
Whilst many homeowners prefer house sitters with solid references and previous experience, we’ve found that first-time sitters can succeed if they approach things the right way.
Strong references from previous sits do carry weight – they show you’ve been trusted before and that homeowners were happy enough to recommend you. If previous homeowners have invited you back, that’s gold star territory.
However, don’t despair if you’re just starting out.
Some homeowners are perfectly willing to give newcomers a chance, especially if you can demonstrate your reliability in other areas of life or show genuine enthusiasm for their particular situation.
A thoughtful conversation often matters more than a lengthy track record.
Communication is Vital
Your first interaction with a homeowner sets the tone for everything that follows. Generic, copy-and-paste applications are easily identified and typically deleted just as quickly.
Homeowners want to see that you’ve taken the time to thoroughly read their listing.
Mention their pets by name, ask specific questions about routines, or comment on something interesting about their location. It shows you’re paying attention and treating their request as unique rather than just another opportunity.
Video calls have become increasingly important in the selection process.
Homeowners want to get a sense of who you are as a person and whether you’ll be a good fit for their home environment. Come prepared with thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in both the practical aspects and the local area.
Slow response times are a real pet peeve for homeowners. They often juggle multiple applications and make time-sensitive travel arrangements. If you take days to respond to messages, they’ll assume you’ll be equally unreliable during the sit.
Practical Considerations Matter
Every home and situation is unique, and homeowners often have specific preferences tailored to their individual circumstances.
Some favour couples over solo sitters because there’s built-in backup if someone falls ill or has an emergency.
Others specifically want solo sitters for smaller spaces or more anxious pets. Neither preference is right or wrong – it’s about finding the right match.
Location plays a role, too. If you’re applying for rural house sits, having your own transport can be crucial. Urban locations might be more accessible by public transport, but homeowners still want to know that you can navigate their area confidently.
Cleanliness and tidiness matter more than you might think.
Homeowners aren’t expecting professional cleaning services, but they do want their home treated with respect. Someone who leaves dishes piling up or doesn’t bother to hoover occasionally will quickly find themselves without repeat invitations.
Red Flags That Can Sink Your Chances
Throughout our conversations, certain red flags emerged repeatedly. House sitters who seem more interested in Wi-Fi speeds than pet care routines raise immediate concerns about priorities.
Expecting to bring additional family members or friends without discussing it upfront is another major issue. Homeowners have agreed to specific people staying in their home, and surprises aren’t welcome.
Perhaps most importantly, homeowners can sense when someone views house sitting purely as free accommodation rather than a genuine exchange of services. If your application focuses more on what you’ll get out of the arrangement than what you’ll contribute, you’re unlikely to be successful.
Making Yourself Irresistible to Homeowners
Understanding what homeowners want is only half the battle – the other half is presenting yourself in a way that naturally and authentically addresses these needs.
Focus on building genuine connections during your communications.
Ask about the pets’ personalities, their favourite activities, and any particular care requirements. Demonstrate that you’re considering their well-being and comfort, not just your own travel plans.
Be upfront about your experience level, but emphasise your enthusiasm and reliability. A first-timer who’s clearly done their research and asks thoughtful questions can be more appealing than an experienced sitter who sends generic applications.
Remember that house sitting is ultimately about relationships – the relationship between you and the homeowner, and the relationship between you and their pets.
When homeowners feel confident about both of these connections, everything else falls into place naturally.
The most successful house sitters we know understand that they’re not just providing a service; they’re becoming temporary guardians of what homeowners hold most dear.
When you approach each opportunity with that level of care and responsibility, you’ll find that homeowners notice – and they’ll want you looking after their precious homes and pets again and again.