​​How to find reliable house sitters

As a pet parent, getting your ducks in a row before going away will include finding someone to take care of your precious pets. In the past you may have relied on a friend, family member, or boarding facility, but a trusted pet sitter will offer you the best of both worlds - that’s care and companionship for your furry friend in the comfort of their own home, plus peace of mind for pet parents like you. So, if finding the right person to take care of your home and pets while you’re away is your top priority, read on to discover how to find a reliable house sitter. 

Reliable house sitting sites

Step one of how to find a reliable house sitter is choosing a house sitting platform that is trustworthy. TrustedHousesitters makes the process of finding a reliable sitter easy, offering access to thousands of sitters along with member support and Home & Contents Protection (available on certain plans). For extra peace of mind, every house and pet sitter is required to complete an identity check and provide external references, and some also go through a criminal background check, which will appear on their profile. 

Plan ahead 

To maximize your chances of securing the most reliable house sitters, it’s best to plan in advance. Create your listing and provide your dates as soon as your trip is booked to give you a wider selection of available sitters to choose from and allow them time to make their own travel arrangements.

Be transparent

Make sure each potential house sitter understands exactly what they’re getting into - this is your best chance of finding a trusted pet sitter who’s up for the job.

• Describe your home and pets in detail. List your amenities and tell potential sitters about your pets’ personalities, quirks, and the things they love and hate. 
• Include clear photos of your home and pets in your listing.
• Explain any special skills or qualities you’re looking for in a house sitter.
• Don’t sugarcoat anything - if your furry friend tends to be unfriendly towards other dogs, it’s important to share this openly. Honesty ensures your sitter is fully prepared and can provide the best care possible. 
• Let sitters know if there will be visits from someone like a cleaner or gardener while you’re away. 

Clarify your expectations

• Be clear about what sitters can and can’t use in your home. Do you want them to help themselves to food in the fridge? Will you provide them with shampoo and conditioner? 
• Explain the sleeping arrangements (including where your pets sleep). 
• Give clear instructions about how to take care of your pet. How many walks a day does your pooch pal need? How often do your fish need feeding? Does your cat need any special medication? Remember that your sitter won’t be able to meet your expectations unless you tell them. 
• List other responsibilities such as watering the plants, and go into as much detail as possible. 

Vet the sitters 

While house sitting websites like TrustedHousesitters do as much as possible to ensure their members are reliable and trustworthy, you’ll still need to do your homework. It’s your job as a pet parent and homeowner to vet the sitters that apply to your sit - this means spending time going through the applications, reading their house sitter profiles, and checking through their reviews. 

After narrowing down your options to a few top choices, arrange a video call with each of your potential sitters. Prepare some questions for your call and be ready to answer any of theirs - remember that a trustworthy house sitter will want to understand everything in great detail. Oh, and don’t be afraid to arrange a chat with someone who hasn’t got any reviews yet - we all need to start somewhere! 

Prepare for the sit 

Once the sit is confirmed with your chosen sitter, you may wish to meet up before the sit starts. Asking them to arrive a couple of hours before you leave allows them to get comfortable with your home and pets while you’re still around, and gives them the chance to ask any other last-minute questions. 

You'll also need to provide sitters with a detailed guide on how to care for your home and pets. TrustedHousesitters members can simply fill out their Handbook, or you can make your own house sitter checklist. As well as leaving clear instructions, you’ll also need to advise on emergency protocols and give contact information for you and your vet.