How to create the perfect owner listing

Creating a thorough owner listing with plenty of pictures and information is key to securing the perfect sitter for your home and pet.

Of course, it can be hard to know how to get started. That's why we’ve put together this handy guide for your reference, so that when you’re creating your owner listing, you know exactly what it takes to get your listing to stand out to potential trustworthy sitters...

We also asked our sitters themselves to add some of their tips. Yup, informed by our community forum filled with experienced members, we’re serving up advice on how to make your listing stand out.

1. About you

First things first: it's time for the introductions! This section, under 'About you' in your dashboard, is your opportunity to introduce yourself and your pets, and explain why you’re looking for a house sitter.

Here are some things to consider when writing your introduction:

• When did you move to the area/your house?
• A brief overview of your house and location — for example, are you in a city apartment, or a three-bedroom family home with sea views? 
• A little bit about you. Things you might want to include could be what you do for a living, how often and why you travel and your hobbies.
• Why are looking for a sitter?

Telling potential sitters a little more about yourself means you’re more likely to draw in like-minded people who enjoy the same things you do. This can be the toughest part — but remember, you’re an expert on all of these things! You needn’t worry if you’re not a natural-born writer, as long as you’re thorough and factual in your description, you’ll be on the right track to a great listing. 

Now, let's delve into the other sections of your owner listing...

2. Your home & location

In this section, you can let potential sitters know a little more about where they'll be staying. The more information on your home and the surrounding area you can give, the better — try to think about what you would want to know about a place you were going to be staying.

Things you may want to include could be:

• The type of property, its features and amenities
• Where exactly the sitter will be staying. For example, is there a spare room, or limitations on where they will have access to?)
• Any stand-out features about your home — do you have a large garden, outstanding views or maybe even a swimming pool?
• Remember to mention if you have any security alarms or cameras installed

It’s also useful for sitters to know about local attractions, transport links and things to do:

• How far is your home from the airport or transport links?
• Are there shops within walking distance?
• Do they need a car?
• Is there parking at the property?
• Can they walk dogs directly from the property?
• Where is the nearest supermarket located?
• Will they have internet and television access (Netflix, Sky etc.) while they are there?
• Any tourist attractions or recommendations for what they might like to do while they’re there?
• Are there good hikes nearby, a specific beach they should visit or a town they can visit? Let them know!

Make sure you also fill out additional information on your home and location by selecting the tags that apply in the ‘Your Home’ and 'Your Location' sections of your dashboard. This will make it easier for sitters to quickly identify what type of sit they can expect. 

3. Your photos

'Your home' section is also the place to add some great internal and external photos. You'll need to add a minimum of 5 photos, but the more photos, the better. Sitters like to be able to see exactly where they’ll be staying, and who they’ll be caring for. So, show off your pets and home with clear photos that will entice the right type of potential sitter — and make sure to include the kitchen, bedroom, living spaces, bathrooms and garden. You can add more photos of your pets in the next section, too.

Most phone cameras take good enough photos, so no need to worry if you don’t have fancy camera equipment! If you’re not too handy with a camera, you could ask a friend or family member to help you too.

As standard, try to make sure any photo you’re uploading is clear and of good quality. For more information on what type of photos to include, check out our blog on how to choose the perfect photos for your owner listing. 

*Tip from experienced sitter: sitters need to see as many clear and bright photos of your home as possible. Include snaps of each room, the garden and the outside of your house or apartment - this will allow sitters to make an informed choice about whether to apply for your sit. Without clear photos, sitters may pass your listing by, and move onto another that’s more upfront.

4. Your pets

Now, it's time to let potentials sitters know all about who they'll be spending their time with! In this section, select the pets you have and then, add their name(s) and breed(s). And don't forget to add a photo, so that sitters can put an (adorable) face to the name!

*Tip from experienced sitter: It’s best to be open and honest about your pet’s personality - it’ll help attract sitters who can best handle your pets’ ways, giving them the care they really need.

You can add more information about your pets in the responsibilities section, which we'll go into next.

5. Your sitter's responsibilities

In this section, you’ll need to tell sitters about the pets they will be caring for and exactly what you are expecting from them while they are there. Outlining your pet care requirements and expectations thoroughly at this point is beneficial in the long run, as sitters that apply will know exactly what you expect of them while on the house sit. This is also a great opportunity for you to write about your pet and their personality! As fellow animal-lovers, sitters love reading about the pets they could be meeting.

Information you could put in this section includes:

• What are your pet's daily routines? Think about their feeding schedule, required walks and for how long, and the amount of time your sitters need to spend day-to-day with your pets
• Where do your pets sleep?
• If cats, are they indoor or outdoor?
• If dogs, how well are they socialized?
• Does your pet need medication or require any special care?
• Are they rescues, seniors or still young?
• Are you looking for sitters with any particular pet care skills? 
• Describe the personality of your pets — are there any behavioural traits that your sitter should be aware of?
• Can your pets be left alone and for how long?

You can also include information on any additional household responsibilities you might require:

• Watering plants or garden
• Picking up the mail
• Taking the bins out and any recycling instructions

6. Your listing title

Along with your main listing image, your listing title is the first thing a sitter will see when they're searching for a house and pet sit. So, use attention-grabbing headlines to draw in potential sitters and think about the type of language that would draw you in if you were a sitter.

Consider the following questions: 

• What about your home and pets could appeal to sitters?
• What stands out about your house or location — do you have incredible countryside views, a swimming pool, or perhaps you’re in a central city location? 
• What type of pet will they be looking after, and how many?

Trusted tip: Aim to make your title something that can be used over and over for every set of dates posted, rather than including the sit dates in your title. Don't worry - your dates will be clearly visible on the 'find a sit' page either way.

Here are a few examples of attention-grabbing titles:

'Cute dog in California's "Spanish Village by the Sea"'

'Modern house in very rural setting with well-behaved dogs'

'Garden oasis with four feline friends'

Trusted tip: Stuck for inspiration? Keep it short and to the point by simply stating how many and what pets they’ll be caring for, and where. For example, ‘Pet sitter needed for 10 nights for three cats in New York City’. 

*Tip from experienced sitter: When writing your listing title, draw on the key features that’ll appeal to sitters, i.e. your pets, home type and location. It’s best not to include your sit’s dates here or the time of year, as this is included in your listing anyway.

7. Add your dates!

Once you’ve completed your listing, you can add the dates you’ll be away for, and click ‘Save & Confirm’. Don't forget to include time for handovers and handbacks - if you need your sitter to arrive the day before, be sure to include that in your dates. And if your dates are approximate, don't worry - you can always amend them later. Just make sure the sitters are aware of that.

Got any more questions about creating your owner listing?

Creating your owner listing can be a completely new experience for some (especially if you've previously only used dog kennels), and that’s why we’re on hand to help. Visit your Community Forum for tips and advice, or get in touch with your friendly Membership Services, who will be more than happy to help you create the perfect owner listing.

Live with a pet in Denver, Seattle or Portland?

We’ve looked at the numbers, and it turns out that an enormous number of you own pets in either Portland, Denver or Seattle. So to pass the time before your next vacation, take a look at things to do in your local area below.

• Pet-friendly Portland OR: things to do in Portland with dogs
• Dog-friendly Denver CO: things to do in Denver with a dog
• The best dog-friendly places in Seattle