A cozy holiday homestay, a fluffy new pal (or two) at your side... it's true, there's nothing quite as magical as house sitting over the holidays.
If you're considering jetting off this festive season, you may be wondering how to cut through the proverbial tinsel and secure yourself the holiday house sit of your dreams.
Here your Community Manager, Angela Laws, shares her top tips for putting your best ‘elf’ forward - from how to write the perfect application message to crafting a sitter profile that sparkles brighter than a Christmas tree. Notepads at the ready!
1. Start your search early
Too early to talk 'festive'? Not when it comes to finding a holiday house sit! The holidays are a busy time for sitters and pet parents alike, so it's always a good idea to start your search early and begin applying as soon as possible to avoid any house sit FOMO.
With the festive season looming, lots of pet parents are already on the lookout for their holiday house sitter - meaning the festive season is often one of the best times for new or first-time sitters to land their first house sit.
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Angela’s top tip: “You can apply for multiple sits at a time, and this is the best way to apply over the holidays. You’re only committed to the sit once you and the pet parent have spoken and both clicked ‘confirm’. So until then, cast your net wide and apply for any and all sits that catch your eye."
2. Make sure your sitter profile is up to scratch
Before you hit that all-important ‘apply’ button, you’ll need to make sure your sitter profile is sparkling brighter than a Christmas tree. So, take some time to write a great sitter profile, apply for your free ID and background checks, and don't forget to add some great photos of you looking your best (including a couple of you with pets!).
Adding at least three references to your profile can increase your chances of landing a house sit by 20%, so think about who made it onto your ‘nice list’ this year, send them a reference request, and see what Santa brings you!
Angela’s top tip: “Do you have any festive photos of you and a pet from a past holiday? This time of year, consider adding them to your profile. It’ll help pet parents visualize you in their home, caring for their pets over the holidays.”
3. Write a great application message
Found the holiday house sit of your dreams? It's time to write a brilliant application message - one that will really stand out to the pet parents.
While it can be tempting to copy and paste, personalizing your application message is one of the best ways to really stand out from the crowd. Refer to the pet parent and their pets by name, pick out things they've mentioned in their listing, and focus on what you can do to help.
Angela’s top tip: “Pet parents need to feel reassured that you're the right person to care for their pets and home. So, rather than explain why you want the sit, tell them why they’d want you!”
4. Be flexible with your dates
The holidays can be a particularly hectic time of year for travel. So, try to be as flexible as possible with your arrival and departure dates, and if possible, arrange to arrive a day or two before the sit so that you and the pet parent have time to meet.
5. Communicate!
It’s always important to have good communication when house sitting, but especially over the busy holiday season!
Over the holidays, pet parents are eager to find a great sitter as soon as possible, and having good communication will give you that extra edge. Respond quickly, and once you've confirmed your sit, remember to exchange personal contact details - the more ways you have to communicate, the better.
Angela's top tip: "While on your sit, remember to send the pet parent regular pupdates and photos of their pets, so they can enjoy their holidays with total peace of mind..”
What about after the sit?
Once your pet sitting journey has begun, you won't look back! So, to show your appreciation to the lovely pet parents in your life, how about leaving behind a gift as a token of appreciation? Leaving the best impression you can is one sure way to return time and time again to your favorite locations and of course, new fluffy friends! While taking great care of the pets and home is your priority, if gifting is up your street, check out these lovely gifts for dog moms or these top gifts for cat lovers.
And remember, if you need any more help or advice, there’s a whole community of experienced sitters ready to lend their expertise. Just head on over to our forum and introduce yourself to get started. Or, if you're feeling ready to get start your festive pet sitting adventure, then...
