How do I secure my first sit? How to start pet sitting

Want to get your pet sitting adventure started, but not sure what to do to get that first leap off the ground? Here we explore the key steps on how to become a pet sitter, and how to secure your first sit with TrustedHousesitters. Take a look below for tips on setting up your pet sitting profile, writing your application message, and the importance of reviews.

First, make sure you’re signed up

The first and most important step when you’re getting to grips with how to start pet sitting and how to get started with pet sitting is to make sure you’re signed up to this pet sitting community. With a membership (covered by an annual membership fee), you’ll be able to explore thousands of worldwide house sits.

You’ll then be able to apply to as many as you like, connect with pet parents (and their furry family members), and stay in homes around the world, exchanging pet care for unique homestays at no extra cost.

If you’re not part of the community yet but you’re keen to know more so that you can get your pet sitting adventure started, click below for more information on how it all works.

Choose your membership plan

As we’ve mentioned, you’ll need to be a member of this pet-loving community to become a pet sitter, and secure your first sit. So if you’re not already, here’s some info on the sitter plans that you can choose from.

All of our sitter plans allow sitters to choose from thousands of worldwide house sits, just for one annual membership fee. Then, depending on whether you opt for our Standard or Premium plan, you could also benefit from…

• 24/7 vet advice line during sits
• Dedicated member support
• Accident and third party liability plan
• Two global airport lounge passes
• Sit cancellation plan

To find the plan that’s right for you, explore our sitter plans below so that you can become a pet sitter and secure your first sit.

Key steps to become a pet sitter

You might already know that there are multiple ways you can start pet sitting - from the professional pet sitting route to local pet sitting services, or dog walking that includes feeding and basic pet care.

It’s certainly worth exploring your options, and if you love travel as much as you do pets, a platform like TrustedHousesitters is super helpful for connecting you with all kinds of incredible homes and pets. 

Something TrustedHousesitters members love about the platform is that nothing is exchanged between sitters and pet parents - other than loving pet care and a cool place to stay in all kinds of locations.

If you’re new to pet sitting or you haven’t got much experience with animals, you could complete a short online course, but you certainly don’t have to. The main thing pet owners want to know is that you’ll provide loving pet care while they’re away, and can be trusted to look after their home. Yup, you don’t need a pet sitting business to look after the dogs, cats, horses and llamas here at TrustedHousesitters!

So to get you on your way to finding your first pet sit, take a look below to make note of the key steps you’ll need to take.

Key steps to secure your first sit

• Perfect your house sitting profile. Your profile is your chance to demonstrate why you’re the right fit for pets, homes and owners. So describe why you want to house sit, your experience, pets you’ve cared for, any relevant (but non-essential) qualifications like pet first aid, the kinds of places that interest you, and your availability. And of course, don’t be afraid to add a good dose of your unique personality!
• References. Get glowing character references for owners to see - simply follow these simple steps to request your references.
• Be flexible. It’s worth applying to multiple sits and trying to be as flexible with your dates as possible. That way, you’re even more likely to secure your first house sit.
• Personalise your application message. Make it clear you’ve read the owner’s listing, tailoring your message to the pet parents and their furry family members. Be honest and let your personality shine through.
• Prepare for your interview. It’s likely that pet parents will want to meet online (or in person, location permitting) to see what the person they’re trusting with their home and pets is like. Come prepared to talk about your experience, and all of your best interpersonal traits.
• Start local. To gain experience and build up the reviews from owners on your TrustedHousesitters profile, apply to local sits.
• Start small. Depending on your experience with pets, it might be worth starting with a slightly simpler sit, or a sit with no applications.

Tips from successful pet sitters on how to start pet sitting

Below find house sitting tips for first timers from real pet sitters who have been house and pet sitting for some time, and are well-versed in finding house sits they love.

“Apply for a local sit and offer to meet the homeowner and pets. Apply for a last minute sit - homeowners will be very grateful.” - Silversitters

“I would also add to your profile - some lovely photos of your whole family interacting with pets, as this gives pet parents a lovely sense of who you are.” - Therese

“Mention your flexibility in your profile and if at all possible update your calendar to show your availability.” - Twitcher

“Try to apply to less attractive sits and during peak holiday seasons. Our first sit was in Italy during Christmas” - Timmy

“There is a high demand for sitters around the holidays. Keep applying, look for short sits, last minute sits and local sits, especially where you would be able to meet the owners beforehand.” mars

“Persistence is key. Also try going for local or less popular location sits to begin with to hopefully build your feedback.” - richten1

Useful resources

• How to write the perfect house sitter profile
• How to write your house sitting application message
• 10 tips on how to become a house sitter
• How to become a pet sitter with no experience