A guide to house sitting during coronavirus

The Covid-19 pandemic worldwide has certainly brought a lot of uncertainty to everybody’s lives and has disrupted plenty of house and pet sitting plans. To help you out we’ve pulled together a short guide detailing some frequently asked questions, plus some tips on how to prepare for a house sit – or a dog or a cat sit – that will give you peace of mind.

Tips for house sitting during coronavirus

Preparing for a sit during the Covid-19 pandemic

It’s important now more than ever to ensure a property has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before a sit takes place. This should be done using a cleaning solution with at least 60% alcohol content, paying close attention to any frequently touched hotspots such as light switches, door handles and remote controls. 

Please refer to our full official cleaning guide on how to prepare for a sit during coronavirus. 

Communicating safely

Thorough planning and continued communication is key to a safe and successful house sit, particularly during the current climate due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

We recommend that pre-sit communication be done via a video calling platform such as Zoom, Skype, or via Facetime. Handovers should also be conducted virtually and where possible, keys should be left in a safe and secure place for a contact-free pick-up. 

In instances where this isn't possible, you should follow social distancing rules as governed by the country you are in. In these instances, if you can wear a mask, you should do so to further limit any potential spread. These steps should be discussed with your owner ahead of the handover, to make sure you are both comfortable before the sit takes place.

Taking precautions for house sitting during coronavirus

It’s important for both owners and sitters to have a plan B in case of any unforeseen circumstances, and to discuss this ahead of the sit. 

We would also suggest that both owners and sitters review their TrustedHousesitters safety contact, and update this where necessary. This is especially important in case of an emergency, or if your arrival or return becomes delayed. 

Check local Covid-19 restrictions before you travel

Government regulations will vary depending on where you are in the world, and for some, house sitting or travel will not be advised or permitted at the current time. Before applying for, or confirming a sit, it is advised to check with your country or local city’s Covid-19 guidelines, as it can be disappointing for all involved if a sit needs to be cancelled at the last minute due to either party not being able to commit. 

Finally, if you develop symptoms of coronavirus or feel unwell at any point before the sit (even if you don’t suspect you have the coronavirus), you should stay at home until you feel fit and healthy. 

Related article: House sitting during coronavirus: members share their stories

Tips for pet sitting during the Covid-19 pandemic

If it’s safe to travel, you don’t have any symptoms of Covid-19 and you’ve got a pet sitting assignment during the pandemic, we’ve got you covered. Remember that things can change any minute, to always check local guidelines and to not travel if you’re feeling unwell. But if all is well, here are a few useful tips for staying safe while cat and dog sitting during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Staying safe while pet sitting through the Covid-19 pandemic

First and foremost, always check local regulations regarding Covid-19 restrictions and regulations. Secondly, whilst pet sitting is much safer than travelling because you’re in control of your environment and will stay home looking after someone’s four-legged friends, you should always follow the rules as governed by the country you are in.

On top of that, these are some basic things you can do to protect yourself and everybody else if you are pet sitting during Covid-19:

• Do not travel to a pet sit if you are feeling unwell, or have any symptoms of coronavirus
• Try to arrange a contact-free handover where possible, for example leaving keys in a safe and secure place. For in-person handovers, be sure to stay safe and follow the latest advice, and wear a mask if you are able to
• Continue good hygiene practices, such as:
  - Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after being outside, and leaving your shoes at the door
  - Using hand sanitiser while walking the pet you’re sitting
  - Keep surfaces and spaces clean and sanitised
• Keep an open communication channel. This goes for both the pet sitter and the pet owner. Find out how they feel about the sit, let them know what plans you have, if things get worse or you need to change your travel plans. 
• If the pet sitter feels unwell due to Covid, they should inform TrustedHousesitters who will be able to step in and help.
• As a pet owner, make sure you leave emergency funds for your pet sitter before you leave. They may be needed to stock up on extra pet supplies in case you are delayed returning home, or top-up pet medication from the vets. Please check there is enough cat litter, pet food, etc before going away. 
• Leave an emergency contact, always. 
• Agree on a backup plan to cover any delays, illness or quarantines. 

How to meet and greet during coronavirus

When conducting your handover, try to arrange a virtual meet and greet via video call. Ask all the questions and concerns you may have regarding Covid-19. 

Try to arrange for a contactless exchange of keys if possible. This can be done by the owner leaving their keys in a safe location for you – a safe box, for example. If you are meeting in person, continue to follow your local government’s advice on social distancing and mask-wearing, and keep a bottle of hand sanitiser nearby. 

Travel advice for pet sitters

Travelling increases the risk of catching coronavirus because you’re interacting with more spaces, people and situations than if you stayed home. So, to reduce risk: 

• Wash your hands or use a hand sanitiser
• Do not touch your face
• Wear a mask if you can

Have other people been going on house sits?

Yes, they have. We’ve helped to facilitate a number of safe and successful house sits for our members since lockdown. Here are a few quotes from our members who’ve recently completed a sit…

'Cassandra, our first sitter was excellent - indeed exceeded all expectations. She threw herself into Cotswold life with gusto, making good friends with our neighbours and undertaking all sorts of unexpected tasks. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her, and couldn't recommend her strongly enough. She is eager, adaptable, caring and very capable. Also, the process worked seamlessly, despite the problems of Covid-19.' - Rupert

'Sarah and Steve took great, conscientious care of all our animals and home while we were on holiday with our family. They are very experienced house-sitters which was very reassuring. We were able to ‘meet’ via WhatsApp (because of Covid) and they arrived the day before we left which gave us time to show them around, introduce the dogs and cats and settle them in. Sarah and Steve sent photos and updates each day, and prepared a delicious fruit salad for when we returned.' - Diana

'Stephane and Cassie were wonderful house and dog sitters. They were extremely attentive to our pets and we really enjoyed their company too. They’ve travelled a lot so it was great to hear their stories and chat about Canada, Covid, the world, music, movies, culture, etc! A really lovely couple, we wish them well in their travels and hope to stay in touch and meet up with them in the future.' - Kalpana

Need further advice? You can also check out our full guide for owners or our full guide for sitters, or reach out to your friendly Membership Services team.