How to Get Started with Pet Sitting and Travel the World for Free
Imagine traveling the world and being able to stay in beautiful homes in great locations for free! How is this possible, you say…let me introduce house and pet sitting! Pet sitting is an incredible way to explore new destinations, save on accommodation costs, and experience local cultures firsthand. If you’re wondering how to get started, keep reading and I’ll will walk you through all the basics that you need to know!
What is Pet Sitting?
Pet and house sitting is a service where a sitter takes care of a homeowner’s pets and property while they are away. In exchange, sitters receive free accommodation. It’s a win-win: homeowners get peace of mind knowing their pets and home are in safe hands, and sitters enjoy being able to explore new destinations at a fraction of the cost.
Steps to Start Pet Sitting
1. Choose the Right Pet Sitting Platform
There are several platforms where you can find pet sitting gigs. Some of the most popular include:
- TrustedHouseSitters – this is my personal favourite, it is used extensively in the UK, Europe, the US and has moderate use in Australia and New Zealand. The app is also super user-friendly. Membership ranges between $109 – $229 AUD per year. You can get 25% off using this registration link.
- Aussie House Sitters – popular in Australia and I have had success on this platform as well, although it’s not as user-friendly as TrustedHouseSitters. They also have sister companies for the UK and New Zealand. Membership costs $84 AUD per year. You can get $10 off using the code E2JKBS when signing up.
- Nomador – I haven’t personally used this site but it is popular in Europe, offering both short and long-term sits. Membership ranges between €139 – €179 per year.
- MindMyHouse – also haven’t used this site but they offer the most affordable membership with a smaller community. Membership costs $29 USD per year.
It is worth doing your research on which site best suits what you’re looking for before signing up…look into which locations are most popular, the length of time and of course the membership costs. I would recommend sticking to 1 or 2 sites, as the admin of managing multiple accounts could get tricky otherwise.
2. Create an Outstanding Profile
Once you’ve decided which sites best suit your needs, it’s time to create your sitter profile! Your profile is your first impression to home owners, so it’s important to make it count! Make sure you include:
- A warm and engaging introduction
- Your experience with pet care and house sitting
- References or testimonials from previous sits you’ve done (or from friends/family if you’ve looked after their pets before)
- Your availability (make sure you keep this up to date!) and the locactions you’re ideally looking for sits in
- Photos of you with pets!
3. Apply for Your First Sit
When applying for a sit, make sure you personalise your message, as this is a sure fire way to get the homeowners attention and show you’ve actually read their listing. I always like to include the owners and pets names at a minimum. Show enthusiasm for the home and pets, highlight relevant experience, and be professional and reliable. Depending on your mode of transport (eg. car or public transport), make sure you check where the home is located so you can plan your travel if successful.
I’ve shared an application template that has secured me 20+ sits, along with other tips to land your first sit, in my Ultimate Guide to Pet and House Sitting.
4. Prepare for Your Sit
Once accepted (yay!), communicate clearly with the homeowner about arrival and departure plans, pet routines, house rules, and emergency contacts.
Pet sitting is an exciting way to travel affordably while caring for adorable pets. Want to learn all the insider tips and tricks? Download my Ultimate Guide to Pet and House Sitting and start your adventure today!
The Ultimate Guide to Pet and House Sitting
Pet and house sitting is an incredible way to travel the world affordably while experiencing new cultures and making furry friends. Whether you’re looking to cut down on accommodation costs or simply love the idea of caring for pets in different locations, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started! Sign up for the Seek.Flourish.Bloom newsletter and get instant access to your free copy of the Ultimate Guide to Pet and House Sitting!
