We are currently staring at a misty vineyard in Tuscany, sipping espresso, and freezing our toes off in the campervan, while our browser tabs are open to sunny boulevards, palm trees, and swimming pools that cost more than our entire net worth.
While we’ve spent the last few years hopping between Swiss chalets and Australian beach houses, there is one white whale we haven’t tackled yet: The United States. Specifically, the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
We haven’t been to America - yet. It’s not on our immediate roadmap as we navigate the winding roads of Europe. But, being the obsessive researchers we are, we’ve dived deep into the data.
It turns out, while New York City takes the crown as the highest search volume for house sitting in the world, Los Angeles follows as a very close second.
And let’s face it, LA is an incredible place. Millions of people visit each year to chase the sun and the stars. Since we get asked about it constantly by our community, we decided to compile everything we know from our research and our network of fellow sitters about landing a sit in the City of Angels.
The Reality of the LA Market
If you think the competition for a studio apartment in Berlin is fierce, wait until you see the house sitting landscape in California. Because NYC holds the top spot, the overflow naturally drifts to the West Coast.
However, the vibe is different. In NYC, you are likely looking at smaller apartments and cat sits. In LA? You are looking at sprawling properties, fenced yards, and potentially high-maintenance pooches.
From what we’ve gathered, the cost of living in LA is astronomical. This makes the value exchange of house sitting, free accommodation for pet care, incredibly high. If you want to understand the financial weight of this, check out our breakdown on how much house sitting costs in 2026. You aren’t just saving a few bucks; you’re saving thousands.
The Heavy Hitters: Platforms You Need
Since we haven’t physically set foot in California, we rely on the experiences of our peers and the sheer numbers. If you are serious about securing a sit in LA, you can't just rely on a Facebook group or Craigslist (please don't do that, it's unsafe).
Trusted House Sitters
This is the juggernaut. From our experience in Europe and Australia, this platform has the most volume, and it appears the trend holds true for the US. If you want volume, you go here.
Trusted House Sitters.
However, because it is the biggest, the competition is stiff. You need to make sure your profile is spectacular. We always tell people to treat their profile like a CV for a job you really, really want. If you need help polishing yours, we have a guide on perfecting your house sitting profile.
House Sitting America
This is the one we hear about constantly from our US-based friends. While Trusted House Sitters is global, house sitting america is the local specialist.
Why does this matter? Because sometimes homeowners prefer a platform that feels more "homegrown" and focused specifically on their region. Using a region-specific platform often means facing less competition than on the global giants. If we were booking a flight to LAX tomorrow, we would sign up for both to maximize our chances. You can read more about what are the best house sitting platforms available in the United States to see how they stack up against each other.
When to Go: The Seasons of LA
One of the reasons we are jealous of you LA-bound travelers, while we put on another sweater here in Italy, is the weather. However, it’s not always beach days and bikinis.
Spring (March to May): This seems to be the sweet spot. The hills are actually green (a rarity, apparently), and the temperatures are mild.
Summer (June to August): Expect heat, crowds, and the infamous "June Gloom" where the marine layer blocks the sun.
Fall (September to November): This is often considered the best time for locals, meaning many homeowners might travel during this window, opening up house sitting jobs for you.
If you are looking for long-term stays, targeting the summer months when families go on extended vacations is a smart strategy.
What LA Owners Expect (The "Vibe" Check)
From our research, LA homeowners are a specific breed. They are often busy professionals or creatives who treat their pets like children.
1. The Car Situation
Unlike our time in Switzerland or even parts of Sydney, LA is a car-centric city. We’ve read horror stories about people trying to house sit in LA without a vehicle. Most owners will expect you to have your own transport.
Unless you are doing a sit in a very walkable pocket of Santa Monica or West Hollywood, you will be isolated without wheels. Sometimes, if you are lucky, there might be an agreement regarding lending your car to a house sitter, but don't count on it.
2. Security Consciousness
LA has some distinct wealth disparities. Many of the nicer homes are behind gates or have sophisticated alarm systems. As a sitter, you will likely need to be comfortable with tech, smart locks, cameras, and perimeter alarms.
In saying that please make sure to familiarize yourself with house sitting platforms Terms and conditions and make sure that house owner follows the rules when it comes to cameras in private spaces.
3. High-Maintenance Pets
We love a low-key cat sit, but LA seems to be the capital of "Doodles" and high-energy breeds that need hiking. If you are looking at house sitting a dog, be prepared for Runyon Canyon excursions rather than a lazy stroll around the block.
On the flip side, because many people in LA live in apartments or condos, there is a healthy market for house sitting for cats. These are often the simpler, more independent sits that allow you ample time to explore.
Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is packed with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, beautiful beaches, and unique neighborhoods. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these are the top tourist attractions that showcase the best of LA.
Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory – One of the best viewpoints in the city, offering panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean, along with interactive space exhibits.
Hollywood Walk of Fame – A must-see stretch of Hollywood Boulevard featuring thousands of stars honoring famous entertainers.
Hollywood Sign – The most recognizable symbol of Los Angeles, best viewed from nearby hiking trails or scenic overlooks.
Universal Studios Hollywood – A theme park and working movie studio with rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Santa Monica Pier – A classic California pier with an amusement park, arcade games, restaurants, and ocean views.
The Getty Center – A world-renowned art museum set on a hilltop with gardens, architecture, and sweeping city views.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – The largest art museum in the western United States, featuring diverse global collections.
The Broad – A contemporary art museum known for its bold exhibitions and modern installations.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum – An active fossil excavation site where Ice Age animals were preserved in natural asphalt.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County – Home to dinosaur skeletons, gemstones, and exhibits exploring the natural world.
Griffith Park – One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and family attractions.
Venice Beach Boardwalk – A lively beachfront area famous for street performers, murals, shops, and Muscle Beach.
Rodeo Drive – A luxury shopping street in Beverly Hills known for high-end fashion and designer boutiques.
Downtown LA Arts District – A creative neighborhood filled with street art, galleries, trendy cafés, and converted warehouses.
Santa Monica Beach – A wide sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the Southern California coastline.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites in Los Angeles
If you want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, these lesser-known locations offer a more local and relaxed experience of the city.
5 Less Popular but More Local Places
Bradbury Building – A historic downtown landmark known for its stunning interior architecture and ironwork.
Barnsdall Art Park – A hilltop park featuring art spaces, green lawns, and great views of the city skyline.
Angels Point in Elysian Park – A quiet overlook that provides beautiful sunset views of Downtown Los Angeles.
Sunken City in San Pedro – A dramatic coastal area with abandoned structures, ocean views, and colorful street art.
Japanese Garden in the San Fernando Valley – A peaceful garden offering traditional landscaping, koi ponds, and walking paths.
Why We Are tempted
We’ve done over 14 sits across eight countries, but the allure of the American West Coast is strong. The idea of waking up in a mid-century modern home, pouring a coffee, and looking out over the canyon is enticing.
For those of you already in the US, or planning to go, you have a massive opportunity. The sheer volume of sits in LA means that once you get your foot in the door and get that first five-star review, you could theoretically chain sits together for months.
It’s not just about the free accommodation; it’s about living a lifestyle that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars a week. If you land a high-end sit, you might want to brush up on our guide to luxury house sits to make sure you look the part.
Final Thoughts from Across the Pond
Even though Caro and I are currently navigating the narrow streets of Europe, we know that house sitting is a global language. Whether it's a farmhouse in Tuscany or a bungalow in Venice Beach, the core principles remain the same: communicate well, love the pets, and leave the home just as clean as you found it.
For those of you heading to LA, we are envious. Enjoy the tacos, the sunsets, and the hikes. And if you do manage to snag a sit in a mansion, send us a photo. We’ll be here, enjoying our pasta, but dreaming of California.
However, a word of caution from our research: If you are an international traveler like us, be very careful about border control. Make sure you understand the house sitting legal issues regarding tourist visas. You are technically not working for money, but border agents can be tricky.
If you are still on the fence, ask yourself is house sitting worth it? The answer, from two people who accidentally made a life out of it, is a resounding yes.
Good luck with your LA adventure.
Caro & Konrad 🐾
Is it difficult to find house sits in Los Angeles?
While highly competitive due to its popularity (second only to NYC), the volume of opportunities is massive. Using the right platforms like Trusted House Sitters and House Sitting America significantly increases your chances.
Do I need a car to house sit in LA?
In most cases, yes. Unlike NYC or London, Los Angeles is very spread out, and public transport can be unreliable for reaching specific neighborhoods or vet appointments.
What are the best platforms for finding sits in LA?
Trusted House Sitters offers the highest volume of listings, but House Sitting America is a strong contender for region-specific listings with potentially less competition.
Can I house sit in LA as an international traveler?
Yes, many people do, but you must be mindful of visa regulations. You are visiting as a tourist and not working for wages, but always answer border control questions honestly and carefully.
What is the best time of year to house sit in Los Angeles?
House sitting is available year-round, but spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer has high demand for sitters as families travel, but be prepared for higher temperatures.
