The cursor hovered over the "Confirm Sitter" button, but my thumb just wouldn't click. The profile looked perfect, smiling photos with Golden Retrievers, five-star reviews, but a little voice in the back of my head whispered, Is this person actually real? It’s the nightmare scenario every homeowner faces: handing your keys to a stranger who might not be who they say they are.
We have been on both sides of this equation. We've sat in stranger's living rooms trying to prove we are trustworthy, and we've heard the horror stories from owners who didn't check properly.
Verifying a sitter isn't just about reading a bio; it's about digging deeper to ensure your home remains a sanctuary.
Understanding the "Verified" Badges
You see those shiny green ticks or "Verified" badges on profiles and feel instant relief. But do you know what they actually check?
On many platforms, a basic verification might just mean the person has confirmed their email address and phone number. It does not automatically mean they have a clean criminal record.
When you are looking at platforms with verified reviews, check what the badge stands for. Usually, there are tiers.
Level one is identity: does their passport match their face? Level two is often a background check. Never assume the badge covers everything.
Standard ID vs. Enhanced Background Checks
This is where the confusion usually happens. A standard ID check simply confirms that the person exists.
It verifies that the name on the profile matches a government-issued ID. It stops people from creating fake aliases, but it doesn't tell you about their past behavior.
An enhanced background check is different. This searches criminal databases, sex offender registries, and sometimes even credit history.
If safety is your main concern, look for sitters who have paid for this extra layer of vetting. It is a small detail that makes a huge difference in house sitting safety.
How to Verify Identity Yourself
Let's say the platform doesn't require a government ID upload. How do you know who you are talking to?
You can, and should, ask them to show their Driver's License or photo ID during your video call.
It might feel awkward, but scammers hate video calls. If they refuse to turn on the camera or show ID, that is a massive red flag.
When we apply for a house sitting job, we are always ready to prove who we are. Legitimate sitters won't hide.
Asking for Police Clearances
Is it rude to ask a potential house sitter for a copy of their police clearance certificate personally?
Honestly, I think it would be quite rude to demand it aggressively. However, at the same time, it is your home.
If you want to be certain that the person is right for you, then you should ask. If they have the documents and are serious about looking after your home, they should have no problem displaying them.
Checking for Certifications (First Aid)
You might be looking for a sitter who is a certified vet nurse or has pet CPR training.
Here is the reality: digital platforms rarely automatically check if a sitter has pet First Aid. As house sitters, we actually have no official pet First Aid certification.
That is one of the reasons there are so many house sitters available on the platforms. It is an unregulated friendly exchange, not a medical service.
If your pet has serious medical needs, you might want to compare pet boarding vs house sitting. Boarding kennels are more likely to have medically trained staff.
The Truth About References
References are the lifeblood of a sitter's profile. But can you trust the ones from "family and friends"?
Obviously, family will always give a great review. But if a sitter is going out of their way to get references from people, it probably means they are serious about house sitting.
However, don't rely on these alone. Always look for "Verified Stays." These are reviews from owners who actually used the platform to book the sitter.
If you are using a site like Trusted House Sitters, the reviews from completed sits are gold. They cannot be faked easily.
Spotting Bots and Fake Accounts
The internet is full of scams, and house sitting sites are not immune. So, how do you spot a fake profile?
You will find that the more you pay for the house sitting platform, the less likely you will come across these bot accounts.
Scammers usually target free platforms or cheap sites. They don't want to pay a membership fee just to run a scam.
If you are looking for the best house sitting platforms available in the United States, paying a membership fee is often your first line of defense.
Final Thoughts on Safety
Verifying a sitter takes a little bit of work. But the peace of mind is worth it.
Remember, most people are good. We have traveled the world and met incredible people. But you still need to lock your doors, right?
Verification is just locking the digital door.
If you are ready to find a sitter, you can often find a discount code for trusted house sitters to get started on a secure platform.
Trust your gut, ask for the ID, and enjoy your trip knowing your home is safe.
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
Do the "verified" badges on house sitting apps guarantee a clean criminal record?
Not usually. Most standard "verified" badges only confirm the user's identity (like a passport check) and contact details. To ensure a clean criminal record, you must look for a specific "Background Check" badge or ask the sitter to provide a recent police clearance certificate personally.
Is it rude to ask a potential sitter to show me their ID or police check?
It can feel a little awkward, but it isn't rude if you ask politely. It is your home and your pets, so you have every right to be safe. If the sitter is serious and trustworthy, they will usually be happy to show you their documents to put your mind at ease.
Do most house sitters have pet First Aid or CPR certifications?
No, most house sitters do not have medical certifications. House sitting is typically a friendly exchange rather than a professional medical service. If your pet requires medical attention or injections, you should specifically ask for this experience or consider professional pet boarding.
How can I tell if a house sitter's profile is a fake or a bot?
Fake accounts are more common on free or very cheap platforms. To spot them, look for generic messages, a refusal to jump on a video call, or profiles with no personalized details. Using a paid membership platform significantly reduces the risk of encountering bots.
Can I trust the references from friends and family on a sitter's profile?
You should take them with a grain of salt. While they show the sitter is making an effort to build a profile, family members are obviously biased. It is much safer to rely on "Verified Stay" reviews from previous homeowners or to conduct a thorough video interview yourself.
