I have to admit something. When Caro and I first looked at house sitting profiles on sites like Trusted House Sitters, I felt an immediate wave of imposter syndrome. I saw these globetrotting couples with dozens of five-star reviews, posing with exotic animals in what looked like magazine-cover homes.
My first thought was, 'We'll never get chosen. It's a closed club for professional nomads.' That single belief almost stopped us before we even sent our first application. We felt like we were trying to crash a party we weren't invited to.
It turns out we were completely wrong. Fast forward to today, December 2025, and we're writing this from a gorgeous home in Cortona, Italy, with two incredible Labradors snoozing at our feet. We've completed 15 sits across 8 countries, and the journey from that initial doubt to this reality was surprisingly straightforward.
The secret wasn't some hidden trick; it was about understanding the fundamental psychology of what homeowners are actually looking for. This is our guide on how to get started in house sitting, cutting through the noise and focusing on the four steps that genuinely matter.
The Crucial Mindset Shift: It's an Exchange, Not a Freebie
Before you create a profile or write a single message, you must understand this: house sitting is not a free holiday. It's an exchange of value. This might sound obvious, but it’s the number one reason beginners fail. They write applications that scream, "I want to use your beautiful home as a cheap base to explore your city."
Homeowners aren't looking for a tourist; they're looking for a temporary guardian for the most precious things in their life, their pets and their home. As we've mentioned before when discussing if house sitting is worth it, the arrangement is a 50/50 split. They get peace of mind knowing their pets are safe and happy in their own environment, a clear advantage over pet boarding, and you get a wonderful place to live. Once you approach every interaction from this perspective of mutual benefit, everything else falls into place.
Step 1: Crafting a Profile That Homeowners Actually Trust
Your House Sitting Profile is your digital handshake. It has one job: to make a homeowner feel an immediate sense of calm and confidence in you. Many people overthink this, but it boils down to a few key elements.
Your Photos are 80% of the Work
Forget professional headshots. Homeowners want to see you with animals. Don't have professional pet-sitting experience? It doesn't matter. Raid your photo library for pictures of you with your family dog, your friend's cat, or that random golden retriever you bonded with at the park. You need a gallery that visually screams, "I am comfortable, gentle, and happy around animals." A profile with 10 smiling photos with various pets will beat a profile with one perfect headshot every single time.
Writing a Bio That Says "Responsible," Not "I Need a Place to Stay"
Your bio shouldn't be your life story. It should be a value proposition. Instead of focusing on what you want (to travel, to save money), focus on what you offer. Explain 'how' you will benefit the homeowner. Use phrases like:
"We are a quiet, clean, and non-smoking couple who will treat your home with the utmost respect."
"My remote work schedule means I'll be home most of the day, providing constant companionship for your pets."
"Having owned rescue dogs for years, we are experienced with nervous pets and understand the importance of patience and routine."
This immediately shifts the focus from your needs to theirs, which is a powerful psychological switch.
The Premium Membership Badge (And Why It Matters)
Paying for a premium membership on a platform is an investment in trust. On sites like Trusted House Sitters, the top-tier plans often come with a badge on your profile, but more importantly, they include critical Insurance Coverage with House Sitters. This usually covers accident and third-party liability up to a significant amount, often around $1 million.
For a homeowner, seeing that you've invested in this level of protection provides immense peace of mind. It tells them you're serious and have considered the potential house sitting legal issues. It's a simple, effective way to stand out from the crowd.
Step 2: The Art of the Perfect Application Message
If the profile is your handshake, the application is your conversation starter. You would be shocked at how many people send generic, copy-pasted messages. This is your single biggest opportunity to leapfrog the competition.
Ditch the Generic Template
Your message should never, ever read like a form letter. If it starts with "Dear Homeowner" or is a generic paragraph about how much you love animals, it's going straight to the trash. Homeowners can spot these a mile away. They show zero effort and a complete lack of genuine interest in their specific sit.
The Winning Formula: Personalize, Personalize, Personalize
Every single application you send should be custom-written. It only takes five minutes, and it will increase your success rate tenfold. Here is the exact formula we use:
Address Them and Their Pets by Name: Start with "Hi [Homeowner Name]," and in the first sentence, mention the pets by name. "We were so excited to see your listing for Max and Mia in Tuscany!"
State Your Relevant Experience: Connect your experience directly to their pets. "Having looked after Labradors before, we know all about their energy levels and love for long walks."
Reinforce Your Value Proposition: Briefly reiterate why you're a great choice. "As a clean and tidy couple, we'd ensure your home is looked after just as you'd leave it."
The Call to Action: End by inviting them to connect further. "We'd love to arrange a quick video call next week to introduce ourselves properly and hear more about Max and Mia. Does any time work for you?"
This simple, personalized structure shows you've actually read their listing and are genuinely interested in their pets, not just their location. This is the core of what do you need to be a house sitter: the ability to communicate care and responsibility effectively.
Step 3: Nailing the Video Call (Hint: It's About Vibe, Not an Interrogation)
The video call is often the final step. Most beginners get nervous and treat it like a formal job interview. Relax. The homeowner has already decided from your profile and message that you're qualified on paper. The call is to check for one thing: a good vibe.
They want to see if you're friendly, normal, and someone they can trust. Focus on connection. Ask them about their upcoming trip. Ask about the pets' funny quirks and personalities. Let your own personality show. This is also a natural time to clarify basic logistics. You can ask about the daily routine or, for instance, where does a house sitter sleep, to ensure the arrangements work for you. Questions about whether house sitters have to stay overnight are common and expected. The goal is a warm, easy conversation. Once the sit is confirmed, you'll have plenty of time to get into the nitty-gritty details.
Step 4: Your First Sit – From Confirmation to a Glowing 5-Star Review
Congratulations, you've landed your first sit! Now, the goal is to make it a seamless experience that earns you that all-important first review.
Pre-Sit Communication and Prep
Once confirmed, we move all communication to WhatsApp. It’s perfect for sending quick updates, photos, and videos. When we start the the sit, we always ask the owner, "How often would you like updates while you're away?" Some want a photo every day; others are happy with a message every few days. Asking shows respect for their preferences. They will almost always provide a welcome guide with key info. Skim it beforehand, but don't stress about memorizing it, you'll go over everything in person when you arrive.
During the Sit: The "Leave It As You Found It" Rule
So, What Do House Sitters Usually Do? Beyond pet care, your main responsibility is to maintain the home. You don't need to do a deep spring clean. Our rule is simple: clean up after yourself thoroughly. Before we leave any sit, we vacuum and mop the floors in rooms we've used, clean the kitchen and bathrooms, and strip the bedsheets and put them in the laundry. The owner should return to a home that feels just as clean and tidy as when they left. It's a simple act of respect that goes a long way.
The Power of That First Review
Once you complete a sit and the homeowner leaves you a 5-star review, your world changes. That single piece of social proof is incredibly powerful. As we've seen on platforms that provide verified reviews for housesitting services, your application goes from the bottom of the pile to the top. Landing more house sitting opportunities becomes 100 times easier.
So, Is It Hard to Become a House Sitter?
Honestly, no. It requires effort and a thoughtful approach, but it isn't 'hard'. The barriers to entry are surprisingly low if you focus on what matters: demonstrating trustworthiness and a genuine love for animals. Our very first sit together was just five minutes from Caro's home in Germany. It was a simple, two-week sit with chill cats that allowed us to build our confidence and get that first review. You don't have to jet off to Australia for your first experience; you can use online services to find house sitting near you and build from there.
For international sits, navigating visas can seem complex. A quick search on ChatGPT can give you a baseline, but always confirm the official requirements with the consulate for your country and your destination. For insurance, beyond the platform's coverage, we personally use N26 for our travel and medical needs, which has been perfect for this lifestyle.
Getting started is a process, but it's a rewarding one. It all begins with shifting your mindset and following these steps. You don’t need a decade of experience, just a dose of empathy, responsibility, and a well-crafted message that puts the pets first.
Good luck with your first House sit
Konrad and Caro
DM us on @housesittersguide - we answer everyone
Do I need professional experience to start house sitting?
No, you don't need professional experience. Homeowners are more interested in seeing your love for animals and sense of responsibility. Use personal photos with pets and get references from friends, family, or landlords to build a trustworthy profile.
What's the most important part of a house sitting application?
The most important part is personalization. Always address the homeowner and their pets by name, mention your specific experience relevant to their pets, and clearly state how you will provide value. A custom message shows genuine interest and effort.
How much should I clean the house before I leave?
You don't need to deep clean, but you should leave the house as tidy as you found it. This typically includes vacuuming/mopping floors you used, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, and stripping the bed linens. The goal is to show respect for their home.
Is it necessary to pay for a premium membership on house sitting sites?
While not strictly necessary, a premium membership is highly recommended. It often includes liability insurance, which gives homeowners significant peace of mind. It also signals that you are serious and invested in being a responsible house sitter.
What should I talk about during the first video call with a homeowner?
The first call is about establishing a personal connection, not a formal interview. Focus on getting to know them and their pets. Ask about the pets' personalities and routines, and share a bit about yourself. The goal is to ensure a good 'vibe' and mutual trust.
