How to List Your Home for House Sitting: A Step-by-Step Guide

The phone rang at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday, which is never a good sign. It was our friend Mark, standing in his kitchen in Chicago, staring at a calendar that was far too empty. He had a flight to Europe booked for three weeks later, a very energetic Golden Retriever named Buster, and absolutely no one to watch him. The local kennel was fully booked, and the neighbor who usually helped had just broken her leg.

Mark was spiraling. He was about to cancel his dream trip because he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving his house empty or Buster with a stranger he found on a bulletin board.

We told him to breathe. Then we told him exactly what we are going to tell you.

Listing your home on a house sitting platform isn't just a backup plan. For us, and for thousands of people we’ve met from the Swiss Alps to the beaches of Sydney, it is the primary way to travel. It turns a stressful vacancy into a secure, happy home.

If you are sitting there wondering how to get started without inviting chaos into your living room, you are in the right place. We have spent hundreds of days living in other people’s homes. We know exactly what makes a listing irresistible to five-star sitters and what makes us scroll right past.

Here is how to list your home on US and worldwide platforms the right way.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Platform (Price vs. Quality)

The first question Mark asked us was, "Can't I just post this on Facebook?"

You could. But you shouldn't.

We have found that there is a massive difference between "free" exchange groups and dedicated, paid platforms. It comes down to investment.

Think about it this way. If a house sitter is willing to pay a membership fee to join a platform, they are already showing they are serious. They are investing in the lifestyle. On free sites, there is no barrier to entry. Anyone can sign up, and you have no real way to vet them beforehand. There are no ID checks. It’s a bit of a gamble.

We always recommend using established sites where sitters have skin in the game. These platforms usually require sitters to verify their identity and build up a profile.

When we look for house sitting opportunities, we stick to the big names because the systems protect both sides. If you are in the States, you want to look at what are the best house sitting platforms available in the United States.

For us, Trusted House Sitters is a major player because of the volume of sitters. Another great option is house sitting america, which is specific to the region.

The bottom line is that payment acts as a filter. It keeps the serious house sitters around.

Step 2: The Photos (The "Hook" of Your Listing)

So, you have signed up. Now you need to create the listing.

Mark started writing a novel about how great Buster is at catching frisbees. We had to stop him.

"Mark," I said. "The text is great. But the photos are the hook, line, and sinker."

When Caro and I are scrolling through listings, whether it’s a chalet in France or a loft in New York, we stop for the pictures. The title matters, sure, but the first image is what grabs us.

You don't need a professional photographer. You just need clear, bright shots. We recommend uploading up to 20 photos. That is more than enough to tell a story.

Here is the shot list we look for:

You are not just showing a room; you are selling a vision of our life for the next few weeks. If the pictures look dark or messy, we assume the sit will be messy too.

Also, be honest with the photos. If you have a situation where the animal has specific needs, show the environment they live in clearly.

Step 3: Writing the Listing Title

You don't need to be a marketing genius here, "We will pay you a million dollars to house sit for a week." Is perfect to get your house sitters on a bidding frenzy.

Jokes aside, keep it simple. If the pictures pique our interest, we will read the text.

Your title should highlight the best features.

It tells us the location, the vibe, and the pet. That is all we need to click.

Step 4: The Description and Duties

Once we click, we want to know the deal. What is the exchange?

Be upfront about responsibilities. As we always say, house sitters are not employees. We are there to look after your home and pets in exchange for a place to stay.

If you need someone to water plants, mention it.
If the dog needs three walks a day, say it.
If the cat needs medication at 8:00 AM sharp, put it in the listing.

However, be reasonable. We have seen listings asking for deep cleaning, lawn mowing, and pool maintenance all for free. That is a job, not a sit.

If you have extra tasks like serious garden maintenance or deep cleaning, you should discuss that before accepting a sitter. Some sitters might be open to it, but they may ask for payment for the extra labor. It is best to stick to the standard tasks: keeping the house tidy, loving the pets, and security.

If you are looking for specific types of people, like retirees who might be home more often, mention that. House Sitting for Seniors is a huge demographic and they are often fantastic, experienced sitters.

Step 5: Vetting the Sitters (The Safety Check)

This is the part that scares most homeowners. "How do I know they won't throw a party?"

Here is the truth: Out of all the people house sitting, 90% are great. 5% are beyond exceptional. And the last 5%… well, they are the ones who ruin it for everyone else.

To avoid that bottom 5%, you need to look at reviews.

Reviews are the currency of the house sitting world. If a sitter has a 5-star rating, they have earned it. If they have even a 4-star rating, future homeowners will look at them with a spyglass to figure out what went wrong.

We recommend using platforms with verified reviews. It adds a layer of trust that you just don't get on Craigslist.

The Video Call
Once you get an application that looks good, arrange a video call. This is non-negotiable.

We usually arrange a quick WhatsApp call. Be punctual. It shows respect.

If someone seems nice but isn't the right fit, that is okay. You can simply say on the call that you will get back to them, and then send a polite message later saying you have chosen someone else for this particular occasion.

Step 6: Money Talk (Utilities and Deposits)

Mark asked us if he should charge a security deposit.

We shook our heads. We have been on over 15 sits across eight countries and never once have we been asked for a security deposit or bond.

House sitters are not tenants. We are guests who are working for you by caring for your most precious things (your pets). Asking for a deposit creates a weird dynamic. It feels transactional rather than collaborative.

What about bills?
If you are inviting people over to look after your home, utilities should be included.

If you are doing a very long sit (like 3+ months), some owners might ask for a contribution, but for standard holiday sits, the homeowner pays the bills. If you think otherwise, you must mention this before accepting the sitter.

Honestly? Most experienced sitters will reject an application if they have to pay utility bills. It defeats the purpose of the exchange.

If you are worried about costs, check out Your Essential Guide to Housesitting Fees to see what is standard.

Step 7: Preparing Your Home for Guests

You have found the perfect sitter. Now you need to get the house ready.

The Welcome Guide
This is your bible. It should have everything.

A great tip: If a sitter asks you a question during the interview, write the answer in the Welcome Guide. If they asked, the next person will ask too.

Security and Cameras
We need to talk about cameras.

The terms and conditions for major platforms like Trusted House Sitters usually state there should be no cameras inside the house, or at least they should not be running.

House sitters deserve privacy. We are not employees under surveillance. Unless you don't mind being recorded on your holiday, extend the same courtesy to us.

However, do check your insurance. We always advise homeowners to double-check that their insurance covers guests in the house. It is a simple step for house sitting safety.

Step 8: The Handover

Ideally, you meet the sitter in person. But sometimes flight times don't match up.

We once had a sit in the Netherlands where the owners were already gone. They left the keys in a security lockbox tucked away. We got the code, let ourselves in, and sent them a message immediately to let them know we had arrived.

It was smooth and easy. If you can't be there, a lockbox or a neighbor with a key is perfectly fine.

Step 9: During the Sit

Communication is where Caro and I excel. We send regular updates.

But as a homeowner, you should set expectations.

Some owners want multiple updates a day. Others want total silence so they can disconnect. It is better to ask ahead of time than to be annoyed later.

Also, be open to the sitter having a partner. I travel with Caro. Most homeowners prefer two people because four hands are better than two, especially with active dogs.

However, be careful if the sitter wants to bring their own pet. That can be a nightmare if the animals don't get along.

Step 10: The Return and The Review

When you come home, the house should be as clean (or cleaner) than you left it.

If the dog is happy and the house is tidy, please leave a 5-star review. It means the world to us. It is how we get our next house sitting job.

If something was "just okay," be honest but fair. Explain the experience simply without attacking the person.

The Result

Mark followed our advice. He listed his home on a paid US platform. He found a lovely retired couple from Oregon who wanted to see Chicago.

He went to Europe. He got daily photos of Buster sleeping on the couch. He came home to a vacuumed floor and a happy dog.

He didn't pay for a kennel. He didn't worry about burst pipes.

House sitting changes the way you travel. It opens doors, literally. Whether you are looking for house sitting Canada opportunities or just trying to find a sitter in Ohio, the process is the same.

Trust, verify, and communicate.

If you are ready to give it a try, don't overthink it. Take a few photos of your kitchen, hug your dog, and create that listing. You might just find that the best part of your next vacation is knowing your home is in good hands.

Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐

• Which US house sitting platform is the safest for homeowners?

  While no platform is 100% risk-free, we find that paid platforms offer the best safety. Sites that require a membership fee generally attract serious, verified sitters who are invested in doing a good job. These platforms often include ID verification and, most importantly, a review system. A sitter with a history of positive reviews is your best bet for a safe experience.

• Do I need a legal contract for a house sitter?

  In our experience across many countries, we have never signed a formal legal contract with a homeowner. Most people rely on the terms and conditions of the platform they are using (like Trusted House Sitters). These agreements outline the basic rules. While you can draft a contract, it's rarely legally binding in a strict sense. The real security comes from the platform's vetting process and the sitter's reviews.

• Should I ask the house sitter for a security deposit?

  We advise against asking for security deposits. House sitters are not tenants paying rent; they are guests providing a service (pet and home care) in exchange for accommodation. Asking for money changes the dynamic and can turn away great sitters. Instead, check that your home insurance covers guests and rely on the platform's guarantee if they offer one.

• How do I handle utility bills for long-term sits?

  For standard house sits, the homeowner covers all utility bills. You are inviting someone to care for your home, so electricity, water, and Wi-Fi should be part of the exchange. If you have a very specific situation where you expect the sitter to contribute (perhaps for a sit longer than a few months), you must state this clearly in your listing before anyone applies.

• Is it okay to use indoor security cameras while a sitter is there?

  Generally, no. Most major house sitting platforms have strict rules against active internal cameras. House sitters are not employees and they deserve privacy in the living space. If you have cameras, they should be disclosed and ideally turned off. Outdoor security cameras are usually fine, but you should always let the sitter know where they are.