I stared at the screen, coffee hovering halfway to my mouth, and let out a groan that probably startled the couple at the next table. It wasn’t a bad review. It wasn’t a cancellation. It was a notification about a new "booking fee."
If you’ve been in the game as long as we have, you know exactly the moment I’m talking about.
For years, house sitting felt like this beautiful, secret loophole in the travel industry. A handshake agreement digitised. But lately, with the Trusted House Sitters (THS) booking fee introduction and rising membership costs, the vibe has shifted. It feels a little less like a community and a little more like a corporation.
Naturally, the DMs started flooding in. Everyone wants to know: Is there a Trusted House Sitters alternative that actually works?
We wish we could tell you there’s a magic clone with 250,000 members and zero fees. The honest truth? There isn't a direct 1:1 competitor that matches the sheer volume of THS. But there are distinct alternatives depending on where you want to go.
Here is our honest, no-fluff breakdown of where to look when you’re ready to diversify your house sitting portfolio.
The Elephant in the Room: Why We Still Use Trusted House Sitters
Before we dive into the other platforms, let’s address the reality. Despite the frustration, the glitches, and the fees, Trusted House Sitters remains the biggest player in the game.
At any given moment, you are looking at over 10,000 active sits worldwide. If you are looking for house sitting opportunities in niche locations or want to chain sits together back-to-back to live rent-free, volume is your best friend.
We still maintain our membership because, frankly, the math still works for us. Even with a $200+ membership and booking fees, one week in a London flat saves us $1,500 in hotels. If you are just starting out, check out our step-by-step guide to getting started to see if the investment makes sense for your travel style.
However, relying on one platform is risky. We learned that the hard way. So, let's look at where else we find our temporary homes.
The Best Regional Alternatives
While THS tries to conquer the world, other platforms have quietly mastered specific regions. If you know exactly where you want to travel, these platforms are often better, cheaper, and friendlier.
1. House Sitters America (The US Specialist)
If your travel plans are strictly within the United States, stop paying global prices. House Sitters America is the go-to alternative here.
The Vibe: It feels like the early days of house sitting. The interface is simple, the support is responsive, and the community feels less transactional.
The Numbers: They have significantly fewer listings than THS, but the competition ratio is much better. You aren't fighting 50 applicants for a sit in Ohio.
Cost: Approx $49 USD per year.
Best For: Road trippers and those looking for house sitting in Los Angeles or rural Midwest escapes.
We find that the owners on this platform are often more relaxed. They aren't looking for a verified celebrity; they just want someone decent to watch their Golden Retriever. Plus, if you are looking to secure house sitting in New York City, the local competition here is often less fierce than the international flood of applicants on THS.
2. Nomador (The European & French Connection)
Nomador started in France, and it shows. If you dream of living in a stone cottage in Provence or a flat in Paris, this is your platform.
The Vibe: Very community-focused. They have a "Discovery" option which allows new sitters to view listing without a sign up fee, which is great if you are trying to browse before you sign up.
The Numbers: Strongest in Europe, specifically France and Western Europe.
Cost: They offer a free discovery version (limited applications) and a standard tier around €89 year.
Best For: Anyone targeting Europe who speaks a little French (or wants to learn).
We’ve found some incredible gems here that never made it to the big international sites. It’s also a great place to find house sitting for cats, as city apartments in Europe are teeming with felines needing company.
3. Aussie House Sitters (The Down Under Giant)
If you are heading to our side of the world, do not bother with the global giants. The local platforms in Australia and New Zealand are superior in every way.
The Vibe: Laid back. No pretension. Just "Come watch my kelpie, mate."
The Numbers: Massive volume in Australia. Aussie House Sitters is the market leader there.
Cost: Approx $89 AUD per year.
Best For: Anyone doing a lap of house sitting Australia.
The interface is Dark Blue and incredibly easy to use. Because it’s so affordable, you get a lot of local families using it for short weekend trips, not just wealthy homeowners going on month-long safaris. This makes it easier to fill your calendar with shorter stays.
4. Kiwi House Sitters (The New Zealand Equivalent)
Much like its Australian cousin, this is the gold standard for house sitters in New Zealand.
The Vibe: incredibly friendly.
Cost: ~$89 NZD per year.
Best For: Campervan travelers needing a break from the van life in NZ.
The Budget-Friendly & "Wildcard" Options
If the Trusted House Sitters new booking fee really rubbed you the wrong way and you want to save every penny, there are cheaper options. Just know that you are trading volume for savings.
MindMyHouse
This is the bargain hunter’s favorite.
Cost: ~$29 USD per year.
The Reality: The ratio of sitters to homeowners can be high. It’s cheap for homeowners to list, so you sometimes get "ghost" listings. However, we have friends who swear by it for finding unique, long-term stays in Europe.
How to Choose the Right Alternative for You
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the choices. When Caro and I look at a new platform, we don't just look at the price tag. You need to consider your travel goals.
1. Location is Everything
If you want to go to Canada, look at House Sitters Canada. If you are targeting the UK, look at House Sitting websites in the UK.
Trying to use a US-specific site to find a sit in Tokyo is like trying to order sushi at a pizza place. It just won’t work.
2. Verified Reviews vs. References
THS is famous for its verified review system. Smaller platforms sometimes rely more on personal references. If you are new, building up a house sitting profile on a smaller site can be faster because the competition is lower.
3. Interface and App Capability
Let’s be real, we live on our phones. THS has an app. Most alternatives do not. If you need to manage your sits on the go, check how do I use a mobile app to manage house sitting appointments. With platforms like Nomador or Aussie House Sitters, you might be doing a lot of browser refreshing on your phone.
The "Free" Route: Is it worth the risk?
We often get asked about Facebook groups or Craigslist. "Why pay a fee at all?"
Here is the thing: Insurance and Accountability.
When you book through a platform, there is a paper trail. If a homeowner cancels on you last minute, you have support. If you find a sit through a random Facebook group, you are on your own.
Our Strategy: The "Mix and Match"
So, what do we actually do? We don't put all our eggs in one basket.
We keep our Trusted House Sitters membership for the big international trips, the month-long stays in Switzerland or the villas in Tuscany. The volume is just too good to pass up.
But, when we are touring a specific country, we buy a membership for the local platform. It’s usually less than the cost of one night in an Airbnb.
For example, In the next few years we are planning a long stint in the UK. You better believe we are signing up for House Sitters UK alongside our THS account. We use a calendar to coordinate multiple house sits across different platforms to make sure we don't double book.
A Note on Pricing Updates (2025/2026)
Prices fluctuate, but generally, the gap is widening.
THS: Premium tiers are pushing $259+.
Alternatives: Most have kept their prices under $100.
If you are looking at how much does house sitting cost in 2026, the alternatives are winning the price war, hands down.
Final Thoughts: It’s About the Lifestyle, Not the App
At the end of the day, whether you use the big corporate giant or the scrappy local startup, the job is the same. You need to be trustworthy, clean, and animal-obsessed.
Don't let the booking fees discourage you. We have had owners invite us back privately after the first sit, bypassing platforms entirely. That’s the ultimate goal, building a network of friends around the world.
If you are still on the fence about the cost, we have a discount code for Trusted House Sitters that can take the sting out of that initial sign-up.
But if you are ready to explore the alternatives, go local. You might just find that the smaller communities have the biggest hearts (and the cutest pets).
Happy sitting!
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
Is there a completely free alternative to Trusted House Sitters?
Yes, platforms like MindMyHouse are very cheap, and Facebook groups are free, but they lack the verification, insurance, and support of paid platforms. We generally recommend paid platforms for safety and reliability.
Which house sitting platform is best for the USA?
House Sitters America is the best specific alternative for the US. It has lower fees than Trusted House Sitters and a very user-friendly interface focused solely on American listings.
Do other platforms charge a booking fee like Trusted House Sitters?
Currently, most regional platforms like Aussie House Sitters, Kiwi House Sitters, and House Sitters America do not charge a per-sit booking fee; they operate on a flat annual membership model.
Can I use Trusted House Sitters alternatives if I don't have reviews yet?
Yes! Smaller platforms often have less competition, making it easier to land your first sit. Nomador also offers a "Discovery" option specifically designed for newcomers to build trust.
How much do the alternative platforms cost compared to THS?
most alternatives range from $49 to $90 USD per year, whereas Trusted House Sitters' premium tiers can exceed $250 USD plus booking fees.
