The United States has always felt like a continent of possibilities, a sprawling map of deserts, mountains, and coastlines we’ve traced with our fingers, dreaming of future road trips. For us, the idea of truly living in these places, even for a few weeks, felt like a distant fantasy. We've built our life around swapping pet cuddles for stays in European chalets and villas, but America, with its iconic national parks and vibrant cities, remained the next big chapter.
That chapter is getting closer. As we plan our own eventual journey across the Atlantic, we’ve thrown ourselves into the research. We know that building a solid reputation here in Europe is our ticket to unlocking those dream sits in California, Colorado, or Maine. This deep dive isn't just for us; it's the roadmap we've built for anyone looking to explore the USA through the incredible world of house sitting. It's the culmination of countless hours comparing features, reading reviews, and figuring out which platforms truly open the door to American adventures.
So, what did we find? A bustling ecosystem of websites, each with its own flavor and community. Here’s our honest breakdown of the top contenders, straight from our research files to you.
Our Deep Dive: The Top 8 House Sitting Platforms for the USA
Choosing a platform is like picking a travel partner. You need one you can trust, one that fits your style, and one that will lead you to amazing experiences. After sifting through the options, we’ve narrowed it down to the eight most reliable and popular choices for finding sits in the United States. We'll explore what makes each one tick, from security features to the size of their community.
1. TrustedHousesitters.com
If there's a king of the house-sitting jungle, it's TrustedHousesitters. It’s the platform we use most, and for good reason. It boasts the largest volume of listings not just globally, but specifically within the US. This sheer volume means more choice, whether you're dreaming of a Manhattan apartment or a ranch in Montana.
Security is Paramount: What sets them apart is their robust verification process. Every member, sitter and owner alike, must complete ID verification. For US-based users, they go a step further with optional CBC (Criminal Background Checks), which adds a significant layer of trust. This is a huge selling point for homeowners.
Insurance Included: Their membership plans come with insurance options, offering a safety net for accidents or emergencies. This peace of mind is invaluable when you're staying in someone else's home.
Honest Feedback Loop: They use a blind two-way review system. This means neither party can see the other's review until both have been submitted. It encourages candid, honest feedback, creating a more transparent community.
Tech-Savvy: The platform has a sleek, user-friendly website and a fantastic mobile app, making it easy to search for and manage sits while on the move.
The Bottom Line: It's one of the most expensive option, but for serious house sitters, the investment is often worth it for the sheer number of opportunities and top-tier security features.
2. HouseSittersAmerica.com
As the name suggests, this platform is laser-focused on the United States. It's part of a trusted network of country-specific sites (like House Sitters UK and Aussie House Sitters), so they have a proven model. Their dedicated focus means you won't have to filter through international listings to find what you're looking for.
Affordable Annual Fee: Coming in at a much lower price point (usually between $30–$50 USD per year), it’s an incredibly accessible entry point into the US house-sitting scene.
Dedicated US Market: Every single listing is within the United States. This specialization fosters a strong community of American homeowners and sitters.
Solid Verification: While not mandatory like TrustedHousesitters, they offer optional police and ID verification, allowing sitters to enhance their profile's credibility.
Clear Review System: They feature a standard two-way review system, helping build trust and reputation with each completed sit.
The Bottom Line: An excellent, budget-friendly choice for those who know they want to focus exclusively on sits within the USA.
3. MindMyHouse.com
MindMyHouse is another fantastic low-cost leader in the house-sitting world. With an annual fee of just $29 USD, it has one of the lowest barriers to entry. Despite its low cost, it has a surprisingly strong base of homeowners, particularly in the United States.
Unbeatable Value: The price point makes it a no-brainer for those just starting or for sitters who want to be on multiple platforms without breaking the bank.
Strong US Presence: While a global site, it has a significant number of listings in the US, making it a viable option for finding great opportunities.
Testimonial System: After a sit is completed, both parties can leave testimonials for each other. This helps build a public track record of reliability and good experiences.
The Bottom Line: The best value-for-money option. It may have fewer bells and whistles than the premium platforms, but its strong community and low cost make it a powerful tool.
4. HouseCarers.com
HouseCarers is one of the original pioneers in the online house-sitting space, having been around since 2000. Its longevity has allowed it to build a loyal user base and a good number of listings across the US. They have a reputation for being reliable and straightforward.
Established and Trusted: Being one of the oldest platforms gives it a certain level of credibility. Many homeowners have used it for years.
Good US Coverage: You'll find a solid variety of sits across the country, from short-term city stays to longer rural assignments.
Fair Pricing: The annual membership fee is a moderate $50 USD.
Verified Reviews: Their review system is tied to completed sits arranged through their platform, ensuring the feedback you see is from genuine experiences.
The Bottom Line: A reliable, mid-range option with a long history of connecting sitters and homeowners. A great choice for those who appreciate a well-established platform.
5. Nomador.com
Nomador brings a unique, community-focused feel to the table. It started as a French platform but has grown to have a solid global presence, including in the US. Their standout feature is the "Trust Index."
The Trust Index: This is a profile feature that gets boosted as you complete various verification steps, such as ID checks, address verification, and recommendations from friends and family. A higher Trust Index makes your profile more attractive to homeowners.
Community Vibe: Nomador encourages members to build a "house-sitting resumé" through endorsements and reviews, fostering a sense of community trust.
Stopovers: They have a neat feature called "Nomador Stopovers," where members can offer a spare room to traveling sitters, further enhancing the community feel.
The Bottom Line: A great platform for those who value a multi-layered approach to trust and community building. Its US listings are steadily growing.
6. HouseSitMatch.com
HouseSitMatch is a UK-based platform that is steadily expanding its footprint in the US. They place a strong emphasis on security and support, making them an appealing option for sitters who value that extra layer of assistance.
Free Verifications: A huge perk is that they offer free police and ID checks for all their members. This is often a paid add-on on other sites, so it adds significant value to their membership fee.
Personalized Support: They are known for having a more hands-on, supportive administrative team, which can be reassuring, especially for new sitters.
Post-Sit Reviews: Like other reputable platforms, they have a two-way review system that unlocks after a sit is completed.
The Bottom Line: A solid, security-focused platform with a growing presence in the US. The included background checks make it a standout choice.
7. LuxuryHouseSitting.com
If you're interested in stays that are a cut above the rest, this niche platform might be for you. As the name implies, it focuses on higher-end, unique, and luxury properties. While this means fewer listings overall, the quality can be exceptional.
Niche Focus: By concentrating on luxury homes, they attract a specific type of homeowner and sitter.
Affordable Entry: Surprisingly, the membership is very low-cost at just $25 USD per year, making it an easy add-on to your list of platforms.
Review System: They have a system in place for sitters and homeowners to review each other after an assignment.
The Bottom Line: A niche platform perfect for sitters looking for unique, high-end experiences. It's best used in conjunction with a larger platform due to the lower volume of listings.
8. HouseSitter.com
HouseSitter.com operates a bit differently. It functions more like a matching service or a job board, where sitters can post profiles and homeowners can browse and contact them directly. It’s very popular in the US and Canada.
Flexible Model: This model gives sitters more agency to market themselves. You can list your rates if you're seeking paid sits, which is a key differentiator from the exchange-based model of most other sites.
Strong in North America: It has a massive user base in the US, offering a large pool of potential opportunities.
References and Reviews: Sitters build their reputation through references and reviews from completed assignments, which are displayed on their public profile.
The Bottom Line: A great choice for sitters who want the flexibility to pursue both paid and unpaid assignments and prefer a job-board-style platform. If you're wondering What’s the Average Pay for a House Sitter, this site can be a good place to start.
Making Your Choice
So, after all this research, what are the best house sitting platforms available in the United States? The truth is, the "best" one depends entirely on you. If you want the maximum number of options and top-tier security, TrustedHousesitters is hard to beat. If you're on a budget and focused solely on the US, HouseSittersAmerica is a perfect fit. If you're just dipping your toes in, the low cost of MindMyHouse is ideal.
Many serious sitters, including us, subscribe to two or three platforms to maximize their chances of finding the perfect match. The key is to build a stellar profile, be proactive in your applications, and remember that you are being entrusted with two of the most important things in a person's life: their pets and their home. Understanding What Do House Sitters Usually Do is the first step to becoming a sitter that homeowners trust and invite back.
Our American dream of road-tripping from one unique sit to another feels more real than ever. We know that with a strong profile and the right platforms, we can make it happen. And we're certain that you can use housesitting as a way to travel affordably across the US too. The adventure is out there, waiting in someone's living room.
Good luck with your search, and we hope to see you out there on the road!
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesitterguide for assistance with any house sitting questions you may have
FAQ's
Do I need to be a US citizen to house sit in the United States?
No, but you must have the correct legal authorization to be in the country. For most international visitors, this means entering on a tourist visa (like an ESTA) which allows for tourism and visiting. House sitting is typically an unpaid exchange, which generally aligns with tourist activities. However, it's crucial to check the specific visa regulations for your country of citizenship as immigration laws can be complex.
Is it difficult to get your first house sit in the US with no reviews?
It can be challenging, but it's definitely not impossible. Start by getting character references from landlords, employers, or friends. Offer to do local sits for short periods to build up your first few reviews. A detailed, professional profile with great photos and a personalized application message can make a huge difference in convincing a homeowner to give you a chance.
Are house sits in the US typically paid or unpaid?
The majority of platforms, like TrustedHousesitters and HouseSittersAmerica, are based on an unpaid exchange model. You receive free accommodation in exchange for caring for pets and the home. However, some platforms like HouseSitter.com function more like job boards where you can list your rates and find paid assignments. Always clarify the terms before confirming a sit.
What are the most important features to look for in a house sitting platform's safety policy?
Look for platforms that offer robust identity verification and optional background checks. A transparent, two-way review system is also critical for building trust within the community. Some premium platforms also offer access to a 24/7 vet hotline and provide insurance coverage, which adds a significant layer of security and peace of mind for both parties.
Should I sign up for more than one house sitting website?
Yes, many full-time or serious house sitters subscribe to two or three platforms. This significantly increases the pool of available sits and raises your chances of finding one that perfectly matches your schedule, location preferences, and experience. A good strategy is to have one membership with a large, global platform and another with a more budget-friendly or location-specific one.
