Where to Find Quality Housesitting Opportunities
Discover where to find quality housesitting opportunities online and through referrals, and find tips to start your next housesitting adventure successfully.
One of the questions I’m asked most often is, "Where do you find these amazing housesits?" Whether you're a seasoned traveler looking to reduce accommodation costs or someone seeking a change of scenery, housesitting can be a fantastic option.
I'm currently working on a comprehensive housesitting guide to help both homeowners and sitters ensure each sit is a success. We'll cover the vetting process in detail in the guide, but for now, I'll share some quick tips on how to evaluate potential housesits effectively.
Let's explore some of the best places to find housesits online, Whether you're a seasoned housesitter or just starting out, these platforms can help you discover your next adventure.
Disclosure: Midlife Nomads often refers and links to websites, apps, and products/services I actually use. Sometimes, I receive compensation if readers sign up or make a purchase. A girl’s gotta eat – and travel!
Before we jump in, I’m curious…
For reference, we’re talking about unpaid housesits here. The value exchange is that you get to live like a local somewhere fun, and the homeowner has the peace of mind of knowing their home and pets are cared for.
That’s typically how housesitting goes, although there may be extenuating circumstances such as many animals or plants to care for, groundskeeping or housekeeping required, etc. Keep in mind as you check out these groups that these aren’t paying jobs.
House & Petsitting Facebook Groups
This is where I’ve had the greatest success connecting with housesits. Having the opportunity connected to a Facebook profile enables both parties to do a bit of background research and be fairly confident they’re communicating with a real person.
What you’re looking for are sizeable groups with a decent level of engagement. When you’re reviewing Facebook search results for housesitting groups, check out how many posts there are daily. Join a few groups, even if you aren’t actively looking for a housesit yet, and watch how people post and interact.
Here are a few to get you started:
House & Pet Sitting Central & South America - I’ve connected with housesits in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica via this group
Housesitting Canada - Over 7,000 members and typically fairly active.
World Wide House Sitting and Pet Sitting Community - A noisier group with over 125,000 members and sits all over the world
House & Pet Sitting Spain and Portugal - Plenty of opportunities for housesits in these two countries
Visit each of these every week or so, and see what people are looking for in a housesitter. You’ll see people posting their availability for sits, too, and can start thinking on how you’ll shape your own pitch.
Housesitting Services
Housesitting platforms connect homeowners with trustworthy house sitters worldwide. They’re designed to connect people and facilitate mutually beneficial arrangements where house sitters can stay in a homeowner's property for free in exchange for taking care of the home and often pets.
One of the more affordable options is Housecarers.com, which gives housesitters full access at $50 CDN per year. Here’s a closer look at how these sites work and why so many people choose to use this service.
How It Works
Registration: Both homeowners and potential house sitters need to register on the website. There’s typically a membership fee that grants access to the platform’s features.
Creating a Profile: Homeowners create detailed profiles about their property, the pets that need care, and specific requirements or responsibilities they expect from the sitter. Similarly, house sitters build profiles showcasing their experience, skills, references, and availability.
Searching and Matching: Homeowners can post their housesitting assignments, specifying dates and responsibilities. Sitters can browse these listings and apply for positions that match their preferences and schedules. Homeowners then review the applications, communicate with potential sitters, and select the best match for their needs.
Arrangements and Agreements: Once matched, homeowners and sitters can further discuss the details to ensure a clear understanding of expectations. Many users recommend having a written agreement outlining the duties, house rules, and emergency contacts.
The most popular housesitting platform is Trusted Housesitters. It’s worth it for people who use housesitting frequently for inexpensive accommodations while they travel, but may be out of reach for those just getting started.
Expat Communities
You know who travels a lot and often needs housesitters? Expats! Couples and families who’ve relocated from one country to another tend to like to travel, and often want to take trips back to their home country to see family and friends.
I’ve found some decent housesitting opportunities in expat communities. The key here is to find out where immigrants gather online in the countries you want to housesit in.
For example, we love Granada, Nicaragua. There’s a Facebook group called Expats of Granada, Nicaragua, where people may post a need for a housesitter. (These groups are also a great place to learn about a destination you want to visit.)
I’ve connected with a housesit in Estonia, another place I like to visit, through the group Expats in Tallinn, Estonia.
Start browsing around for Whatsapp Groups, Facebook Groups, Slack channels, blogs and forums where people who live in the area(s) you want to visit gather. You’ll learn about the community, maybe find a few housesitting opportunities, and develop some relationships that could prove helpful once you get to that country, too!
Word of Mouth / Referrals and Recommendations
One of the most effective and reliable ways to find quality housesitting opportunities is through word of mouth, referrals, and recommendations.
When friends, family, or acquaintances have had positive experiences with housesitting, their endorsements can be invaluable. This not only helps you find reliable housesits but also provides a sense of security, knowing that the opportunity comes with a trusted recommendation.
When you start talking to people about your interest in housesitting, you'll be surprised at how many connections you can make. Friends and colleagues might know someone who needs a sitter or has done housesitting themselves.
Joining online forums and local community groups related to travel or pet care can also lead to referrals. Networking in these spaces can help you build a reputation and create a list of potential housesitting gigs that aren’t listed on public platforms.
If you’re already an experienced housesitter, asking for recommendations from previous homeowners can be a game-changer. Positive testimonials and referrals from past sits can significantly boost your credibility and attract more homeowners willing to entrust their homes and pets to you.
Don’t be shy about asking for these – a good reference goes a long way in the housesitting community!
You can then use recommendations on your housesitting webpage, or in a private document you share only to those you’re in serious talks with (depending on your privacy preferences).
A Final Word…
Housesitting can open the door to incredible travel experiences, whether you’re looking to cut accommodation costs or simply want a change of scenery. From joining Facebook groups and housesitting platforms to tapping into expat communities and leveraging word of mouth, there are numerous ways to find your perfect housesit.
Remember, careful vetting is key to ensuring a successful sit, and while I’ll be covering this in more detail in my upcoming comprehensive housesitting guide, these initial tips should get you off to a great start.
Stay tuned for more housesitting insights and advice! In the meantime, start exploring these avenues, and who knows? Your next great adventure might just be a housesit away.