House-Sitting Success

We all know the benefits of house-sits: living like a local, seeing the fabulous places we might never have visited otherwise, caring for cute pets, not to mention free accommodation! Those who enjoy the success of regular house-sits have a few tips up their sleeves for when it comes to being first-choice for the job. Here are some of them:

Select your website

Save yourself time, and up your chances of success, right from the get-go, by choosing a house-sitting site relevant to your purpose. If you want to sit locally, head to a Kiwi-based site such as House Sitters NZ or Kiwi House Sitters. If you’re aiming for further afield, check out popular international sites such as TrustedHousesitters or Mind My House. (Check sites carefully for membership costs, as these vary considerably.)

Tap into the newbies

No one is more enthusiastic about finding a house sitter than someone who’s just starting out. Problem scenarios (not that there need be any) are unlikely to be on their radar; they may not realise how much choice they have in sitters, and they are likely to be less demanding when it comes to adding odd-jobs into the to-do list. While you’re not out to take advantage of anyone, it pays to be aware newbie house-sitting hosts are likely to say ‘yes’ more quickly than old hands. Which is why it pays to scan profiles for those who are, like you, first timers. 

New listings – new opportunities

Get to the head of the queue by heading straight for new listings. To do this, filter postings by dates, and have your profile completed ahead of time so you can post it right away, along with your enquiry. Take care to apply for one position at a time – disappointing hosts will not endear you to a website. However, if you don’t receive a reply within a day or two, you have the perfect excuse to submit another application.

Actually, almost anywhere is great!

Applying for house-sitting positions is just like hunting for accommodation – the most popular places fill up first. But as every house-sitter will tell you, some of their best experiences have come from sitting in places they would never have thought to go to, otherwise. Be prepared to head for the hills and the ’burbs, and your rewards can be great!

Tread lightly

When it comes to caring for another’s much-loved pet, no one other than the owner is an expert (at least, that’s how pet-owners view it). When applying for positions, be clear about your experience, but also be sure to let owners understand your first priority is to carry out their wishes.

Honesty is admirable, experience is everything

While there will always be hosts who are willing to accept inexperienced but well-referenced sitters, nothing beats having been hands-on with animals. To gain experience, start by asking friends, neighbours, and relatives if you can care for their pet when they’re in need of a sitter, or simply spend time with them. There may also be an opportunity to regularly walk a local dog. Pet shelters are always on the look-out for volunteers, and catteries and kennels may be willing to take you on in the same capacity. Perhaps your local park has an aviary group looking for helpers? Would Riding for the Disabled appreciate your help?

Ask intelligently

A discerning house-sit host will welcome questions, but only if they are well-placed, rather than timid. When asking a question, always aim to insert some indication of knowledge. For example, don’t simply ask (of an owner with an elderly cat): “How is your cat’s health?” Instead, ask: “How is your cat’s health (I’m familiar with administering tablets, but not injections – although I’m willing to skill up on this if required)”.

If house sitting is your aim, do what it takes to secure that all-important first gig. After this, the world is at your doorstep.