Traveler with a dog in a European street

Your Guide to Pet Sitting

Whether you're a sitter exploring the world or a homeowner looking for trusted care — everything you need to get started

What is Pet Sitting?

Pet sitting is a simple exchange: homeowners get trusted, live-in care for their pets while they travel, and sitters get free accommodation in return. No money changes hands — just genuine care for animals and a place to stay.

It works for everyone from digital nomads looking for a home base in a new city, to retirees who want to explore without hotel costs, to animal lovers who want to spend time with pets without the long-term commitment. Homeowners benefit from someone who treats their home and animals like their own, rather than leaving pets in a kennel or relying on drop-in visits.

For Pet Sitters

Traveling as a pet sitter means you can stay in homes around the world, but it also comes with responsibilities. Before you accept a sit, make sure you understand what's expected.

  • ·Know the animals — ask about feeding routines, medications, vet contacts, and behavioral quirks before you arrive
  • ·Check local regulations — leash laws, breed restrictions, and public transport rules vary widely between countries and cities
  • ·Plan for emergencies — locate the nearest vet, have the owner's emergency contacts, and understand pet insurance coverage in that country
  • ·Communicate clearly — send regular updates with photos, and don't hesitate to reach out to the owner if something seems off
  • ·Build your profile — reviews and references matter. Treat every sit like it's your audition for the next one

For Homeowners

Leaving your pets with a stranger takes trust. Here's how to make sure the experience goes smoothly for everyone — especially your animals.

  • ·Write a detailed listing — include daily routines, dietary needs, house rules, and anything your pet is afraid of or reactive to
  • ·Vet sitters carefully — read reviews, do a video call, and ask about their experience with your type of pet
  • ·Leave clear instructions — a printed guide with vet details, medication schedules, neighbor contacts, and Wi-Fi passwords goes a long way
  • ·Do a handover — overlap by a day if possible so the sitter can meet the pets, learn the routines, and ask questions in person
  • ·Leave a review — honest feedback helps the community and future homeowners

Guides & Tips

Practical advice for sitters and homeowners — from landing your first sit to handling emergencies.

For Sitters

How to Get Your First House Sit With No Reviews

Everyone starts with zero reviews. Here's how to get past that.

Writing a Standout Sitter Profile on Global Pet Sitter

Your profile is often the only thing standing between you and your next house-sitting gig. Here's how to make sure no one just scrolls right past it.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Accepting a House Sit

In cases where house sitting assignments went wrong, there were almost always early warning signs that were overlooked. Here are the questions every house sitter should ask themselves before saying yes.

House Sitting Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Every Sitter Should Know

Nobody gets a rulebook for house sitting.

Pet Emergency Guide for House Sitters: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Emergencies don't wait for the homeowner to return. If you know how to recognize the warning signs, act quickly, and deal with the aftermath, it can make the difference between a scare and a full-blown crisis.

House Sitting as a Digital Nomad: Free Accommodation While You Work Remotely

House sitting and remote work go together well. You have a real home instead of a co-living place, pets keep you company, and you don't pay for a place to live. Here's how to do it.

For Homeowners

How to Prepare Your Home for a House Sitter

A well-prepared home makes all the difference between a smooth house-sitting experience and a stressful situation. Here you'll find everything you need to do before handing over the keys, from a thorough cleaning to putting together a welcome kit that will help your house-sitter feel right at home.

Writing a Listing That Attracts Quality Sitters

Your ad is your first impression. Experienced pet sitters base their decision to apply or scroll past on it. A good ad not only describes your home and pets, but also promotes the experience and sets realistic expectations from day one.

Creating a Welcome Guide for Your House Sitter

A good welcome guide is the most helpful thing you can leave for your pet sitter. It answers questions before they're even asked, prevents problems before they arise, and ensures that your pet sitter can focus on what they're actually there for: taking care of your pets.

General

House Sitting Insurance Explained: What You Actually Need to Know

Insurance is a topic no one likes to think about -until something goes wrong. Whether you're working as a house sitter in someone's home or, as a homeowner, giving your keys to someone else: knowing what is and isn't covered can save you from a financial nightmare.

House Sitting Red Flags and Scams: How to Protect Yourself

The house-sitting community is made up almost entirely of honest, trustworthy people. But scammers can be found everywhere online, and if you know what to look out for, you can protect yourself from a terrible experience or, worse yet, financial loss.

Caring for Senior and Special Needs Pets: A Sitter's Complete Guide

Senior pets are among the sweetest and most grateful animals to care for, but they have specific needs that require patience, attention, and a bit of extra knowledge. Whether you're a pet sitter caring for a senior pet for the first time or a pet owner putting together instructions, this guide has everything you need to know.

Free Printable Checklists

Download and print these checklists to prepare for your next sit

Questions to Ask Before a House Sit

Print this list and check off each topic as you discuss it with the homeowner

Welcome Guide Checklist

Print this checklist and fill it in before your sitter arrives

House Sitting Insurance Checklist

Make sure both sides are covered before the sit begins

Country Guides

Each country has different rules for pets — vaccination requirements, quarantine policies, breed restrictions, and import documents. Our country guides break it all down.

Vaccination requirements

Rabies, titer tests, microchipping — by pet type

Quarantine & import rules

Duration, exemptions, required documents and fees

Local pet laws & tips

Leash laws, breed bans, emergency vet info, travel tips

Oceania

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North America

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Explore pet sitting destinations

City-by-city guides with vet recommendations, dog-friendly parks, neighborhood tips, and local regulations.