A New View, A Trusted Routine: How to House Sit Like a Pro
Ever dreamed of a pet care gig that feels like a cosy little getaway? Becoming a house sitter could be just the thing.
For pet lovers, house sitting is more than a job—it’s a rewarding lifestyle shift. You step into the pet’s world and ensure everything stays steady, calm, and cared for. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or exploring the idea of becoming a trusted house sitter, this guide will help you deliver a smooth, professional experience every time.
What is House Sitting?
House sitting involves living in a pet owner’s home while they’re away, taking care of their pets and managing small day-to-day tasks like watering plants and collecting mail. A house sitter is there to maintain normalcy: feeding routines, exercise, and affection—all in the comfort of the pet’s home.
As a house sitter who also looks after pets, you’re offering one of the most personal and trustworthy services in the industry. When done right, it brings huge peace of mind to owners and real satisfaction to sitters.
Why Sitters Love It
Many Pawshake sitters describe house sitting as a peaceful and enriching experience. Some reasons why:
🌿 Enjoy a change of scenery – live in a new neighbourhood or city for a few days
🐶 Build strong bonds – spend quality time with pets in their comfort zone
💻 Work or study in peace – great for remote workers or students
💖 Be a hero – pets avoid stressful boarding, and owners return to a happy home
If you're a routine-loving, detail-oriented animal person, house sitting might just be your ideal service.
Meet & Greet: The Foundation of Trust
Every successful sit starts with a proper meet & greet. This builds rapport and helps owners feel confident they’ve found a trusted house sitter.
Use the meet & greet to:
- Learn about the pet’s schedule, behaviours, and medical needs
- Go through house rules (e.g. sleeping arrangements, kitchen use, guest policy)
- Tour the property to understand the layout and safety features
- Align expectations and confirm your availability
💡 Pro tip: Use Pawshake’s pet care checklist or intake form to keep track of everything.
What to Expect as a House Sitter
Once the sit begins, your job is to keep everything as close to ‘normal’ as possible:
🐾 Stick to pet routines – this supports calm, confident behaviour
📷 Send daily updates – a message and a few photos go a long way in building trust
🧹 Respect the home – treat it like your own, or better
🔐 Prioritise house sitting safety – always lock up, and never invite over unapproved guests
Remember, you’re not just a guest—you’re a house sitter for pets, and that trust carries real responsibility.
Handling the Unexpected
Even the most organised sit can come with surprises: a sick pet, a broken appliance, or a delayed flight. What matters is how you handle it.
- Stay calm and update the owner quickly
- Follow their instructions or contact their vet if urgent
- Reach out to Pawshake Support if you’re unsure what to do
Being dependable in uncertain moments can turn a first-time booking into a regular client relationship—and show that you’re a truly trusted house sitter.
One House Sit at a Time
On Pawshake, you can only accept one house sitting booking at a time. This ensures you give the pet and home your full attention—which is essential for quality care and house sitting safety.
That said, you can accept bookings back-to-back. For example, if one house sitting job ends at 10am and the next begins at 11am, that’s perfectly fine—just be upfront with both owners, especially in case someone is delayed returning. Clear communication avoids stress for everyone involved.
Can I Invite Guests While House Sitting?
One of the most important parts of delivering professional house sitting services is respecting the pet owner’s home as if it were your own—or better. This includes being extremely mindful about who enters the property while you’re staying there. Even if the home feels like a comfortable “home away from home,” it's important to remember that you're there as a house sitter for pets, and the space should be treated with privacy and care.
Best practice is to always ask for permission in advance if you’d like to have any guests visit during your stay. Even if the visit is short, you should never assume it’s okay to invite someone over. What feels like a casual visit to you might feel invasive to the pet owner or disruptive to their pets.
In most cases, owners prefer that no guests visit at all. This isn’t about being unkind—it’s about house sitting safety and maintaining a trustworthy, professional environment. Owners have chosen you as a trusted house sitter because they believe you’ll care for their home and pets responsibly. Having unapproved visitors can break that trust and may lead to poor reviews or cancelled bookings.
If you're hoping to have someone drop by (for example, a friend for coffee or a partner to help with errands), here’s how to approach it:
- Ask well in advance of the sit—ideally during the meet and greet
- Be clear about who the guest is, why they’re visiting, and for how long
- Accept the owner's decision gracefully, even if the answer is no
This policy is part of being a professional and respectful house sitter, and it reinforces that you take your role seriously.
Discussing Security Cameras: Transparency Goes Both Ways
At the Meet & Greet, it’s important to ask about any security cameras in the home—especially those inside. While cameras at entrances or in common areas are often used for safety, indoor cameras in private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms are a different matter. As a sitter, you have a reasonable expectation of privacy in these areas, and it’s perfectly appropriate to clarify your comfort levels. A simple, professional approach might be:
"Just checking—are there any indoor cameras I should be aware of? I’m absolutely fine with standard security, but I prefer not to be recorded in private areas like sleeping or bathroom spaces."
This kind of upfront conversation sets mutual expectations, avoids misunderstandings, and reinforces that house sitting is built on trust—on both sides.
Professional House Sitting Tips
✔️ Bring your own food and personal items
✔️ Define your availability for remote work or personal time
✔️ Keep a written list of emergency contacts and routines
✔️ Stay distraction-free—pets come first
✔️ Leave a thank-you note or message at the end
These small gestures can make a big difference and help establish you as a responsible, trusted house sitter in your local area.
Why House Sitting Works
House sitting isn’t just about staying in someone else’s home—it’s about offering heartfelt care, maintaining safety, and building trust. For the right person, it’s a win-win: pets stay happy, owners relax, and you enjoy a new setting with a sense of purpose.
If you're responsible, compassionate, and love working with animals, consider offering house sitting on Pawshake. With every sit, you’ll build your experience, reputation, and joy as a house sitter for pets—all while offering one of the most reliable and trusted services in pet care.
