How to Become a House Sitter

May 16, 2026 8 min read· by Globalsitter Team

House sitting has quietly become one of the most popular ways to travel cheaply, work remotely, and live like a local — all while caring for someone's beloved pets and home.

What is house sitting?

A house sitter stays in a homeowner's house while they're away, looking after the property and any pets. In exchange, the sitter gets free accommodation for the duration of the stay. No money typically changes hands between the sitter and the owner — it's a true exchange of trust.

Why people choose house sitting

Free accommodation in dream destinations
A slower, more local way to travel
Time with pets if you miss your own at home
Perfect for remote workers who need a stable base
A way to try out a city before committing to a move

How to get started in 5 steps

1. Create a complete profile

The single biggest predictor of how many sit invitations you receive is your profile. Add a clear, smiling photo, a short bio about who you are, and mention any experience with pets — even informal experience counts.

2. Get verified

Mail verification (ID + reference checks) dramatically increases the trust homeowners place in you, especially for your first applications.

3. Apply to a few sits, even if you're not sure

Don't wait for the "perfect" sit. Apply to a handful of stays that look reasonable. Each application is a small commitment — most owners are open to first-timers who write a thoughtful, personal message.

4. Have a great first conversation

Owners want to know two things: are you safe, and are you reliable? A short video call before the booking reassures both sides and gives the owner peace of mind.

5. Deliver a 5-star stay

Communicate daily updates with photos of the pets, leave the home as clean as you found it (ideally cleaner), and ask the owner for a public review afterwards. Reviews compound — your second sit comes much faster than your first.

Common mistakes to avoid

"I treated my first sit like a hotel stay. The owner felt I wasn't emotionally invested in their cat. I didn't get a review and it took me months to land another sit." — Real feedback from a Globalsitter community member.

Generic, copy-pasted applications
Overpromising on what you'll do
Skipping the meet-and-greet video call
Forgetting to send updates during the stay

What's next?

If you're ready to start, create your free Globalsitter profile and browse upcoming sits in your favorite destinations. Your first year is on us — €0, no credit card required.

Happy sitting 🐾