Farmhouse sitting: form friendships with farmyard animals

What does the word ‘farmhouse’ conjure for you? A quintessential stone house with a thatched roof surrounded by farmyard animals? Perhaps a quaint wooden home high up in the mountains covered in summer flowers? Or vast acres of land with a big bright red barn slap bang in the middle (and covered in farm animals)?

Farmhouses come in all shapes and sizes, and with TrustedHousesitters they can be found all over the globe. Fancy a bit of pretty English countryside? How about an Alpine house by a lake? Whatever the location, farm sitting in a farmhouse with animals is as exhilarating as it is demanding.

Here are some key tips on how to farm sit for a farmhouse, barnyard animals, and any additional responsibilities you might be asked to look after.

Visit the farmhouse and animals before you sit

Farms are big. Fact. Even a hobby farm still requires some daily TLC and cleaning. Whilst some farmhouses can be modern structures with modern fittings, modern plumbing, and modern heating, some are a little more traditional. Not only this, but you’re also pet-sitting for a load of outdoor animals. Suddenly, the responsibilities start adding up!

We recommend taking a trip to the farmhouse and farm animals to make sure you are as prepared as possible. Check with the farm parents about how the electricity and plumbing are sourced to the house - the older the property, the more complicated it may be, so be sure to ask them questions!

Similarly, it’s a good idea to meet the farm animals beforehand. This will help you to introduce yourself to the farmyard flock, run through their routines, and ask those all-important care queries before their parents leave you in charge.

Understand the farm and animal responsibilities

Farm sitting is not a commitment to be undertaken lightly. Their care differs from that of your household cats and dogs, they often require daily grooming, cleaning, and attention as well as feeding and watering. Some of these farm animals may be quite big - if you struggle with mobility or heavy lifting, you might need to think if you’re able to care for a horse daily. If you’re a remote worker, for example, with a busy schedule, be sure to have a clear plan of what your farmyard routine will be and whether it’ll fit around your work.

Keep in contact with the farm parents

This is a must for any pet sit, and one we’re sure you’re very familiar with. All pet parents want to know how the other half of their family is doing while they are away, so be sure to send regular updates every day. Some pictures, videos, and daily roundups can help farm parents stay reassured. It also opens up the opportunity to ask any extra questions that may crop up.

Know who to call in an emergency

Before the parents leave you to be The Farmyard Champion, make sure you have all the contact details of their vet, the local emergency services, local neighbors, plumbers, and any other contacts you may need. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Farm-sitting emergencies could range from caring for a sick or injured pet, asking for help if you’ve hurt yourself, or knowing who to call if you have issues with the plumbing and heating. There’s no such thing as too many numbers!

Enjoy being a farm sitter!

If you have the time and capacity, sitting in a farmhouse with animals is a hugely rewarding and fun experience. Although it can be hard work with a lengthy daily to-do list, you have the chance to enjoy a beautiful home and cuddle some unique pets. Farmyard animal experience and farmhouse care are an awesome opportunity for adventure-loving pet pals!

Curious to try out your very own farm sit? Have a look at all our available house sits dotted around the globe. If you’re an experienced farm hand, share your knowledge and tips on our Community Forum - we love hearing about your experiences as well as sharing the love with other sitters.