How to house sit a houseboat

Aquatic highways are a whole type of adventure in themselves. The freedom a houseboat and boat sitting can offer opens new doorways and waterways for exploration. However, this unique sort of sit comes with some additional responsibilities and routines that may not suit all sitters.

For those keen to try out living in a houseboat as a pet sitter, we have a few pearls of wisdom to pass on before you set sail on your boat sitting bonanza. Here are some of the benefits of living on a houseboat, a few of the downsides to be aware of, and a list of tips for life on the open waterways around the world. 

The benefits of living on a houseboat as a pet sitter

Floating freedom

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of the canal ways calling your name, it’s an adventure at your fingertips with just an engine start away! Many of the pet parents you’ll be boat sitting for will have some wonderfully unique and fascinating reasons for choosing to live on the water (along with some wise water wisdom and anecdotes), but one of the most typical reasons is freedom. If there’s water, there’s a way!

Each boat sit will have its own mooring and traveling situation - some pet parents may allow you to sail about during the day, but ask you to moor in the same place each night. Others may suggest you sail downriver to meet them somewhere at the end of your sit. However, a few might request the boat remain docked for a variety of reasons.

If you’re able to take the houseboat out for a trip, the possibilities are endless. Dog walking options will become numerous, and the opportunity to see and do something different each day will be available. You’ll be living on your own mode of transport.

Houseboat communities

If you weren’t aware, houseboat communities are a fundamental part of houseboat living. These communities are known for being welcoming places for help, resources, word-of-mouth knowledge, and a great source of company. While your neighbors might change daily, the enthusiasm and love for life on the water will always be there. Be sure to learn who’s moored or docked next to you, ask for advice if you need it, and don’t be shy to start the conversation first.

Enjoy rural living off the grid

If you fancy some rural living while sitting with the option to explore and see more of the countryside, boat sitting is for you. While certain canal ways will allow for easy inner-city access, you’ll still be equipped with basic facilities. If you’re looking for simple living with a wood-burning stove, a diesel heating system, and off-the-grid plumbing, you’ll enjoy life as a boating sitter.

Devote your time to pet love and mindfulness

If you’re able to set sail for parts of your sit, there will be points where you’ll be left to entertain yourself and pet pals whilst you search for your next mooring site. These are awesome opportunities to spend bonding with your fellow furry boat babies. While an appreciative game of tug-of-war might be in need for some pups, other pets may simply be happy to sleep next to you whilst you read or contemplate life.

Potential problems living on a houseboat as a pet sitter

Engine trouble

Sadly, we need to put our serious hats on here. Boat sitting comes with a list of important responsibilities, including engine care. You don’t need to be a master mechanic, but at least some knowledge of boat engines will be needed for a boat sit. Even if you need to remain docked throughout your sit, the engine will most likely provide heat and energy to make for a more comfortable experience.

So, what happens if it stops working? If you’re in Southern California in the middle of summer docked next to a busy port with showers and restaurants, it’s not too much of a worry. But for those boats sitting in winter up in the North of England… Make sure the pet parents have given you a list of emergency numbers, you’ve made yourself known to the local houseboat communities, and you contact the owners if you experience any issues.

Basic plumbing and heating

Off-the-grid and sitting away from modern life can be idyllic for those happy with the most basic of facilities. However, if you’re someone who prefers the comforts of central heating, constantly available heated water, and a 21st-century plumbing system, houseboat sitting might not be for you.

These days, many houseboats have built-in solar panels and water systems, but they’re not as reliable as those found in houses on land. Be prepared for the possibility of being without a shower if the plumbing fails, as well as what to expect when removing waste from the boat.

Limited living space

One piece of obvious advice would be this: Houseboats are still boats. There’s only so much space for everything need to live with all your amenities and storage for stuff. The sacrifice comes with the limited living space. If you’re caring for a fluff ball or two, this space can be reduced even more. There will also be times when you need to spend extensive periods in this small space. Be honest and realistic with yourself - are you okay with small, simple living? Or do you need a bit more space to stretch your legs?

Tips for pet sitting and living on a houseboat

Prioritizing pet safety

As always, the pets are one of your main priorities as a sitter. Their health and well-being need to be as much of a part of your day-to-day schedule as eating and showering. Make sure you’re clear on where they are and aren’t allowed to go, what you must do to protect them at night, and how to keep them safe if you need to be away from the houseboat. Plan all of this ahead of your sit and be clear on where the nearest vet practice is too.

Learn the local mooring laws

This is so important, pet pals! You don’t want to finish up an amazing sit only to find you’ve handed a bit of fat fine for mooring in the wrong place or for too long. Make sure you have detailed instructions from the pet parents and also do your research beforehand. Similarly, use the houseboat community to ask for tips and in-the-know knowledge of where along the waterway is best to park up and moor.

Previous boat experience

Boat sitting is a little different from something like farm sitting or horse sitting - while experience is preferable (with a few reliable referrals on your profile) for farm and horse sitting, for boat sitting it’s a lot more important. You don’t need to be a world-class sailor or engine expert, you need some basic knowledge of houseboat engine care, experience with mooring and locks, as well an understanding of how to live off the grid.

Every owner is different - some may not mind if you’re inexperienced, instead, they might ask you to make an in-person visit to run through the houseboat logistics. However, others will expect some boat sitting knowledge beforehand. Be honest and forthright with the pet parents about what you do and don’t know - it’ll be beneficial for both them, their pets, and you.

Scope out the nearest resources and shops

Your houseboat hosts may leave instructions and maps in their guide of the nearby shops for food and pet supplies, along with points along the river or canal where you can refuel, fill up on water, and dispose of waste. If you’ve agreed with the pet parents to sail the boat to a particular area, make sure your route is mapped out with these sorts of resources, just in case.

Remember to pack layers

Houseboats based in cooler climates will normally be equipped with either diesel, wood, or coal heaters and stoves, along with additional insulation. Be sure to check with the pet parents on how well-stocked you’ll be whilst they’re away, what to do if anything runs out, and where you can pick up extra supplies.

However! There might be some mornings or evenings when the cold can find its way in. As a precaution, it’s best to overpack on coats, sweaters, socks, and thermals (if you have them). The size of houseboats means they’re easier to heat than an old, large, historical stone farmhouse, but it’s still worth packing some extra warmth just in case.

The best places for houseboat living and sitting

Luckily, there are a lot of waterways in the world and on almost every continent. If you’re looking for a houseboat adventure in the US, some of the top States for boat living include New York, California, Oregon, and Maryland, to name a few!

Over in Europe, the UK, Amsterdam, Denmark, and Ireland are arguably four of the most famous countries with canals. Norway is known for its stunning fjords and rivers, while Sweden has its own naturally formed waterways around Stockholm. 

We have our houseboat community on our Community Forum - head there to learn more about life on the wondrous waterways or offer tips for budding boaters. Keen to find your own houseboat adventure? There are thousands of pet parents looking for paw-some sitters around the globe, check out what’s available and whether a house on the water is looking for a new pet pal.