Updated Aug 13, 2026
Curious about how house sitting actually works, and ready to start traveling with purpose? You’re in the right place - here we’re exploring how to become a pet sitter, and how to secure your first sit with an annual TrustedHousesitters membership.
We’ll dive into tips on setting up your profile, writing your application message, and the importance of reviews. For a quick summary, click the link below which covers how to start pet sitting.
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House and pet sitting
How we work
At TrustedHousesitters, hosts get someone to care for their pets and home while they’re away. Sitters get to experience a place like a local, living in a real home and discovering a new neighborhood for their stay.
It works because it’s built on trust, not transactions. All members pay an annual fee - there’s no nightly rates, no settling up. Both sides put in real effort before anything is agreed, then play their part to make the stay work. That’s why the process takes a bit more time and thought than booking a hotel - it’s meant to.
Key steps to become a pet sitter
- Join the community. Purchase your plan and take the time to explore sits, then start building your profile to get started.
- Find your stay. Explore sits, apply (personalizing each application), speak with hosts, and confirm when it clicks.
- Enjoy living like a local. Care for the pets and home like your own, and settle into local life in a new neighborhood.
Step 1: Join the community and build your profile
Start by joining the TrustedHousesitters community with an annual membership plan. Once you're a member, here's what that includes, depending on which membership plan you choose:
- 24/7 vet advice line during sits
- Dedicated member support
- Accident & third party liability plan
- Two global airport lounge passes
- Sit cancellation plan
- Skip the booking fee
To find the plan that’s right for you, explore our sitter plans below so that you can start taking the steps to becoming a pet sitter and securing your first sit. Once you’ve paid your annual membership fee, build your profile to get started - this is your chance to show hosts your personality, interests, and experience.
Browse annual membership plans
Step 2: Find your sit
To find your first pet sit, browse live stays, and apply to sits that feel right. Personalize every application, since hosts read each one before reaching out.
Once you’ve connected, get to know the hosts - meeting online via a video call or in person to understand the home and pet care responsibilities before anything’s confirmed. Take time to ask questions, and decide if it feels right - it can take a few tries before the right match comes together.
Once it clicks, you’ll both need to hit confirm - then it’s time to get into the details on the pet’s routine, and all their unique quirks.
Step 3: Enjoy living like a local
Once the sit begins, the home and pets are yours to care for during your stay - whether that’s a week, a month, or just a few days. Treat them like your own, enjoy all the comforts that come with a real home, and enjoy settling into a new neighborhood like one of the locals.
Extra tips for securing your first sit
- Personalize your profile. This is your chance to demonstrate why you’re the right fit for pets, homes, and hosts. Describe why you want to house sit, your experience, pets you’ve cared for (or owned yourself in the past), any relevant (but non-essential) qualifications like pet first aid, the kinds of places that interest you, and your availability.
- References. Request character references for hosts to see on your profile - follow these steps to request your references.
- Be flexible. Start by applying to multiple sits and be flexible with your dates, if possible.
- Personalize your application message. Make it clear you’ve read the host’s listing, tailoring your message to the needs of each home, host, and pet. Be honest and let your personality shine through.
- Prepare for your first chat. Meet online or in person to get to know the host and their pets. Come prepared to talk about your experience, and ask any questions that will help you decide whether the sit feels right.
- Start local. Build up your pet sitting experience and reviews by house sitting locally before going further afield.
- Start small. If you're newer to pet sitting, it's worth starting with lower maintenance pets, or a sit with fewer applicants.
Tips from sitters on how to start pet sitting
Below find house sitting tips for first-timers from sitters in the TrustedHousesitters community.
- “Apply for a local sit and offer to meet the host and pets. Apply for a last-minute sit - hosts will be very grateful.” - Silversitters
- “I would also add to your profile some lovely photos of your whole family interacting with pets, as this gives pet parents a lovely sense of who you are.” - Therese
- “Mention your flexibility in your profile and if at all possible update your calendar to show your availability.” - Twitcher
- “Try to apply to less attractive sits and during peak holiday seasons. Our first sit was in Italy during Christmas.” - Timmy
- “There is a high demand for sitters around the holidays. Keep applying, look for short sits, last-minute sits and local sits, especially where you would be able to meet the hosts beforehand.” mars
- “Persistence is key. Also try going for local or less popular locations to begin with to hopefully build your feedback.” - richten1
How to get your first sit: FAQs
How do I get my first sit on TrustedHousesitters?
The first step is to join TrustedHousesitters with an annual membership, then complete your profile. You'll also complete an ID verification check, which confirms you are who you say you are. In the US, this includes a background check for the same reason. You’ll also need to request references - these help hosts to build a picture of who you are, alongside the contents of your profile. When applying, send personalized messages to hosts, and confirm when it feels right. Start by applying to local sits to build up your reviews and experience.
What if I’ve never had pets before?
If you’ve never had pets of your own, it won’t stop you from becoming a pet sitter. Talk about any experience with animals you do have (such as through friends or family), show your sense of responsibility, and let your genuine enthusiasm come through.
Do I need qualifications to be a pet sitter?
You don’t need qualifications to become a TrustedHousesitters sitter. You need to love animals, and be genuinely committed to treating a host's home and pets like your own.
