How do I secure my first sit? How to start pet sitting

Here we explore the key steps on how to become a pet sitter, and how to secure your first sit with TrustedHousesitters. Take a look below for tips on setting up your pet sitting profile, writing your application message, and the importance of reviews.

First, make sure you’re signed up

The first and most important step when you’re getting the hang of how to start pet sitting is to make sure you’re part of this pet sitting community. With a TrustedHousesitters membership, you’ll be able to explore thousands of worldwide house sits.

You’ll then be able to apply to as many as you like, connect with pet parents (and their furry family members), and stay in homes around the world - seeing new and unique places through the lens of a local. Click below for more information on how it all works.

Choose your membership plan

To get started, you’ll need to choose a membership plan for access to thousands of worldwide house sits. Depending on whether you opt for our Standard or Premium plan, you could also benefit from…

• 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 become a pet sitter and secure your first sit.

Key steps to become a pet sitter

If you love the idea of traveling with a purpose, and staying in real homes with adorable pets for company, you’ll feel right at home in the TrustedHousesitters community.

If you’re new to pet sitting or you haven’t got much experience with animals, you could complete a short online course, but you certainly don’t need to. The main thing pet parents want to know is that you’ll provide loving pet care while they’re away, and can be trusted to look after their home.

So to get you on your way to finding your first pet sit with TrustedHousesitters, take a look below and note the key steps you’ll need to take.

Key steps to secure your first sit

• Perfect your house sitting profile. Your profile is your chance to demonstrate why you’re the right fit for pets, homes, and pet parents. So describe why you want to house sit, your experience, pets you’ve cared for, any relevant (but non-essential) qualifications like pet first aid, the kinds of places that interest you, and your availability. And of course, don’t be afraid to add a good dose of your unique personality!
• References. Get glowing character references for pet parents to see - simply follow these simple steps to request your references.
• Be flexible. It’s worth applying to multiple sits and trying to be as flexible with your dates as possible. That way, you’re even more likely to secure your first house sit.
• Personalize your application message. Make it clear you’ve read the pet parent’s listing, tailoring your message to the needs of each sit. Be honest and let your personality shine through.
• Prepare for your first chat. It’s likely that pet parents will want to meet online (or in person, location permitting) to get to know you a little. Come prepared to talk about your experience, and ask any questions that will help you decide whether the sit is right for you.
• Start local. To gain experience and build up the reviews from pet parents on your TrustedHousesitters profile, apply to local sits.
• Start small. Depending on your experience with pets, it might be worth starting with a slightly simpler sit, or a sit with no applications.

Tips from successful pet sitters on how to start pet sitting

Below find house sitting tips for first timers from real pet sitters who have been house and pet sitting for some time, and are well-versed in finding house sits they love.

• “Apply for a local sit and offer to meet the homeowner and pets. Apply for a last-minute sit - homeowners 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 owners beforehand.” mars
• “Persistence is key. Also try going for local or less popular location sits to begin with to hopefully build your feedback.” - richten1

Useful resources

• How to write the perfect house sitter profile
• How to write your house sitting application message
• 10 tips on how to become a house sitter
• How to become a pet sitter with no experience