We get many of the same questions about house and pet sitting. So we thought we would tackle the questions head on to give you a clear idea of what is involved in being a house and pet sitter or being the home and pet owner.
1. How do I get started as a house and pet sitter?
Start by registering with a reputable house and pet sitting service. Be sure that you look at the costs associated with registering and compare with others to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Next, you have to create a profile. List some of the things you can do for the home and pet owner, such as garden maintenance and administering medication to pets.
Home owners also appreciate sitters who are flexible. They may want you to visit them before the sit to get used to the quirks of the home or pets.
Make sure you have one or more photos on your profile. Consider every position like an interview, so make sure the images present a professional image.
Onto finding positions. Mindahome.com.au automatically sends you an alert when a position in the area/s you have selected comes up, making the search for a sit easier. But you can also browse positions and contact the home and pet owner directly to discuss their requirements.
2. Do I need experience?
Although experience is always an advantage, there are other ways that you can present your credentials to home and pet owners if you’re just starting out.
Get personal and work references and a police check is always a good idea. Having these documents will give the home and pet owners a good idea if you’re right for the position.
3. What about the security of my home while I’m away?
We recommend that home and pet owners keep up their home and contents insurance while their away and also advise their insurance company that a house sitter will be occupying their home. Many insurance companies prefer the home to be occupied and state that having an unpaid house sitter will not affect the home owners home and contents policy. We advise you discuss this with your own insurance company before leaving.
Home and pet owners can also negotiate with house sitters about a bond for the duration of their stay that is returned at the end of the sit. We also recommend that home owners review testimonials and references prior to the house and pet sit. It provides both parties peace of mind.
4. Will my age hinder my chances of securing a position?
House and pet sitters can be single, a couple or a family and of any age. Some home and pet owners prefer mature aged couples whereas some prefer younger sitters if they have very energetic pets.
We suggest you look at each position’s requirements and tell the home and pet owner why you would be best for the position. Talk about your strengths and how that will benefit the care of their home and their pets.
5. Do I have to pay for a house and pet sitter?
Usually it is a straight swap – house sitters care for the house and pets in exchange for free accommodation including the use of utilities such as water and electricity. All details should be discussed and negotiated prior to the start of the house and pet sit. That way all parties have an understanding of expectations.
6. Is there a limit to how many positions I can take up?
No. You can take up as many or as few house and pet sits that you like each year once you have registered.
Whether you want to use the service to take short breaks or annual holidays or are saving money by house and pet sitting instead of paying rent, you have many options to use the service to benefit your lifestyle.
7. What is the average length of a house and pet sit?
The average length of a house and pet sit is usually around one week to four months with the most common being between two and six weeks. We have had house and pet sits that last for only a few days, or a few months, through to a whole year!