Traditionally, finding the best pet sitting at home while traveling has been difficult for pet-owners.
We’ve all been there: Making wonderful plans for an extended trip through Mexico, Europe or another far away place, just to soberly realize that it would be extremely difficult to find the best pet sitting at home while traveling.
But with Trusted Housesitters, you can ensure your pets are cared for right at home by top-rated sitters, allowing you to travel with peace of mind.
While it is occasionally possible to find a responsible pet-companion, they might not always be available during our desired vacation period. And more professional boarding care for pets is often completely overpriced – coming close to the price of an all-inclusive stay for an adult.
Recent digital innovations have however enabled the creation of a smart solution to the issue: The platform Trusted Housesitters connects pet-parents with verified travelers willing to pet-sit their beloved animals in exchange for a place to stay.
Helping pet-owners world wide
Andy Peck founded Trusted Housesitters in 2010 after house sitting in Spain, where he met the owner’s dog, Dave. Realizing the difficulty pet owners faced in finding reliable pet sitters, he was inspired to create a solution. Trusted Housesitters was launched and quickly gained popularity among pet owners and sitters.
By December 2023, the platform boasted over 200,000 registered users (Mayfair, 2023) and had facilitated over 10 million pet sitting nights across more than 140 countries. On Trustpilot, over 19,000 users reviewed the platform, resulting in an average rating of 4.5 stars and an “Excellent” score. Impressively, more than 60% of users reported learning about the platform through word-of-mouth.
Trusted Housesitters offers valuable benefits to pet owners. It allows pets to stay in their familiar environment and receive loving 1-to-1 care, reducing anxiety. The platform is cost-effective, as the one-time annual fee covers unlimited home and pet care, often paying for itself during the first vacation.
Additionally, 24/7 access to vet support ensures pet health concerns are addressed. Pet parents also appreciate the rigorous application process for sitters, providing peace of mind that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are on the platform.
Join the Trusted Housesitters community today by signing up on TrustedHousesitters.com and enjoy your travels today with the comfort of good pet-caretakers.
Finding the best pet sitting at home while traveling, step by step
Want to find the best pet sitting at home while traveling? Having your pets cared for with Trusted Housesitters follows three simple steps:
1) Register on the Trusted Housesitters platform and choose a membership plan,
2) Create your listing, and
3) Select a suitable pet sitter and enjoy your trip.
Continue reading below for a more detailed walk-through of the steps.
Step 1: Registering on the platform and choosing the right plan
Start the process by signing up on TrustedHousesitters.com and registering yourself as pet-owner in search of a sitter. Select one of the three pet parent plans: Basic-, Standard-, or Premium pet parent plan.
The Basic pet parent plan may be the most affordable option at USD 149, but this plan really only allows the publishing of your listing and the ability to access verified sitters via the platform. It is most suitable for pet-owners searching for a budget-friendly pet-care option.
Pet-owners requiring an efficient and comfortable service in finding a trustworthy pet-sitter might be best advised to select the Standard pet parent plan. For an additional USD 70, and totaling USD 229, pet parents will receive an additional home and contents plan, access to unlimited and on-demand calls with veterinarians, as well as dedicated member support to help improve listings and to find the best pet-sitters.
The most luxurious option of Premium pet parent plan provides additional travel comfort by equipping pet parents with 2 global airport lounge passes per year and offering a sitter cancellation plan for the rare case that a pet-sitter cancels. This package may be suitable for those able to pay a little more for an all-round protection and a comfortable traveling experience.
Step 2: How to create a listing for the best pet sitting at home while traveling
Once you have chosen a membership plan, you will be asked to create a home- and pet-owner listing. This is basically your “ad” presenting your home and your pets to potential sitters. The better the listing, the easier it will be to find the ideal pet-sitter suited to your needs. The listing includes different sections related to yourself, your home location, your pets, the pet-sitters responsibilities, as well as the dates when you will need a pet-sitter for.
- Headline and images: The headline and images are the first thing potential sitters see, so it is important to create an appealing first impression. Short and punchy headlines that describe the experience a pet-sitter will have, have proven to work best. Include a minimum of five high-quality pictures that capture your pets and your home to make a good impression. Don’t forget to make your rooms tidy, before you take photos! See more here: how to choose the perfect pictures.
- The ”About you” section: This section is where you introduce yourself and your pets on your house sitter listing. It’s an opportunity to give a brief overview of your house and its location, and talk a little about yourself—your job, hobbies, travel habits, and the reason you’re seeking a sitter. The goal is to attract like-minded sitters by being thorough and factual in your description. This introduction helps create a connection with potential sitters, making your listing more appealing.
- “Your Home & Location” section: Describe your property, amenities, and where the sitter will stay. Highlight any unique features and note security systems. Include details on local transport, shops, parking, and nearby attractions. Use tags to help sitters quickly understand what to expect.
- “Your Pets” section: Introduce your pets by selecting their type, adding their names and breeds, and including photos. Be honest about their personalities to attract the right sitter who can care for them properly. You can provide more details in the responsibilities section, and later in the Welcome Guide.
- “Your Sitter’s Responsibilities” section: Detail the care your pets require, including their daily routines, feeding, walks, sleep arrangements, and any special needs like medication. Describe their personalities and any specific skills you want in a sitter. You can also list additional tasks like watering plants, collecting mail, or taking out the bins. This helps sitters know what to expect.
- “Dates”: After adding your description and photos, set the dates for your listing. Consider adding extra days before and after your trip to spend time with the sitter. Mention if you can accommodate them during these days, or inform them if you cannot, before confirming.
Once you’ve included all of these points in your listing, go ahead and publish it!
Step 3: Choosing a suitable pet-sitter
Potential pet-sitters will be able to access and apply to your listing right after it is published. In order for you not to be overwhelmed with too many applications at once, the application process was designed in a way that you will only have a max of five sitter applications open at any given time. This gives you time and space to properly review each of the applications.
If none of the five sitters who applied are a good match, you can continue to find the best pet sitting at home while traveling by following these steps:
- Decline those who don’t fit your needs. You can still message declined sitters later if you change your mind.
- Unpause your listing to invite more trusted sitters, once you have fewer than five sitter applications. Then, review the new applications and select the ideal sitter before your trip.
- Choose and confirm the best sitter by getting to know the people behind the profiles. Organize a video call to discuss the needs of your pet, to answer any questions and get a personal impression. If both you and the sitter are happy with the arrangement, the sitting will be confirmed when both of you click on the “confirm” button.
Tips and tricks for a great TruestedHouse Sitters experience
So now you’ve chosen a membership plan, created your listing and even found a suitable sitter – what next? The following tips and tricks from experienced users will ensure you find the best pet sitting at home while traveling.
- Communicate clearly: Respond to sitters’ applications as soon as possible, as it’s likely that they have also replied to several opportunities. Describe any responsibilities as precisely as possible, e.g. suggesting the times for the walks, or the amount of food to be given.
- Prepare your sitter: Prepare a welcome guide with details about your home and pets that will make it easier for your sitter to follow your routines. Agree on check-ins – and – outs, so that your sitter can focus on the pet-caring itself. Let your sitter know about your preferred communication during your travels, including how often you would like to speak or receive photos or videos.
- For a smooth experience: Your experience with the sitter will be at its best when both of you are comfortable. Have your sitter share their travel details to put your mind at ease. Share your location tips for the area to make their stay unique, and potentially also leave some foods and other convenience items for a comfortable stay at your home. If there’s a long period of time between acceptance and travel, check in with your sitter regularly to make sure everything is going to plan.
Travel and be at ease with good pet-care: Traveling as a pet owner has become significantly more convenient and stress-free with Trusted Housesitters. By following the described steps, you can ensure that your pets are well cared for while you enjoy your trip. From registering on the Trusted Housesitters platform and creating a compelling listing, to selecting the perfect sitter and preparing for their stay, the process is designed to give you peace of mind.
Become a member of Trusted Housesitters today and enjoy your journey while your pets receive the love and care they deserve at home. Register today to find the best pet sitting at home while traveling.
Written by Journo.
