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Essential Gear for Side Hustlers
- Dash Cam - Document your work and protect yourself
- Car Phone Charger - Stay connected on the go
- Portable Power Bank - Never run out of battery
- Phone Mount - Hands-free navigation
1. Introduction to House Sitting
House sitting is one of the most unique side hustles available—you get paid to stay in someone else's home while they're away, often caring for their beloved pets in the process. For many, it's the perfect blend of flexible income, minimal startup costs, and the opportunity to experience different homes and neighborhoods.
Whether you're looking to supplement your income, reduce your own housing costs, or build a full-time house sitting lifestyle, this guide will show you how to turn reliability and trustworthiness into a paying gig.
Why House Sitting Works as a Side Hustle
- Zero startup costs—just your time and reliability
- Free accommodation during assignments
- Flexible scheduling around your life
- Often includes pet companionship
- Can combine with remote work or travel
2. Types of House Sitting
Paid House Sitting
Get paid daily rates ($25-$100+) for caring for homes and often pets. Most common for professional sitters building a business.
Exchange House Sitting
Free accommodation in exchange for house/pet care. Popular through platforms like TrustedHousesitters. Great for travelers.
Pet-Focused Sitting
Primary focus is pet care with house sitting included. Higher rates because of pet responsibility. Most common type.
Property Management Sitting
Longer-term care of vacant or seasonal homes. May include maintenance tasks. Premium rates for extended commitments.
3. Getting Started
Building Your Profile
Essential Steps
- ✓ Get background check (many platforms require this)
- ✓ Collect 3-5 references (neighbors, employers, past clients)
- ✓ Take professional profile photos
- ✓ Write compelling bio highlighting reliability and pet experience
- ✓ Detail your availability and service area
- ✓ Get pet first aid certified (optional but impressive)
First Assignments
Start with shorter assignments (2-5 days) to build reviews. Offer competitive rates initially to get experience and testimonials. Ask every client for a written review—these are essential for future bookings.
4. Pricing and Income
| Service Type | Daily Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic House Sitting (no pets) | $25-$50/night | Security, mail, plants |
| House + 1 Pet | $45-$75/night | Most common |
| House + Multiple Pets | $60-$100+/night | +$10-$20 per additional pet |
| Special Care Pets | $75-$150/night | Medications, elderly pets |
| Holiday Rates | +50-100% | Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. |
Income Potential
A part-time house sitter doing 10-15 nights per month at $50-$75/night earns $500-$1,125 monthly. Full-time sitters booking 20+ nights can earn $1,500-$3,000+ monthly. Plus, you save on rent/utilities during assignments!
5. Best Platforms
Rover
Pet-focused platform with house sitting options. High demand, takes 20% commission. Great for building local client base.
TrustedHousesitters
Exchange-based (no payment, but free accommodation). Best for travelers. Annual membership fee. Global opportunities.
Care.com
General care platform including house sitting. Background check included. Set your own rates with no commission.
HouseSitter.com
Dedicated house sitting platform. Both paid and exchange opportunities. Strong for US assignments.
6. Finding Clients
Neighborhood Marketing: Word-of-mouth is powerful. Tell neighbors, friends, and local community groups about your services. Join Nextdoor and local Facebook groups.
Veterinarian Partnerships: Leave business cards at vet offices. They often get asked for pet sitter recommendations.
Real Estate Agents: Connect with agents who know when clients are away for extended periods or have vacant properties needing care.
Referral System: Offer existing clients a discount or bonus for referring friends. Personal recommendations carry tremendous weight in this trust-based business.
7. Best Practices
Communication
- • Send daily updates with photos
- • Respond quickly to messages
- • Report any issues immediately
- • Get detailed care instructions upfront
Professionalism
- • Arrive early, leave on time
- • Leave home cleaner than you found it
- • Respect privacy and belongings
- • Keep emergency contacts handy
8. Income Calculator
Estimate Your Monthly Earnings
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Most platforms provide some insurance coverage. However, personal liability insurance ($200-$400/year) provides additional protection. It covers accidents, property damage, and pet-related incidents not covered by platform policies.
Always get vet contact information and permission for emergency care upfront. Have owners leave a credit card on file at the vet or provide emergency funds. Contact owners immediately about any health concerns. Document everything.
Always ask first—never assume. Some homeowners welcome additional pets; others don't want any extra animals in their home. Be upfront about your pet in your profile and during booking discussions.
Ready to Start House Sitting?
Turn your reliability into income while enjoying unique homes and furry companions.
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