Trying to find the best house-sitting websites for your next house sit?
Traveling the world and having a comfortable place to stay without spending a dime on accommodation is something we all dream of. And, it’s possible through the world of house sitting!
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best house sitting websites for 2023, and provide you with the knowledge and resources to help you embark on your house sitting journey.
One of our dogs in Australia while house sitting
House sitting websites are the gateway to this lifestyle, offering a platform for homeowners and potential house sitters to connect. But with so many options out there, which ones should you consider? We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 5 house sitting websites for 2023, featuring TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, HouseCarers, HouseSitMatch, and MindMyHouse.
Each of these websites offers unique features and benefits, catering to different needs and preferences.
| Countries | Membership Price | App available | Trust Pilot Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrustedHousesitters | Worldwide | $129 (Annual) | Yes | 4.6 |
| Nomador | Worldwide with focus on France | €79 (Annual) €39 (3 months) | No | 4.7 |
| HouseCarers | Worldwide | Free | No | 3.4 (One Review) |
| HouseSitMatch | UK, Spain, France and Australia | £69 (Annual) | No | 4.9 |
| MindMyHouse | USA, UK, France and Spain | $29 (Annual) | No | 3.73 |
Trusted Housesitters is without a doubt the most popular house sitting websites with offers from all over the world, including a strong presence in the UK, Europe, Australia, and the USA. It’s widely regarded as one of the top house sitting sites, thanks to its extensive listings and insurance coverage for homeowners. With a 4.9/5 stars rating, Trusted Housesitters is the go-to platform for many experienced house sitters.
The annual membership fee for Trusted Housesitters is $129, with higher levels offering more benefits like insurance, travel lounge access and more. In return, you gain access to their user-friendly app, allowing you to check your inbox and reply to homeowners on-the-go. Their insurance policies include home protection, sit cancellation, and third-party liability, giving both homeowners and house sitters peace of mind.
We have used them in both Australia and Europe to find super-top quality sits and we found their system to be next level. The only thing they are missing is a way to stay on top of the latest house sits, which means if you are not checking the app often enough you may miss out on sits by hours. We have been looking lately in Switzerland and are stunned by how fast sits come and go and are filled with the max 5 applicants in hours.So, enjoy the site, but be aware it is not a hobby on this platform!
Nomador is a global house sitting website with international coverage, offering a free trial for those looking to dip their toes into the house sitting world. They started out in Europe, so it is not surprising that the majority of the sits are there. However, there are some other sits on other continents, just less than on Trusted house sitters in my experience. You can see in the image below that the house sits at the time of writing were over 1400 in Europe but just over 100 for the USA, to give you an idea of what is available.
The better features, as always, lie behind a fairly hefty fee system that is even more expensive than Trusted Housesitters. However, they do have a 3-month option which is handy if you only house sit a few months a year as we sometimes do.
Their unique features include a trust-based identity upload area and a “Stopover” feature, allowing homeowners to offer free accommodation to members in between house sits or to make new friends.
The “Nomador Discovery Option” is a great way to test the platform before committing to a paid membership. This free option allows house sitters to apply for up to three assignments, while homeowners can list their first house sit for free.
With a 4.7/5 stars rating, Nomador is an excellent choice for house sitters looking for gigs. I have not specifically tried these guys, so cannot yet comment on the effectiveness of their platform.
HouseCarers is a great website for anyone searching for house sitting jobs in the US and Canada. As a long-standing international platform, HouseCarers offers a limited free trial for house sitters to explore the site before committing to an annual membership fee of $50 USD.
One of the standout features of HouseCarers is their two-way review system, ensuring both homeowners and house sitters can share their experiences and build trust within the community. This platform provides a user-friendly space for members and a straightforward application process, increasing your chances of securing house sitting assignments.
HouseSitMatch, with a 4.9/5 stars rating, is an excellent platform for those searching for house sitting gigs in the UK. Although smaller in size compared to other platforms, HouseSitMatch offers a personal match service, helping you find suitable house sits with less competition.
The Standard Plan costs £69 GBP per year, while the Premium Plan costs £89 GBP annually. Their platform allows you to filter “active house sits only” and upload additional pictures and videos with the premium subscription.
We personally managed to get a 2-week house sit in the UK through HouseSitMatch, which shows its a great way to find house sits and sitters alike. But if you are outside the UK, you will want to use one of the other platforms.
MindMyHouse stands out as the best house sitting website in terms of affordability, making it a great starting point for your house sitting journey. With a 4.7/5 stars rating, this best house sitting website offers an updated messaging and job search system, ensuring listings are suitable for house sitters.
The annual membership fee for MindMyHouse is just $29 USD, providing an accessible platform for those looking to explore the world of house sitting without breaking the bank. However, the affordability of the platform also means there is more competition among house sitters, so be prepared to stand out from the crowd when applying for sits.
Also, bear in mind that as usual most of the house sits are in the USA, UK, France and Spain. However, they do have sits in other countries and even places in Asia, just far fewer of them.
While the top 5 house sitting websites cater to a global audience, there are also country-specific platforms that focus on localized opportunities for house sitters and homeowners. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best country-specific house sitting websites for Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, UK, and Mexico.
For Australia, House Sitters Australia is a great platform for finding house sitting opportunities. It is.
In Australia, Aussie House Sitters is the most popular platform that provides a huge range of house sits for both local and international house sitters. The platform has an annual membership fee of $64 USD ($84 AUD), which is a reasonable price for access to so many house sitting jobs.
One downside to using House Sitters Australia is that it’s free for homeowners to post listings. This can result in some homeowners not taking the process seriously, or listing their property on multiple platforms, leading to increased competition among house sitters. While I was using it in Australia over the Christmas period I got a few good house sitting jobs, however, the quality was not as good as Trusted Housesitters. I find that making both parties pay really ups the house owners and sitters’ games.
For house sitting opportunities in New Zealand, Kiwi House Sitters and MindMyHouse are two popular platforms to consider. Kiwi House Sitters specifically cater to the New Zealand market, with a 4.8/5 stars rating, while MindMyHouse provides access to international house sitting opportunities as well.
Both platforms offer a variety of house sitting assignments throughout New Zealand, giving house sitters the chance to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and unique culture while providing valuable services to homeowners.
Obviously, Kiwi House Sitters is very specific to the country so a great bet for finding a house sit. Plus they are part of the Aussie house sitters network, so I believe they would do a great job.
Housesitters America and Trusted Housesitters are popular choices for house sitting opportunities in the USA and Canada. House Sitters America focuses specifically on the USA, with an annual membership fee of $49 USD.
Trusted Housesitters, as mentioned earlier, is a global platform with a strong presence in North America, making it a great choice for those looking for house sits in the region. Both platforms provide a wide range of house sitting assignments, allowing house sitters to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities across the USA and Canada while caring for properties and pets.
In the United Kingdom, House Sitters UK and Trusted Housesitters are the go-to platforms for house sitting assignments. House Sitters UK focuses specifically on the UK market, with an annual membership fee of £29. Trusted Housesitters, as previously mentioned, is a global platform with a strong presence in the UK. I rarely sit houses in the UK, and it is annoying because there are so many house sits available there!
For those looking for additional opportunities with less competition, HouseSitMatch also offers house sitting assignments in the UK. With a variety of house sitting opportunities available across the country, house sitters can explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the UK while providing valuable services to homeowners.
For house sitters looking to explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Mexico, HouseSitMexico is a dedicated platform for house sitting assignments in the country. The platform offers regional options, with an annual membership fee of $99 USD.
HouseSitMexico, along with Nomador, Trusted Housesitters, and HouseCarers, provides house sitting opportunities throughout Mexico, offering a range of assignments that cater to various preferences and interests. With a focus on the Mexican market, HouseSit Mexico is an excellent choice for those looking for house sitting gigs in this beautiful country.
Embarking on a house sitting journey can be an incredible experience, offering great benefits for both homeowners and house sitters. However, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges and responsibilities that come with house sitting in order to ensure a successful and satisfying experience for all parties involved.
For homeowners, the benefits of house sitting are clear. Having a reliable and responsible house sitter ensures their property and pets are cared for while they are away, providing peace of mind and added security. In addition, house sitting can save homeowners money on pet boarding and security systems, as well as helping them maintain their insurance policy and potentially lowering the risk of burglary.
The presence of a house sitter also allows homeowners to enjoy their time away, knowing that their home and beloved pets are in good hands. This peace of mind is invaluable and is one of the main reasons homeowners choose to engage the services of a house sitter.
We also found after talking to a lot of the owners we sat for that they also loved being able to leave their pets at home where they are most comfortable. That way there is no stress for their pets, their routines and feeding habits are kept as much as possible too. For some pets this can be quite a big deal, especially since having their owners away is stressful enough as it is.
For us as house sitters, the most obvious benefit is free accommodation, allowing us to save on travel expenses and explore new locations without the hefty cost of hotels or rental properties. This makes house sitting an attractive option for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and those looking to experience a different lifestyle.
In addition to the financial benefits, house sitting also provides the opportunity to connect with adorable pets and care for them while their owners are away. For animal lovers, this can be a rewarding and fulfilling aspect of the house sitting experience, combining the joy of travel with the companionship of pets.
We travel too much to have pets so being able to bond with some amazing pets is a great experience. We actually cried on many occasions when we had to leave the pets after a few weeks. Some we have even returned to visit because we bonded so much with them!
Though house sitting offers numerous benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Clear communication and understanding of the homeowner’s expectations are crucial for a successful house sitting experience. House sitters must be prepared to provide the necessary care for pets, manage any surprises that may arise, and maintain the house and garden as the homeowner wishes.
For the house it usually only involves a little plant watering if anything. At least from our experience, but it pays to know upfront what they expect. Some places need more work and care than others.
For the pets, things can be a lot more complicated, depending on the animals. There are specific food routines you need to get to know. Sometimes there are medicines involved, and in one case we had a medical emergency. So, it is a job you have to take seriously. It is not just a free vacation!
While many house sitting assignments are unpaid and focus on the exchange of services, there are also paid opportunities available through pet sitting services like Rover. These platforms enable house sitters to earn additional income while providing pet care services, offering a more financially rewarding option for those looking to supplement their income while house sitting.
House sitting can be a great way to make extra money while also providing a valuable service to customers.
Rover is a popular platform for paid pet sitting services. The services they offer includ house sitting, dog walking, and drop-in visits. This is a great way to find new income opportunities for house sitters like us. Rover connects pet owners with reliable and trustworthy pet sitters who can provide a range of pet care services while they are away from home. So, in my opinion it is a win-win for everyone.
While Rover’s commission fee is 20% of the fees charged to pet owners, the platform provides a valuable source of additional income for house sitters looking to monetize their skills and services. With its growing popularity and wide range of pet care services, Rover represents an great option for house sitters looking new ways to make money. Although we have not tried it specifically, it is definitely something we are looking at now that we have found it while researching this post.
In conclusion, house sitting offers a unique and rewarding experience for both homeowners and house sitters, providing invaluable peace of mind, free accommodation, and the opportunity to explore new locations. By utilizing the top house sitting websites for 2023, and following the tips and resources outlined in this blog post, you can embark on a successful house sitting journey and enjoy the numerous benefits that this lifestyle has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, digital nomad, or simply looking for a change of scenery, house sitting can open up a world of possibilities. With the right approach, dedication, and support, the world of house sitting is yours to discover and enjoy.
House sitting is a surprisingly profitable business for those who take it seriously and market themselves properly. With the right approach, you can easily bring in anywhere between $25 to $50 a day for each job you do, or more for live-in arrangements on the paid platforms.
For the other main house sitting platforms you earn money by not having to pay rent and other services as you normally would living in a city or town. This means big savings per month, which in effect you could count as an “income”.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Trusted House Sitters, then Nomador, MindMyHouse, and Dogvacay are the top contenders.
Additionally, there are several other options available that may suit your needs.
Yes, Trusted Housedsitters does pay, in a way – the payment comes in the form of free accommodation for the sitters. Homeowners are able to get reliable pet and home care while they’re away and sitters benefit from free places to stay. It’s a win-win situation!
For the best house-sitting experience in 2023, check out the top websites TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, HouseCarers, HouseSitMatch, and MindMyHouse.
They offer safe and reliable options for both sitters and homeowners alike.
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!