Quick answer: Looking after the homeowner’s property, caring for their pets (if they have them), and keeping everything ticking over while they’re away.
Welcome back to our mini house sitting blog series! In these short and specific posts, we dig into the questions we get asked most. After almost 5 years of full-time house and pet sitting around the world, we’ve learnt that no two sits are quite the same. So let’s dive in…
Today’s Topic: What Are House Sitters Responsible For?
Your responsibilities usually include the home, any pets, and sometimes plants, gardens and general property maintenance.
House sitting isn’t simply about having somewhere free to stay. You’re taking on responsibility for someone else’s home and, more often than not, their beloved animals too.
Exactly what’s expected will depend on the homeowner and the property, as well as the length of the sit. Some responsibilities are pretty standard, while others might surprise you!
1. Looking After the Home
First and foremost, you’re responsible for looking after the property itself.
This generally means:
Keeping the home clean and tidy.
Taking bins out and bringing them back in.
Collecting post and parcels.
Keeping doors and windows secure.
Using appliances and facilities responsibly.
Reporting any damage, leaks or maintenance issues.
Making sure the property is left as you found it.
You’re also providing an element of home security. An occupied property is less likely to attract opportunistic burglars than an empty one, particularly when lights are on, bins are moved and there's someone coming and going.
You’re effectively helping to maintain the appearance of an occupied home while the owners are away.
2. Caring for Pets
Most housesits involve pets, which is often the main reason homeowners are looking for a sitter in the first place.
Your responsibilities might include:
Feeding pets according to their usual routine.
Walking dogs and providing exercise.
Cleaning litter trays, crates, cages or enclosures.
Providing fresh water.
Administering medication where needed.
Giving animals affection and companionship.
Keeping up with their usual routines.
Some pets need considerably more attention than others. Looking after two independent cats is very different from caring for three energetic dogs, a flock of chickens and a tortoise!
Always make sure you understand what’s involved before accepting a sit. Ask about routines, medical needs, behavioural quirks and how long pets can be left alone.
3. Watering Plants and Maintaining Gardens
This is one that can easily get overlooked when you’re applying for a house sit.
Many homeowners will ask you to water their indoor plants, outdoor pots, flower beds or vegetable patches. Some might even have greenhouses, allotments or extensive gardens that need regular attention.
A few pots on the patio? No problem.
An enormous garden with 10 acres, a vegetable plot, hanging baskets, greenhouse and 30 flower pots in the middle of a Panamanian summer? That’s a different story!
Always ask about the outdoor spaces before accepting a sit. Consider the climate, season, size of the property and how much time you’ll need to spend maintaining it.
We’ve learnt that a sit can involve considerably more gardening than you might initially expect. Not necessarily a problem, but something you should be prepared for.
4. Keeping the Home’s Systems Running
Depending on the property and climate, you might also be responsible for keeping certain household systems ticking over.
For example:
Running taps periodically to prevent water sitting in unused pipes.
Keeping heating on a suitable setting to prevent pipes freezing in winter.
Checking for leaks or unusual noises.
Maintaining pool levels or basic pool care.
Checking water tanks and battery levels of solar panels.
Following instructions for security systems and other equipment.
You aren’t expected to become a plumber, electrician or maintenance professional! But you should follow the homeowner’s instructions and flag any problems as soon as possible.
Do All House Sits Involve Pets?
No! Although most housesits advertised on platforms such as TrustedHousesitters involve animals, there are occasional opportunities to look after a property without any pets.
We’ve actually experienced two rather unusual examples.
One was in Malvern, UK. The homeowner’s pet sadly passed away between us accepting the sit and arriving. Fortunately, the homeowners still invited us to stay, so we went ahead with the arrangement.
The other was supposed to involve looking after two dogs. However, the homeowners decided to take them on a two-month holiday instead. On their private jet. Yes, really. How the other half live, hey?!
So, while pet care is usually part of the deal, it isn’t always a given.
How to Agree on Responsibilities Before a Sit
The golden rule? Never assume anything.
Before accepting a sit, make sure you’ve discussed exactly what's expected. A few questions worth asking:
How many hours of pet care are required each day?
Can the pets be left alone, and for how long?
Are there plants, gardens or outdoor spaces that need regular attention?
Are there any household maintenance tasks to be aware of?
Who should you contact if something goes wrong?
Are there any areas of the property that are off-limits?
A good homeowner will be happy to explain their expectations, and you should feel comfortable asking questions.
Final Thoughts
Housesitting comes with a fair amount of responsibility. You’re looking after someone’s home, their much-loved pets, and sometimes an entire garden too!
But that’s the beauty of the arrangement. In exchange for a place to stay without paying rent or bills, you’re providing homeowners with peace of mind while they’re away.
Just make sure you know what you’re signing up for. A couple of houseplants is straightforward; a smallholding full of animals and a huge allotment that needs watering twice a day is definitely not!
Clear expectations make for happy homeowners, happy sitters and, most importantly, happy pets.
Stay tuned for Mini Blog #5!
Got questions about house sitting? We'd love to help. Message us anytime on Instagram: @hitchedhikingandhousesitting 🫶
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