A guide to House Sitting

Understand the care, prepare useful questions and agree the details directly with your sitter. The software is free; sitters charge for their care.

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What is House Sitting?

House sitting means a sitter stays at your home while you're away, caring for your pets in their own familiar environment. Your pets sleep in their own beds, eat from their own bowls, and follow their regular routine — the only difference is that someone new is keeping them company.

This is often the best option for cats, older pets, or animals that don't travel well. It's also ideal if you have multiple pets, since moving them all to a sitter's home can be logistically challenging. As a bonus, your home is occupied while you're away, which adds an extra layer of security.

Sitters set their own rates. Confirm the total, currency and any agreed extras before booking, then pay the sitter directly. The Pet Sitter is free and takes no booking commission; an external payment provider may charge its own fees.

What to expect

The sitter stays overnight at your home

Pets remain in their familiar environment

Regular feeding, walking, and play routines maintained

Plants watered and mail collected

Home security — lights on, presence visible

Daily updates with photos and videos

How House Sitting works

Step 1

Meet at your home

The sitter visits your home to meet your pets, learn the routine, and get house keys. Walk them through feeding, walking, and any quirks.

Step 2

Sitter moves in

Your sitter arrives before you leave and stays at your home for the duration. They follow your pet's routine and keep the house in order.

Step 3

Come home to happy pets

Receive daily updates while you're away. Come home to well-cared-for pets and a tidy house.

Ideal for

Cats who hate leaving home

Multi-pet households

Senior or anxious pets who need routine stability

Longer trips (1 week+) where continuity matters

Homeowners who want someone watching the house

Frequently asked questions

How much does house sitting cost?

Ask for a quote for your dates, number of pets, overnight arrangements and any agreed home-care tasks. Sitters set their own rates. Confirm the total, currency and any agreed extras before booking, then pay the sitter directly. The Pet Sitter is free and takes no booking commission; an external payment provider may charge its own fees.

Will the sitter stay overnight every night?

Yes. House sitters stay at your home overnight for the entire duration of the booking. They may leave during the day for work or errands, but they sleep at your home and maintain the pet routine.

Is house sitting suitable for cats?

Absolutely — house sitting is often the best option for cats. Cats are territorial and stress easily when moved to unfamiliar environments. Having a sitter come to your home means minimal disruption to your cat's routine.

What about house rules and access?

You set the house rules. During the meet-and-greet, you'll discuss things like guest policies, room access, parking, and any home-specific instructions. The sitter follows your guidelines.

How do I find a house sitter near me?

Public search for house sitters is coming soon. Today, a sitter can share their profile or booking link with you; use it to review their nightly rate and reviews, message them directly, and arrange a meet-and-greet at your home before booking.

What does a pet house sitter do?

A pet house sitter lives in your home while you're away, keeping your pets' feeding, walking, and play routines exactly as they are. Most also handle small extras like watering plants and collecting mail, and send daily photo updates so you can see everyone is settled.

House Sitting by city

Read about care arrangements in each city. These guides do not indicate live sitter availability.

Australia

Melbourne

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