How to Get More House Sitting Offers

House sitting is an incredible way to travel, care for pets, and experience new places rent-free. But with increasing competition, how do you stand out and secure more house sitting opportunities? Whether you’re new to the scene or looking to boost your success rate, this guide offers practical steps to market yourself effectively and get chosen more often.

Craft a Compelling Profile

Think of your house sitter profile as your personal advertisement. Homeowners browse dozens of sitters, so your profile needs to grab their attention quickly and build trust.

Key tips:

• Use a friendly, high-quality photo (smiling, pet-friendly, clear).
• Write a warm and professional bio that reflects your personality and experience.
• Highlight relevant skills: pet care, gardening, home maintenance, remote work, etc.
• Mention your motivation: why do you want to house sit?
• Always proofread – poor spelling can make you look careless.

✅ Example: “Hi, I’m Jo – an experienced dog lover and remote worker who enjoys caring for homes and pets as if they were my own.”

Collect Strong References

If you’re just getting started, this is one of the most powerful ways to build trust quickly.

• Ask friends, family, or past landlords to write short references.
• If you’ve done any informal pet sitting, ask those owners for feedback.
• Over time, aim to gather platform-based reviews, as these hold the most weight.

Tailor Your Applications

Avoid copying and pasting the same message to every homeowner. Instead:

• Read the listing carefully and mention specific details (e.g., the pets’ names, location, dates).
• Show genuine interest in their home and animals.
• Share why you’re a good fit for that particular sit.
• Keep it short, warm, and clear.

✅ Bad example: “Hi, I’m available for these dates. Let me know.”
✅ Good example: “Hi Sarah, I’d love to care for Max and Bella during your Cornwall trip. I’ve looked after spaniels before and work from home, so they’ll have plenty of company.”

Stay Active and Responsive

Some homeowners choose sitters based on who replies the fastest.

• Log in regularly to check new listings.
• Set up email alerts so you’re the first to know.
• Reply promptly to messages, even if it’s a polite “Sorry, I’m not available.”

Keeping your Response Rating high can also improve your profile visibility.

Be Flexible (at First)

When you’re starting out, being open to less popular sits—like short stays, rural locations, or off-season dates—can help you gain experience and reviews faster.

Once you’ve built up a solid reputation, you’ll have a better chance at securing the prime spots in London, Cornwall, the Cotswolds, or other high-demand areas.

Highlight Extra Skills

Pet owners often appreciate sitters who bring bonus abilities, such as:

• Administering pet medication
• Gardening or plant care
• Basic maintenance skills
• Experience with anxious or senior pets

Mention these clearly in your profile or messages, but don’t oversell—be honest about what you can and can’t do.

Keep Your Calendar Updated

An empty calendar may make homeowners assume you’re not available. Keep it up-to-date to reflect when you’re free to sit. If your availability changes, update it straight away.

Ask for Reviews After Each Sit

After a successful sit, kindly ask the homeowner to leave a review. Reviews are your best long-term marketing tool.

✅ Tip: Send a short, friendly follow-up after the sit ends to thank them and gently request feedback.