Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Sarah Wilson
In my last post, I shared my experiences and tips as a house sitter. Now, I’d like to share the homeowner’s perspective — what it’s like to welcome someone into your home and care for your pets while you’re away.
I’m both a homeowner and a house sitter, so I completely understand both perspectives. I’ll be honest — the first time we invited someone to stay in our home while we were away, it felt a bit strange. The idea of strangers sleeping in your bed and cooking in your kitchen can take some getting used to.
We first started accepting house sitters when we lived in Laos, where there weren’t many pet care options. It turned out to be a great decision. Every sitter we welcomed was respectful, tidy, and genuinely cared for our pets. Since then, I’ve continued using house sitters wherever I’ve lived — and I’ve never had a single problem. Okay, maybe one or two of them I personally wasn’t so keen on and probably wouldn’t invite back, but my dog was happy and looked after, and that’s the most important thing.
The key is to choose carefully and communicate clearly.
Why I Choose House Sitters
For me, the most significant advantage is the peace of mind it brings. Pets are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar smells and routines, rather than being moved to a kennel or cattery. A sitter means they stay comfortable and loved — and your home doesn’t sit empty.
It’s also reassuring from a home security point of view. A lived-in house, with lights on and bins out, looks far less tempting to opportunists.
And yes, it’s always nice to come home to watered plants and a tidy house.
Choosing the Right Sitter
I only use Trusted Housesitters, but that is just my preference; this isn’t an advertisement for them. It’s the same site I use when I’m the sitter. It gives me confidence because all members undergo ID checks, have references, and receive reviews. I can see how sitters have handled previous pets and homes before deciding to invite them.
Before confirming anyone, I always arrange a video chat. It gives me a feel for their personality and how they interact. When I had my dog, Angel, she was usually the star of the call — and it was easy to tell who had genuine warmth for animals.
When reading applications, I look for:
Genuine affection for animals (not just “free accommodation” seekers)
Reliable communication
Previous reviews and references
Flexibility and friendliness
Preparing for the Sit
Once I’ve confirmed a sitter, I send a welcome guide with all the essential details — feeding times, vet info, bin days, Wi-Fi code, and any house quirks.
Make sure to prepare your home for the sitter: leave space in the fridge and cupboards for their food, clear a space for them to unpack, and ensure they have basic necessities like towels and toiletries if needed. A little thought goes a long way to make them feel welcome.
If possible, I like sitters to arrive the night before so we can do a proper handover. That way, the pets meet them while I’m still there, and any last-minute questions can be answered. This is especially important with dogs, as it helps them adjust to a new person before you leave.
With cats, it’s often less of an issue — I’ve done many cat sits without meeting the owners in person — but I still prefer sitters to arrive early for Winston, my cat, so I can leave knowing they’ve arrived safely and settled in. Fortunately, I have a guest room, so it’s easy to offer them a place to stay that first night. (And yes, if you invite them early, always make sure you actually have space ready — I learned that lesson the hard way during my own sits!)
It’s also smart to have a spare key plan in case of lockouts, an emergency contact number and to double-check your home insurance covers house sitters.
Communication While You’re Away
I like to receive a quick photo or message each day — just a “all good here” or a picture of the pets snoozing. But I always let the sitter know they can contact me anytime if something serious happens.
Once, a sitter handled a burst pipe brilliantly, contacting a plumber immediately and keeping me updated. Things do happen, but communication makes all the difference.
Common Worries About House Sitters
It’s perfectly natural to worry the first time you hand your keys to a stranger.
Questions like “What if they don’t look after my pets properly?”, “What if they have parties?” or “What if they steal something?” crosses almost everyone’s mind.
In reality, the chances of anything like that happening are extremely low — especially if you use a reputable site such as Trusted Housesitters. Both homeowners and sitters are reviewed after every stay, and ID checks help ensure that everyone is who they claim to be, providing a high level of security and peace of mind.
If you take the time to read reviews, arrange a video chat, and trust your instincts, you’ll get a good sense of who you’re inviting. I’ve hosted many sitters over the years and never had a single problem. In fact, most sitters treat your home and pets as if they were their own.
And if you’re still nervous, start with a short weekend sit before committing to a longer one — it’s a great way to build confidence.
Returning Home
I’ve always come back to a spotless house, happy pets, and sometimes even a small thank-you note or flowers. It’s such a relief to walk in the door and know that everything was taken care of, making the return from a trip stress-free and enjoyable.
Reviews go both ways, so I always leave feedback for my sitter — good communication helps the next homeowner decide, just as it helps me when I’m the one applying for sits.
Final Thoughts
House sitting is built on trust, respect, and a shared love of animals. It might feel strange the first time you hand over your keys to a stranger, but with the right platform and clear communication, it can be a wonderful experience for both sides.
For me, it’s been a win-win — my pets stay happy at home, and I can travel with complete peace of mind.
If you’re considering trying it for the first time, start small, read reviews carefully, and always have a chat before you confirm. You might be surprised just how reassuring (and rewarding) it feels.
If you’re curious what it’s like from the sitter’s side, you can read my tips and experiences in my post “15 Things a House Sitter Needs to Know”.
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