Aussie House Sitting: How To Pet Sit and Live For Free

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Here are my experiences and tips for long-term Aussie house sitting after 30+ successful house sits.

Find out how to pet sit and live for free.

Aussie House Sitting

House Sitting in Australia is an exchange between homeowners and those who care for their homes while they are on holiday. Pet sitting and/or dog sitting are included, so you must love pets to really succeed here, but if you’re looking for a way to travel and explore new places without breaking the bank, house-sitting might just be your answer. Not only can you stay in someone’s home for free, but you also get the added bonus of looking after their furry friends. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pet sitting in Australia.

Why House Sitting?

• Live for free;
• Access to an office/work area;
• Time with lovable pets;
• Save on rent;
• Save money.

What is House Sitting?

House sitting is an agreement where a homeowner entrusts their property to someone else while they are away. The house sitter is responsible for taking care of the property, including any pets, plants or other responsibilities.

FAQ: Do you need a physical house-sitting agreement? If you want one. This is completely optional. Ensure that you read anything that you are asked to sign carefully and make copies.

Why Pet and House Sit?

Pet sitting is a great way to travel and explore new places without the added expense of accommodation. By looking after someone’s pet, you’re also providing a valuable service to the homeowner.

How To Start House Sitting

The first step to becoming a house sitter is to create a profile on a house-sitting website. There are several websites available, including Aussie House Sitters and Mindahome. Your profile should include a description of yourself, your experience with pets, and any references you may have.

Once your profile is complete, you can start searching for house-sitting opportunities in your desired location. You can filter by location, duration of the house sit, and the type of pets you can (or want to) look after.

Read my blog about the Best House Sitting Websites For Digital Nomads.

House Sitting Profile Tips

• Have a clear, smiling photo of yourself;
• Make it about the homeowners, not you. Tell them how you can help them;
• List any relevant skills or experience (medical, behavioural, professional).

House Sitting Basics

Preparing For Your House Sit

Before you start your house sit, it’s important to communicate with the homeowner and clarify any expectations they may have. This includes details about the pet’s feeding schedule, exercise routine, and any medical needs they may have. Ask lots of questions and make written notes before the homeowner leaves. Arrive the evening before (if possible), as rushed homeowners often forget important information.

It’s also important to ensure that you have all the necessary supplies for the house sit. This includes food and treats for the pet, as well as any cleaning supplies you may need. Discuss costs with homeowners clearly.

During The House Sit

Once you’ve arrived at the house, it’s important to establish a routine with the pet. This includes feeding them at the same time each day, taking them on walks, and spending time playing with them.

It’s also important to keep the house clean and tidy during your stay. This includes cleaning up after the pet and ensuring that the house is kept in good condition.

• Send regular photos and updates;
• Get reviews as quickly as possible by taking short, awkward house-sitting opportunities to start.

After The House Sit

• Leave the house cleaner than when you arrived;
• Follow up with immediate post-sit requests for reviews;
• Buy a pack of “Thank You” cards and leave them for homeowners. A small gift is always welcomed.

Benefits of House and Pet Sitting

Aside from the obvious benefit of free accommodation, pet sitting also provides an opportunity to bond with animals. Many people find that they form a strong connection with the pets they look after, and some even keep in touch with the homeowners after the house sit has ended.

Pet sitting can also provide a sense of purpose and responsibility. Looking after someone’s pet requires a level of trust and responsibility, which can be a rewarding experience.

In conclusion, house-sitting is a great way to travel and explore new places while also providing a valuable service to homeowners. By pet sitting, you not only get the added bonus of free accommodation, but you also get to bond with furry friends along the way. So why not give it a try and see where your next adventure takes you?

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