Embarking on a house-sitting adventure or seeking reliable sitters for your home can feel like navigating a maze, especially when faced with a sea of website reviews. As a seasoned house sitter with sixteen years of experience, I’ve sifted through countless platforms and gathered insights to help you find the best fit for your needs. The “best” house-sitting website is ultimately the one that connects you with the perfect opportunity, but understanding the nuances of each platform can significantly streamline your search.
Luxury house sitting jobs in places like the home pictured here are usually gotten through word of mouth, but sometimes they can be found on the best house sitting websites.House sitting vacancies can be hard to find. Check out How to Become a House Sitter for tips on how to stand out among the crowd of long term house sitting seekers. *photo: stephen di donato*
This comprehensive guide offers a detailed review of popular international and location-specific house-sitting websites, focusing on their features, costs, and user experiences to help you make informed decisions.
International House Sitting Website Reviews
HouseCarers Review
Launched in the early days of the internet, HouseCarers remains a favorite among international house-sitting platforms despite its unpretentious interface. For an annual fee of $50 (or $45 with a discount), users gain access to a robust platform with the second-best sorting and ad preview functions. While the interface might require a bit of clicking around, its reliability and the consistent availability of suitable house-sitting jobs make it a top choice for many, including myself, having booked more sits through this platform than any other.
Nomador Review
Nomador offers a unique free “discovery” option, making it an exciting choice for those new to house-sitting or not yet committed to a full-year membership. While a full annual membership costs $99 ($42 quarterly), the free tier allows users to explore opportunities without initial commitment. Nomador boasts an excellent interface and search functionality comparable to House Sitters America, and it’s the only site that provides an idea of house and property size in ad previews. Homeowners can list sits for free, and the platform employs ID checks to deter scammers. Its innovative two-way review system, similar to Airbnb, and the developing “stopover” community for travelers between sits, highlight Nomador’s commitment to fostering a trustworthy and supportive environment.
Trusted Housesitters Review
Often touted as the market leader, Trusted Housesitters comes with a significantly higher price tag, with annual fees ranging from $129 to $259. While the platform’s design is aesthetically pleasing, its aggressive pricing strategy and business model, which incentivizes affiliates to promote the service, raise concerns. Trusted Housesitters also inflates its listing numbers by allowing homeowners to create “someday” profiles, and its ad previews and sorting functions are considered unhelpful by some users. The messaging system’s read receipts can create awkward interactions, and charging homeowners to list their sits may drive them towards more community-focused alternatives. Despite these criticisms, if a desired house-sitting job is listed here, the platform can still be worthwhile.
Rover Review
Originally a US-based platform, Rover has expanded internationally and focuses on pet care, with house-sitting being a secondary offering. Unlike traditional house-sitting sites, Rover operates on a paid service model, where sitters charge pet owners a fee, typically involving a profile review fee ($49-$79) plus 20% of the sitter’s earnings. A significant drawback is the inability to actively search for opportunities; users must wait for homeowners to contact them, making it more suitable for those based in a single region.
Mind My House Review
Mind My House offers an attractive annual membership of $29, making it a budget-friendly option for international house-sitting. Although it may not have as many listings as more established platforms, its user-friendly interface and homeowner-friendly approach contribute to a decent listing ratio. However, user reviews are mixed, with some reporting outdated listings. For the low cost, it’s a worthwhile platform to explore if you find a promising sit.
Other international sites worth considering include Luxury Housesitting ($25/year), Caretaker Gazette ($30/year), Working Couples ($24/quarter or $10/month), and Sabbatical Homes (various fees apply).
Location-Specific House Sitting Websites Reviews
House Sitters America Review
For those seeking house-sitting opportunities within the United States, House Sitters America is a standout choice. For an annual fee of $49, users benefit from an excellent search and sorting function, time-saving ad previews, and a platform that is welcoming to homeowners, resulting in more available sits. The competition is notably lower compared to larger, more established sites.
Aussie House Sitters Review
In Australia, Aussie House Sitters is a highly popular platform with a yearly fee of $60 USD ($89 AUD). Developed by the same team behind House Sitters America, it offers a comparable, excellent search function, great sorting capabilities, and helpful ad previews. While the price has increased to match other major platforms, the abundance of opportunities and its user-friendly design make it a highly recommended option for house-sitting in Australia.
Rover Review (USA, Canada, Europe)
Rover’s presence in the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe offers a paid house-sitting model, charging sitters 20% of their earnings. Similar to its international version, the platform’s primary focus is pet care, and it lacks a direct search function, requiring users to wait for homeowners to initiate contact. This makes it a less ideal option for actively seeking house-sitting positions.
MadPaws Review
MadPaws is an Australian pet care platform that also facilitates house-sitting. Like Rover, it operates on a commission-based structure, taking 20% of the sitter’s fees. The inability to actively search for opportunities means users must rely on homeowners to find them, making it best suited for those already established in a specific Australian city.
HouseSit Match Review
Based primarily in the UK, HouseSit Match offers international house-sitting opportunities with a yearly membership fee that has seen updates, ranging from $50 USD to higher tiers in 2021 (£69 and £89). While the website boasts a more attractive design than some competitors and less competition due to its newer status, its search functionality is not as robust, and it now charges homeowners for listings. Despite the higher price point, it remains a viable option if a desired house-sitting job is available on the platform.
Other location-specific sites include House Sitters UK, Mind a Home and Happy House Sitters (Australia), Kiwi House Sitters (New Zealand), and House Sitters Canada.
Exploring these house-sitting websites can significantly enhance your chances of finding the perfect house-sitting job, regardless of your chosen platform. Remember, the most valuable platform is the one that connects you with the opportunity you desire.
References
- Original Article Content
