House and pet sitting opportunities from around the world - Workaway

What is house and pet sitting?

House and pet sitting involves staying in someone’s home while they are away, usually in exchange for looking after their pets and keeping the property secure.

Responsibilities vary between hosts. A house sit may involve feeding pets, walking dogs, cleaning litter trays, watering plants, collecting post, or completing light household tasks.

In return, you receive accommodation and the opportunity to experience daily life in a new destination. Food, transport, and other costs are not always included, so it is important to agree on all arrangements with the host before confirming your stay.

Why choose house sitting with Workaway?

Workaway connects travellers with house and pet sitting opportunities around the world. It can be a practical option for people who want to travel more slowly, reduce accommodation costs, and experience life in a local community.

As a Workaway member, you can:

• Browse house and pet sitting opportunities around the world
• View detailed host profiles, photos and member feedback
• Contact previous Workawayers about their experiences
• Use filters to find opportunities that match your destination and dates
• Connect with other travellers through the Workaway community
• Access support if you need guidance during your trip

Every house sit is different. Always read the host’s profile carefully and discuss responsibilities, accommodation and expectations before making an agreement.

What are the benefits of house and pet sitting?

House sitting can offer more privacy and independence than many other types of travel accommodation.

The main benefits can include:

• Accommodation without paying rent: This can significantly reduce the cost of a longer trip
• A more local experience: Staying in a residential neighbourhood gives you the opportunity to explore beyond the main tourist areas.
• More space and home comforts: You may have access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, WiFi and private living areas.
• Time to settle into a destination: House sits often allow you to stay in one place for longer and establish a more relaxed routine.
• The company of animals: Pet sitting can be especially rewarding for travellers who enjoy caring for cats, dogs or other animals.

House sitting is not a holiday without responsibilities. The welfare of the animals and the security of the home must remain your priority throughout the stay.

What are the disadvantages of house and pet sitting?

House and pet sitting can be a rewarding way to travel, but it also comes with responsibilities and limitations. Before accepting a sit, it is important to consider whether the arrangement suits your experience, plans and preferred travel style.

Potential disadvantages include the following:

• Your schedule may be restricted: Pets often need feeding, walking or medication at specific times. This may limit day trips, overnight travel and how long you can spend away from the property.
• The responsibility can be significant: You may be caring for animals, managing household routines and responding to unexpected problems while the owner is away.
• Some locations can feel isolated: Rural or off season house sits may have limited public transport, shops or opportunities to meet other travellers.
• Additional costs may apply: Accommodation is normally provided, but you may still need to pay for food, transport, insurance and personal expenses. Confirm all financial arrangements with the host before arrival.
• Every home and animal is different: Pets may have behavioural, medical or mobility needs that require more time and experience than expected. Ask detailed questions and only accept responsibilities you are comfortable managing.
• Unexpected problems can arise: Appliances may stop working, travel arrangements may change or an animal may become unwell. Make sure you have emergency contacts and clear instructions from the host.
• There may be less social interaction: House sitting is often more independent than volunteering with a host family, community project or group of travellers.
• The property may not match your expectations: Photographs and descriptions cannot always show every aspect of a home or its surroundings. A video call can help you learn more before committing.

These points do not make house sitting a negative experience, but they highlight why preparation and clear communication are essential. Review the host’s profile carefully, discuss every responsibility and make sure the arrangement is a good fit for both sides before confirming the sit.

What does a house sitter do?

Your responsibilities will depend on the host, their home and the animals in your care.

Typical house sitting tasks include:

•  Feeding pets and providing fresh water
• Walking dogs and following their normal routines
• Cleaning litter trays, cages or animal areas
• Giving medication when agreed and when you are comfortable doing so
• Watering indoor plants or gardens
• Collecting post and deliveries
• Keeping the property clean, secure and occupied
• Contacting the host if a problem or emergency occurs

Only accept a house sit when you are confident that you can complete all the required tasks. Ask for clear instructions, emergency contacts and veterinary information before the host leaves.

House sitting or volunteering: which is right for you?

Both house sitting and volunteering can provide accommodation while you travel, but the experience and responsibilities are different.

Neither option is better for everyone. Choose the experience that matches your travel style, skills and preferred level of responsibility.

Who can become a Workaway house sitter?

You do not need to be a professional pet sitter, but hosts need to feel confident that you will care for their home and animals responsibly.

A good house sitter should be:

• Reliable and organised
• Comfortable caring for animals
• Clean and respectful of other people’s property
• Able to follow instructions and routines
• A clear and responsive communicator
• Prepared to manage minor problems independently

Relevant experience can strengthen your application. This may include owning pets, looking after animals for friends or family, volunteering with animals or completing previous house sits. Make sure your Workaway profile is complete and includes clear photographs, information about your experience and suitable references.

How to find house sitting opportunities on Workaway

Use the Workaway host search and select "house and pet sitting" as the host type. You can then filter opportunities by destination, availability, and other preferences.

To improve your chances of finding a suitable house sit:

• Complete every section of your profile
• Include relevant pet care and household experience
• Apply with a personalised message
• Refer directly to the host’s animals and requirements
• Explain why your dates and experience are a good match
•  Be flexible about destinations and length of stay
• Reply promptly when a host contacts you
• Arrange a video call before confirming the sit

Popular destinations can receive a high number of applications. New members may find it easier to secure their first sit by considering a wider range of locations and dates.

What should you agree on before a house sit?

Clear communication helps both the host and sitter understand what to expect.

Before confirming a house sit, discuss:

• The animals’ feeding, exercise and medication routines
• How long the animals can be left alone
• Emergency and veterinary contact details
• Cleaning, gardening and household responsibilities
• Food, utility and transport arrangements
• Access to a car or public transport
• Arrival and departure times
• Where you will sleep and which facilities you can use
• How often the host expects updates
• What to do if plans change or an emergency occurs

Where possible, arrange an overlap with the host so they can introduce you to the animals, explain their routines and show you how the home works.

Is house sitting safe?

House sitting is safest when both parties communicate clearly, review available information and make sure the arrangement is suitable before committing.

Before accepting an opportunity:

• Read the full host profile and member feedback
• Ask detailed questions about the home, location and responsibilities
• Speak with the host by video call
• Confirm the agreement in writing
• Check transport and local facilities
• Share your plans with someone you trust
• Make sure you have appropriate travel and medical insurance

Workaway profiles and community feedback can help you make informed decisions, but you should always use your own judgement when choosing a host.

Workaway house and pet sitting FAQs

How long does a house sit last?

A house sit may last for a few days, several weeks or a few months. The exact dates will be shown on the host’s profile or agreed directly with the host.

Do house sitters receive free food?

Food is not always included with a house sit. Some hosts may provide basic groceries, while others will expect you to buy your own food. Confirm this before agreeing to the stay.

The host should normally provide everything required for their pets, including food, medication and other essential supplies.

Do house sitters need a car?

Not always. A car may be useful or essential for rural properties, particularly where shops and public transport are limited.

Ask the host about the location, transport options and whether you are permitted and insured to use their vehicle.

Do house sitters need to clean?

You should keep the home clean and return it in the condition in which you found it. Any additional cleaning or maintenance responsibilities should be agreed upon before the sit.

Do I need pet care experience?

Previous experience is strongly recommended. You should understand the needs of the animals you will be caring for and be confident completing all required tasks.

Do not accept responsibilities such as administering medication unless you have received suitable instructions and feel comfortable doing so.

Can I find house sits without pets?

Yes, although these opportunities are less common. Some hosts may need someone to keep their property occupied, water plants, collect post or complete basic household tasks while they are away.

Can house sitting reduce travel costs?

House sitting can reduce accommodation costs, particularly during longer stays. You should still budget for transport, food, insurance, activities and any other personal expenses.

Can I work remotely while house sitting?

Many house sits may suit remote workers, but you should confirm the quality of the WiFi and make sure your working hours will not interfere with the animals’ routines or agreed responsibilities.

Find your next house and pet sitting opportunity

House sitting can help you travel for longer, experience a destination at a slower pace and enjoy the companionship of animals.

Browse the latest house and pet sitting opportunities on Workaway, register and create a complete profile and start connecting with hosts whose requirements match your experience, availability and travel plans!