Why Become a House Sitter in the UK?

Note: All new House and Home Sitters applicants must read this article in full before proceeding. It forms part of our onboarding and sets out our expectations and values.

If you’re wondering whether house sitting is right for you, this article will give you useful tips, pros and cons, and a few thoughtful reminders that could help you decide – or enhance your current experience. Even if you’re already an active sitter, you might just discover something new here.

At House and Home Sitters, most of our sitters across the UK are either retired or work from home, so location doesn’t matter much as long as there’s Wi-Fi. Some are writers, others are teachers who take on house sitting assignments during school holidays. We only operate in the UK, so if you’re looking for house sits abroad, this may not be for you – but our insights still apply no matter your destination.

House sitting is an excellent way to travel affordably. Free accommodation in return for home and pet care can save sitters thousands. The UK has so many beautiful and diverse locations – and staying in a home lets you truly experience life as a local. It’s a richer, more immersive alternative to hotels or Airbnbs.

If you’re an animal lover, house sitting often includes the joy of looking after pets – cats on your lap, enthusiastic dogs waiting for their walk, or even a bearded dragon soaking under its heat lamp. Increasingly, some urban assignments involve no pets at all. In these cases, homeowners are primarily seeking reliable live-in presence for home security. If you’re a bit of a homebody, this can be ideal.

Many homes you’ll stay in are comfortable and well-equipped with modern amenities. That said, sometimes a modest cottage or quirky apartment offers just as much charm – perhaps with chickens providing fresh eggs or a countryside view that makes up for any lack of glamour.

A good way to test the waters is to start with a few short-term assignments. Three or four days can give you a feel for what’s involved. If you have a spouse or partner who can join you, even better. Later, you may feel ready for longer assignments.

Your top priority is to care for the home (and pets) as if they were your own. If you’re a homeowner yourself, much of what’s expected will come naturally. See our 12 Top Tips for House Sitters article for more detailed guidance.

You might surprise yourself – perhaps rediscovering the joys of chickens and guinea pigs, or finding that you love cats despite having always considered yourself a “dog person”.

Sitters often form genuine connections with homeowners. Many of our sitters are invited back again. Some clients even offer lifts to and from the train station.

Naturally, there are a few challenges. House sitting is a commitment – a contractual one, in fact. The travel dates are fixed and non-negotiable. Some clients ask sitters to arrive the day before they leave, but if not, you must be punctual.

Occasionally, plans are cancelled for reasons such as illness or bereavement. If you’ve already booked travel, you’ll need a backup plan and emergency funds. At HHS, we find 99.9% of assignments go ahead smoothly, but we always encourage sitters to plan sensibly for contingencies.

Pet care is another area where responsibility is key. Pets may restrict your sightseeing or shopping time. You might have to rise early or keep to a routine. Find out in advance whether pets are allowed on beds or sofas, what treats they get, and whether any medication is required.

At House and Home Sitters, our standard guideline is that sitters should not leave the home for more than four hours during daylight or two hours after sunset. That still allows time for errands and outings, but you’ll need to plan carefully.

Daily updates for the homeowner are a must. WhatsApp is ideal for quick messages, photos, or even short videos. These reassure clients and lay the foundation for positive reviews.

In the UK, a background check like a DBS certificate is useful, even if not required. It builds trust.

Some sitters are disappointed when a property isn’t as they imagined. That’s why we always recommend a video chat in advance and, where possible, a pre-assignment visit. This allows both parties to ask questions and build rapport.

If pets are involved, it’s vital that you’re a genuine animal lover. You’ll be entrusted with their wellbeing, and must be confident and capable of handling that responsibility. We provide clients with a 50-point checklist detailing everything from plant care to pet meds. If you’re uncomfortable administering medication, be upfront.

Quick tip: to help a dog or cat take a pill, try covering it with a dab of Marmite – many animals will eat it as a treat!

During your chat with the homeowner, offer reassurance: “I’m happy to send daily updates and photos, collect mail, water plants, and follow your pet routines to the letter. I have experience with pets like yours.” And mean it.

If there’s anything you can’t manage, let them know before they leave. Nobody wants last-minute surprises while sunning themselves in the Caribbean.

Unlike most agencies, House and Home Sitters does not charge a sign-up fee for sitter applicants. In fact, we pay our sitters a small daily subsistence allowance (tax-free), along with full travel contributions and additional fees for dog walking. This is intended as a modest supplement rather than a source of income, and we emphasise that sitters are carefully selected for their reliability, maturity, and service-oriented attitude. In return, we expect professionalism.

All applicants are vetted thoroughly – interviewed personally, with ID and address checks and references verified. We’ve even turned down sitters with glowing reviews on other platforms if we felt they weren’t the right fit.

Be patient. Wait for the assignment that suits you, and commit fully. The right sit can lead to more adventures, new friendships, and memorable experiences.

By Dave Price
Founder, House and Home Sitters Ltd