Over the last six months, Jeannine Orr has visited locations including Portland (both in Maine and Oregon), along with Redondo Beach and San Diego in California, all without spending any money on lodging.

Her secret? House-sitting via TrustedHousesitters, a well-known platform in the U.S. that links pet owners with travelers willing to take care of their homes and pets while they are away.

Orr became a member of the site after experiencing a sudden and upsetting loss of her dog, leading her to seek the companionship of animals again.

“It feeds my soul,” Orr shared with YSL News. “It gives me the chance to experience life like a local instead of just staying in hotels, which can sometimes feel less homely. I enjoy fully immersing myself in a community and having fun with an adventure buddy as well.”

House-sitting offers an economical way for travelers to discover new destinations and engage with the communities around them. “It’s a slower travel experience,” noted Angela Laws, who leads public relations and charity partnerships at TrustedHousesitters. “Being in one place for a longer duration allows you to connect more deeply with the local community.”

Between 2023 and 2024, TrustedHousesitters welcomed a 14% growth in its global membership, reaching 240,307. The platform is especially popular among retirees, digital nomads, and solo female travelers.

Here’s essential information for travelers considering house-sitting.

How does house-sitting operate?

“It’s easy to discuss free travel and accommodations, but there are some responsibilities that accompany that benefit,” explained Laws. “It’s a reciprocal arrangement.”

Neither the pet owners nor the sitters earn money from this exchange; however, both groups pay a membership fee to TrustedHousesitters, which covers property insurance as well as customer service and veterinary assistance. The yearly membership costs $169 for sitters and $269 for owners. Everyone involved undergoes thorough vetting through the platform, including identity verification and provision of three references.

“Our sitters don’t charge; they do this out of passion, not profit,” stated Laws.

TrustedHousesitters caters not only for dogs but also for cats, birds, and other pets. Opportunities are available worldwide, including places like England, Indonesia, and across the U.S. Sitters can explore available positions based on their preferred location or schedule. After applying, they usually have a video call with the pet owner to discuss expectations and get acquainted.

Owners frequently reach out to former sitters to invite them back, sometimes as far in advance as a year.

Karen Schuppert, residing in Baja, has used TrustedHousesitters for taking care of her 17-year-old dog, Ellie. The amount she saves on pet boarding really “adds up. It’s quite a bit extra on top of your travel costs.”

Some sitters travel from as far as Europe and have often built a special bond with the pets they care for. “They’ve already formed a lovely connection, which is wonderful,” she shared. “There are a lot of factors to account for when you’re trusting someone with the care of your beloved pet.”

Other similar platforms, like MindMyHouse with 23,000 members, have a comparable fee structure but do not involve pets. House Sitters America offers a free service for owners.

What advantages does house-sitting provide?

When house-sitting, sitters gain access to a complete home, often including amenities such as a kitchen and laundry facilities. “You get the entire house. You can live comfortably,” Laws explained.

Solo traveler Orr expressed that staying in homestays makes her feel more at ease. “Every experience has felt this way. Often, neighbors are friends with the pet owners, which offers a heightened sense of security and comfort for me,” she remarked.

Orr enjoys taking the dogs out for hikes or trips to the beach, as it allows her to experience the area like a local. It feels as if she’s “at home, just moved to a different location.”

Now retired and eager to travel more, Schuppert has also worked as a sitter, spending time in a chateau in France while caring for a dog, two cats, a duck, two pigs, chickens, and a donkey. “(The pet owner) had the routine down perfectly,” she recalled. “It took about half an hour twice a day to tend to all the animals, and then we explored and enjoyed sightseeing, which was absolutely incredible.”

Advice for novice house sitters

• Start in your area. Laws recommends beginning with a short stay close to home. “Test out the lifestyle to see if it suits you,” she said. “It’s not for everyone.”
• Pay close attention to the details. Orr suggests travelers should not get overwhelmed by an attractive location and overlook the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet. “By carefully reviewing the requirements, you can avoid applying for roles that may not suit you, saving both your time and the pet owner’s.”
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your primary duty is to care for someone else’s pet and home, so it’s vital to ask as many questions as needed for clear expectations. “Communication is key, and I can’t stress that enough,” emphasized Schuppert. “It’s essential from both sides.”
• Research thoroughly. Some countries may classify house-sitting as work, meaning that a standard tourist visa won’t suffice upon entering their borders. There have been cases where sitters were turned away at borders. It’s important to understand the visa and immigration regulations prior to your trip.

(This story was updated to incorporate new information.)