Explore house sitting opportunities where travellers stay in another person’s home while the owner is away and take responsibility for agreed aspects of the property.

House sitting may involve looking after pets, watering plants, collecting mail, maintaining basic security or carrying out other simple household responsibilities. The exact arrangement should always be agreed clearly before the stay begins.

Some listings may be archival or no longer active. Always check the publication date and confirm current dates, responsibilities and accommodation conditions directly with the homeowner before making travel plans.

What is house sitting?

House sitting generally means staying in a home while its owner is away and keeping an eye on the property. In return, the house sitter normally receives accommodation for the agreed period.

Responsibilities can vary considerably. Depending on the arrangement, a house sitter may be asked to:

• feed and care for pets;
• walk dogs or follow other agreed animal-care routines;
• water indoor or outdoor plants;
• collect mail or deliveries;
• keep the home reasonably clean and organised;
• monitor heating, ventilation or other household systems;
• maintain agreed security routines;
• contact the owner if a problem occurs.

The responsibilities should be proportionate to the accommodation provided and clearly described before arrival. House sitting should not become an open-ended arrangement involving substantial renovation, commercial work or unexpected duties.

House sitting, house care or house swap?

These arrangements are related but not identical.

• House sitting: the sitter stays in the owner’s home, usually while the owner is away, and takes responsibility for agreed aspects of the property.
• House care: a broader term that may include household maintenance or practical help whether or not the owner is absent.
• House swap: two parties agree to exchange the use of their homes or properties.

Some opportunities may combine more than one arrangement, so read the individual listing carefully.

What to confirm before accepting a house sit

Before committing, confirm:

• the exact dates and location;
• who else, if anyone, will have access to the property;
• the complete list of responsibilities;
• pet routines, medication and veterinary contacts where applicable;
• how long pets can be left alone;
• whether overnight absence from the property is permitted;
• utilities, internet and household facilities;
• transport and access to shops or essential services;
• emergency contacts and security procedures;
• insurance and responsibility for accidental damage;
• any fees, deposits or other financial conditions;
• cancellation arrangements.

If you will be responsible for several animals, livestock, specialist equipment or a large property, make sure the workload and required experience are realistic before accepting.

Pet care and animal welfare

Many house sitting arrangements include pet sitting. Ask for clear written information about feeding, exercise, medication, behaviour, veterinary care and emergency procedures.

Do not accept responsibilities involving veterinary treatment or specialist animal care beyond your experience. If an animal has behavioural or medical needs, discuss these openly before the owner leaves.

Costs and financial arrangements

A traditional house sitting exchange may involve no mandatory participant fee, with accommodation provided in return for agreed property or pet care. Other arrangements may involve deposits, household expenses or additional costs.

If payment is requested, ask for the exact amount, why it is required and the applicable cancellation and refund conditions before making a commitment.

Voluntouring does not organise house sits, select participants, arrange visas or mediate agreements between homeowners and travellers. It does not process payments between the parties. Publication on Voluntouring.org does not in itself constitute verification, endorsement or a guarantee of an opportunity.

Safety and trust

House sitting often involves staying alone in a private property, so communication and trust are especially important. Consider speaking by video before agreeing, verify the identity and contact details of the other party and keep a written record of the main conditions.

Make sure someone you trust knows where you are staying. Ask about locks, alarm systems, emergency procedures, local transport and how to contact the homeowner if something unexpected happens.

If the arrangement involves regular management of paying guests, bookings, cleaning for commercial accommodation or other productive business duties, it may go beyond ordinary house sitting and could be subject to local labour or immigration rules.

For additional guidance, read Voluntouring’s information about safety and legality in volunteering and work exchanges.

Related opportunities

• House care opportunities
• House swap opportunities
• Animal care volunteering opportunities
• Work exchange opportunities abroad

Important: availability, property conditions, pet-care responsibilities, costs and exchange arrangements can change. Confirm all current information directly with the homeowner before making travel or financial commitments.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Browse house sitting opportunities 🏠🔑

Browse the opportunities below and use the “Older Posts” navigation if available to continue exploring previous listings. Always check the publication date and current responsibilities before making arrangements.

Do you need a house sitter for a clear and reasonable property or pet-care exchange? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.

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