Housesitting ðŠī
Explore house sitting opportunities where travellers stay in another person’s home or property, normally 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 light household responsibilities. The exact arrangement should always be agreed clearly before the stay begins.
What is house sitting? ð ð
House sitting means temporarily staying in and looking after another person’s home or property, usually while the owner is away. Accommodation is generally provided for the agreed period in return for clearly defined responsibilities such as basic property care, security, plant care or looking after pets.
House sitting, pet sitting and house care
These arrangements can overlap, but they are not identical. Pet sitting focuses mainly on caring for animals. House care is broader and may include cleaning, gardening, maintenance or other practical care of a property, including situations where the owner is still present. Home exchange involves exchanging or sharing the use of homes rather than taking responsibility for another person’s property.
How to use this page
Check the publication date and confirm the exact dates, accommodation, responsibilities, pet-care routines where applicable, utilities, emergency contacts and any fees or deposits before accepting an arrangement. If animals are involved, ask about feeding, exercise, medication, behaviour and veterinary contacts.
House sitting should involve clearly defined and reasonable responsibilities. If an arrangement includes regular management of paying guests, substantial renovation, commercial cleaning 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, see Voluntouring’s safety and legality information.
Related opportunities: Pet sitting · House care · Home exchange · Work exchange
Last reviewed: October 2026.
Browse house sitting opportunities ð ð
Browse the opportunities below and check how house sitting is actually connected with each arrangement. Older listings may no longer be active or may have changed their dates, responsibilities or accommodation conditions.
Do you need a house sitter for a clearly defined property or pet-care arrangement? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.
