I still remember the panic I felt when I clicked “submit” on my first house sitting application. Zero references. No pet care credentials. Just a generic profile photo and a desperate desire to spend three months in rural Portugal without hemorrhaging my savings on rent. The homeowners had a German Shepherd, two cats, and a vegetable garden that needed daily attention. Why would they trust a complete stranger with zero track record? Yet two weeks later, I was boarding a flight to Lisbon with house keys in my pocket and detailed feeding instructions in my email. That assignment taught me something crucial about house sitting abroad: experience matters far less than how you present yourself and understand what homeowners actually need.
The house sitting economy has exploded in recent years, with platforms like TrustedHousesitters reporting over 150,000 active members and Nomador growing its European base by 40% annually. Homeowners want reliable, trustworthy people to care for their homes and pets while they travel. You want free accommodation in incredible locations worldwide. The match seems perfect, except for one glaring problem: how do you break into this system when every listing seems to demand previous house sitting experience? The truth is, thousands of first-timers land international assignments every month by understanding exactly what homeowners fear and addressing those concerns head-on.
Understanding What House Sitting Abroad Actually Involves
Before you start applying to villa sits in Tuscany or beachfront homes in Bali, you need to grasp what homeowners expect from house sitters. This isn’t a free vacation where you crash at someone’s place and disappear for days. House sitting is a genuine responsibility exchange. You’re providing security, property maintenance, and usually pet care in return for free accommodation. The work varies dramatically depending on the assignment, but most sits involve daily tasks like watering plants, collecting mail, maintaining pools, and caring for animals with specific routines.
Pet care represents the biggest component of most international house sits. Dogs need walks, feeding schedules, medication administration, and companionship. Cats require litter box maintenance, feeding, and playtime. I’ve house sat for properties with chickens, horses, fish, and even a parrot that screamed obscenities in three languages. Each animal adds complexity and responsibility. Homeowners aren’t just handing over their property – they’re entrusting you with family members who can’t speak for themselves. This emotional weight explains why many listings seem overly cautious about accepting newcomers.
The Real Time Commitment
New house sitters often underestimate the time investment required. A typical dog sit means you’re home-bound for significant portions of the day. Dogs can’t be left alone for eight hours while you explore temples in Thailand or museums in Paris. You’re working around feeding times, walk schedules, and the animal’s comfort level with being alone. Some homeowners explicitly state maximum absence times – “dog cannot be left alone for more than 4 hours” is common. This restriction dramatically affects your ability to take day trips or fully explore your temporary home base.
Property Maintenance Expectations
Beyond pets, you’re maintaining someone’s most valuable asset. This means basic cleaning, lawn care in some cases, pool maintenance, plant watering, and general upkeep. I’ve had sits where I spent 30 minutes daily just watering an extensive garden during summer heat. Others required weekly pool chemical testing and filter cleaning. Some homeowners expect their house to be cleaner when they return than when they left. These expectations should be crystal clear before you accept any assignment, but many first-timers discover the workload exceeds what they anticipated.
Choosing the Right House Sitting Platform for International Assignments
The platform you choose dramatically impacts your success rate as a beginner. TrustedHousesitters dominates the English-speaking market with roughly 100,000 listings globally. The annual membership costs around $129, though they frequently offer 25% discount promotions. The platform skews heavily toward UK, Australia, USA, Canada, and increasingly popular expat destinations like Mexico and Portugal. Their verification system includes ID checks and optional video verification, which helps first-timers build credibility despite lacking references.
Nomador takes a different approach, focusing primarily on European assignments with strong representation in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Their membership runs approximately 89 euros annually. The platform attracts homeowners who prefer longer sits – often 3-4 weeks minimum – and tends to have fewer applicants per listing compared to TrustedHousesitters. This reduced competition gives beginners a better shot, especially if you’re targeting less tourist-heavy regions. The downside? Many listings are in French or other languages, requiring translation tools or language skills.
Emerging Platforms Worth Considering
MindMyHouse operates on a different model, charging per application rather than annual membership. You buy credits (around $20 for 20 credits) and spend them applying to sits. This works well if you’re targeting specific locations rather than browsing constantly. HouseSitMatch focuses on UK and European sits with a verification system that helps offset the experience gap. Aussie House Sitters dominates the Australian and New Zealand market if those destinations interest you.
The Multi-Platform Strategy
Serious house sitters maintain profiles on 2-3 platforms simultaneously. Yes, this means paying multiple membership fees (budget $250-300 annually), but it dramatically increases your exposure. Each platform has different homeowner demographics and listing volumes. I’ve noticed TrustedHousesitters gets more last-minute urgent sits, while Nomador homeowners plan further in advance. Having multiple profiles means you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket, especially crucial when you’re competing against experienced sitters with dozens of positive reviews.
Building a Profile That Overcomes Zero Experience
Your profile is your entire sales pitch when you lack house sitting references. Homeowners will scrutinize every word, photo, and detail looking for red flags or reassurance. The profile photo matters more than you think – use a clear, friendly headshot that shows your face fully. Avoid sunglasses, group photos, or anything that looks like a cropped party picture. Homeowners want to see who they’re potentially inviting into their home. I’ve reviewed hundreds of house sitter profiles, and the difference between amateur and professional presentations is stark.
The “About Us” section needs to accomplish three goals simultaneously: establish trustworthiness, demonstrate responsibility, and show genuine enthusiasm for house sitting. Don’t write generic platitudes like “we love animals and travel.” Instead, provide concrete examples from your life that demonstrate relevant skills. Did you care for a neighbor’s cat for two weeks? That’s pet care experience. Do you own property and understand maintenance responsibilities? Mention it. Have you worked in hospitality, healthcare, or any field requiring reliability and attention to detail? Connect those professional skills to house sitting requirements.
The Skills Section Strategy
List every remotely relevant skill even if it seems tangential. Can you do basic home repairs? Say so. Comfortable administering pet medications? Include it. Experienced with gardening, pool maintenance, or home security systems? All relevant. First aid certified? Definitely mention it. These specific skills differentiate you from the dozens of other applicants who write vague statements about being “responsible and trustworthy.” Homeowners scan for keywords that match their specific needs.
Photos Beyond Your Headshot
Add 4-6 additional photos showing you with animals, in home settings, or engaged in relevant activities. A photo of you hiking with a dog (even if it’s a friend’s dog) signals comfort with animals. Pictures in well-maintained, clean home environments suggest you’ll respect their space. Travel photos demonstrate you’re genuinely adventurous and not just looking for free accommodation. Avoid party photos, beach photos in swimwear, or anything that might trigger concerns about maturity or responsibility.
Getting References When You Have No House Sitting History
The reference catch-22 frustrates every beginner: you need references to get sits, but you need sits to get references. The solution is reframing what counts as a relevant reference. Homeowners want assurance you’re trustworthy, responsible, and capable of caring for homes and pets. That assurance can come from sources beyond previous house sitting assignments. Start by thinking about anyone who can vouch for your character and reliability in relevant contexts.
Former employers provide powerful references, especially if your work involved responsibility, trust, or caregiving. A manager who can speak to your reliability and attention to detail carries weight. Landlords can confirm you maintained rental properties well and paid rent consistently. Veterinarians or pet groomers you’ve used for your own pets can verify your animal care knowledge. Neighbors you’ve helped by watering plants or collecting mail can provide references. Even professors or volunteer coordinators can speak to your character and dependability.
The Personal Reference Letter Approach
When you lack formal references, create them proactively. Ask friends or family members who own pets if you can care for their animals for a week or weekend. Document this with photos and ask for a written reference afterward. This gives you legitimate pet care experience and a reference, even if it’s not from a house sitting platform. Some platforms allow you to upload reference letters directly to your profile. A well-written letter from someone describing how you cared for their home and pets while they vacationed carries significant weight.
Building Local References First
Consider doing 1-2 local house sits before applying internationally. Local sits are easier to land because homeowners can meet you in person, reducing their perceived risk. A face-to-face meeting lets you demonstrate your personality, ask questions, and build rapport in ways a written application can’t. After completing even one local sit successfully, you have a legitimate platform reference that makes international applications dramatically more competitive. This stepping-stone approach requires patience but significantly improves your odds.
Writing Applications That Win International Assignments
Most first-time house sitters write terrible applications. They’re generic, self-focused, and fail to address homeowner concerns. I’ve reviewed application templates that start with “We would love to house sit for you because we want to explore [location].” This immediately signals you’re prioritizing your travel desires over their needs. Successful applications flip this script entirely, focusing on what you offer the homeowner rather than what you want from them.
Start every application by acknowledging something specific about their listing. “I noticed your 12-year-old Labrador has arthritis and needs gentle walks twice daily” shows you actually read their requirements. “Your garden photos are beautiful – I have experience maintaining vegetable gardens and would love to help yours thrive” demonstrates relevant skills and genuine interest. These personalized openings separate you from copy-paste applications that homeowners can spot instantly. Spend 10 minutes researching each property before writing a single word.
Addressing the Experience Gap Head-On
Don’t ignore your lack of house sitting experience – acknowledge it strategically and redirect to relevant experience. Try something like: “While this would be my first house sitting assignment through TrustedHousesitters, I have significant experience caring for homes and pets. I cared for my neighbor’s two cats and home for three weeks last summer while they traveled through Europe, managing their feeding schedules, medications, and home security.” This approach shows self-awareness and provides concrete evidence of capability despite lacking platform references.
The Detailed Commitment Statement
End every application with a specific commitment statement that addresses common homeowner fears. “I understand your dogs need walks at 7am and 6pm daily, and I’m an early riser who’s committed to maintaining their routine. I work remotely so I’ll be home most of the day for companionship. I’m happy to provide daily photo updates and will keep the house clean and secure throughout the sit.” This level of specificity demonstrates you understand the responsibility and aren’t just seeking free accommodation. It also gives homeowners concrete assurances they can evaluate.
Targeting the Right Assignments as a First-Timer
Not all house sits are equally accessible to beginners. Applying to a luxury villa in Provence with three high-maintenance dogs and a pool is probably unrealistic for your first assignment. Homeowners offering premium properties typically receive 20-30 applications and can afford to be selective. Smart first-timers target opportunities where they face less competition and homeowners have greater urgency or fewer options.
Look for sits in less popular destinations or during off-peak seasons. A farmhouse in rural Bulgaria in November receives far fewer applications than a beach house in Portugal in July. Longer sits (4+ weeks) also attract fewer applicants because most house sitters prefer shorter commitments. If you have genuine flexibility, these extended assignments become more accessible. Last-minute sits posted 2-3 weeks before the start date often have desperate homeowners who can’t be as selective about experience levels.
Pet Complexity Considerations
Start with simpler pet care situations if possible. A single cat or small dog requires less experience than multiple large dogs or exotic animals. Cats are generally more forgiving of first-time house sitters – they’re independent and less demanding than dogs. If you’re genuinely comfortable with dogs, mention specific breeds you’ve handled. Many homeowners search for sitters who have experience with their particular breed, so mentioning “I’ve cared for German Shepherds” can trigger interest even without formal references.
The Rural vs Urban Strategy
Rural properties often struggle to find house sitters because they require cars and offer less tourist appeal. If you can drive and genuinely enjoy countryside living, you’ve found your niche. These homeowners value reliability over experience because their options are limited. Urban apartments in major cities face the opposite problem – overwhelming competition. However, urban sits requiring long-term commitments (2+ months) thin the applicant pool significantly. Most house sitters want variety and shorter stays, creating opportunities for those willing to commit longer.
Managing Communication and Expectations Before You Arrive
Once a homeowner expresses interest, the pre-arrival communication phase determines whether the sit succeeds or fails. This is where many first-timers stumble by failing to ask detailed questions or clarify expectations. Schedule a video call (Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp video) as soon as possible. This face-to-face interaction builds trust and lets both parties assess compatibility. Homeowners want to see you’re normal, friendly, and genuinely interested. You want to evaluate whether they’re reasonable people with clear expectations.
During the video call, ask exhaustively detailed questions about routines, expectations, and emergency procedures. What time do pets eat? How much food? What’s the walking routine? Where are emergency vet contacts? How does the heating/cooling system work? Where are water shut-off valves? What’s the WiFi password? These questions demonstrate thoroughness and help you avoid surprises after arrival. Take detailed notes during the call – this shows professionalism and ensures you remember everything discussed.
The Welcome Guide Request
Ask homeowners to create a welcome guide with written instructions for everything from pet care to appliance operation. Many experienced homeowners already have these prepared. If they don’t, offering to help create one during your initial walkthrough shows initiative. This document becomes your reference guide throughout the sit and protects both parties from miscommunication. Include emergency contacts, vet information, pet medication schedules, appliance quirks, WiFi details, trash collection days, and any other relevant information.
Setting Boundaries and Clarifications
Don’t be afraid to clarify expectations that seem unclear or unreasonable. If a homeowner mentions “light gardening” but their property has two acres of gardens, that needs definition. If they expect daily video updates but you’ll have limited internet, discuss alternatives. These conversations before commitment prevent resentment and conflict during the sit. It’s far better to decline a sit that doesn’t match your capabilities than to accept and fail to meet expectations. Your first review shapes your entire house sitting future.
What to Do During Your First International House Sit
You’ve landed the assignment, traveled to your destination, and received the keys during a thorough handover. Now what? The first 48 hours are critical for establishing routines and identifying potential problems while the homeowners are still reachable. Test everything – internet, appliances, heating/cooling systems, locks, and security systems. Take photos of the property’s condition upon arrival. This protects you from being blamed for pre-existing damage and gives homeowners peace of mind that you’re attentive.
Establish communication rhythms immediately. Send a message within 24 hours confirming you’ve settled in and everything is fine. Share a photo of happy, well-fed pets. This initial update relieves homeowner anxiety and sets a positive tone. For longer sits, weekly updates work well unless homeowners request more frequent contact. Some want daily photos; others prefer minimal communication. Match their preferences rather than imposing your own communication style.
Handling Problems and Emergencies
Problems will arise – they always do. A pet might get sick, an appliance could break, or you might accidentally damage something. How you handle these situations determines whether you get a positive review. Contact homeowners immediately when issues occur, even if it’s 3am their time for genuine emergencies. For non-urgent problems, message during reasonable hours but don’t delay. Homeowners appreciate proactive communication far more than discovering problems after they return. If you break something, apologize genuinely and offer to replace it. Most homeowners are understanding about accidents if you handle them honestly.
Going Above Expectations
Small gestures transform adequate sits into five-star reviews. Leave the house cleaner than you found it. Buy fresh flowers for the kitchen. Restock basics like toilet paper or coffee if you’ve used them. Leave a thank-you note expressing genuine appreciation. Take exceptional care of pets, maybe teaching a dog a new trick or spending extra playtime with a lonely cat. These touches demonstrate you viewed the sit as a privilege rather than a transaction. Exceptional reviews from your first sit make subsequent applications dramatically easier.
Turning Your First Sit Into a House Sitting Career
That first positive review is pure gold. It transforms you from an unproven beginner into a legitimate house sitter with a track record. Immediately after receiving your first review, update your profile with new photos from the sit and expand your “About Us” section with specific details about what you learned and accomplished. “Recently completed a 4-week house sit in Portugal caring for two dogs and maintaining a rural property” adds credibility and searchability to your profile.
Apply to your next sit while the first is still fresh in homeowners’ minds. Your recent activity and new review make you more visible in platform algorithms. Many house sitters book their next assignment before completing their current one, creating a continuous chain of sits. This momentum is crucial for building a reputation quickly. Each subsequent review makes the next assignment easier to secure. After 3-4 positive reviews, you’ll notice the dynamic shifts – homeowners start reaching out to you rather than you always initiating contact.
Consider specializing in specific types of sits as you gain experience. Some house sitters focus on long-term rural properties, others on urban apartments with cats, and still others on challenging sits with multiple dogs or special needs pets. Specialization makes you the obvious choice for particular situations rather than competing in the general pool. Your profile becomes “the person who does extended farmhouse sits in France” or “the couple who specializes in senior dog care,” giving you a unique positioning that attracts specific homeowners. This strategic approach to building your travel lifestyle through house sitting can open doors to incredible long-term opportunities.
The house sitting abroad lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It requires flexibility, genuine responsibility, and comfort with uncertainty. But for those willing to invest the effort in building a credible profile and targeting the right opportunities, it offers something remarkable – the ability to live in incredible locations worldwide without accommodation costs. Your first assignment is the hardest. After that, each sit builds on the previous one, creating momentum that eventually makes house sitting feel almost easy. The key is getting started, even when you’re convinced no one will trust a beginner. They will – you just need to show them why they should.
References
[1] TrustedHousesitters – Annual membership platform connecting house sitters with homeowners globally, reporting over 150,000 active members across 130 countries
[2] Nomador – European-focused house sitting platform with detailed statistics on member growth and sitting trends across France, Spain, Italy, and Germany
[3] National Geographic Traveler – Feature articles on alternative accommodation strategies and the growing house sitting economy among budget-conscious travelers
[4] Lonely Planet – Travel guides and resources covering long-term travel strategies, including house sitting as a sustainable accommodation solution
[5] Forbes Travel – Industry analysis of the sharing economy’s impact on travel accommodation, including house sitting platform growth and demographic trends
