House & pet sitting in Australia: A traveller’s guide

  • Planning, Travel Tips, Vanlife
From herding goats to cuddling cats, we’ve discovered the magic of house and pet sitting—here's our guide to living like a local while on the road.

How to travel smarter and explore like a local with house and pet sitting

Stoking the open fire as the goats and cows roam the green paddock below. Clipping the lead to the cat’s collar as he meows, ready for his morning walk. Sifting flour over the mixing bowl while the oven warms and the frost melts under the rising sun.

After more than 700 days on the road, over 300 locations explored, and 50,000 kilometres of outback roads swallowed by our tyres, these simple household rituals have become a beautiful novelty.

Don’t get me wrong — we love vanlife. The stripped-back simplicity. Rolling on to the next wild place. The unpredictability and occasional mayhem. We wouldn’t trade it for quids. But there’s something undeniably sweet about cooking a roast in a full-sized kitchen, stretching out on a lounge before the telly, and not dashing through the darkness to the loo 500 metres down the road.

Getting started with house & pet sitting in Australia

We discovered the magic of house and pet sitting in August 2024 when we landed our first sit: six cats, four chickens, and a lush tropical backyard in steamy Darwin.

We were fresh off our biggest adventure yet. Three weeks off-grid, cutting through the rugged Kimberley on the Gibb River Road — one of Australia’s most iconic 4WD journeys.

Bolts rattling, fridge fried, tyre shredded, and rig coated in red dirt, we rolled into the Top End craving space to reset and time to get our vanlife back in order. And as long-time fur baby mums, we were craving pet cuddles too.

Almost 18 months on, we’re celebrating our big 1-0 — our tenth house sit. From a hobby farm in Tasmania to a lead-trained Burmese cat in Darwin, we’ve completed sits of all shapes and sizes right across the country as we’ve roamed in our van.

Needless to say, we’re big fans of house and pet sitting and love spreading the word.

Ready to start your own house and pet sitting adventure? Scroll down to discover our top tips, recommended platforms, and expert advice for landing your next sit.

Getting started with house & pet sitting

What is house sitting all about and how does it work?

At its core, house and pet sitting is an exchange of services. You stay in someone’s home at no cost while they’re away, and in return, you care for their property — and usually their pets. Instead of paying for accommodation, you swap your time and responsibility for a place to stay. Simple in theory… but built on trust and mutual goodwill.

What are common responsibilities for house sitters?

Every sit is a little different — and that’s part of the fun. The length of stay, type of property, and whether there are pets (or farm animals!) all shape what’s involved. A longer sit might also mean more detailed maintenance. A home with a pool or big garden will need extra care. Hobby farms? Whole new kettle of fish.

That said, most sits include:

  • Pet care – feeding, walking, cuddling (and sometimes giving medication)
  • Home upkeep – watering plants, taking out rubbish, keeping things tidy
  • Security – locking up and keeping an eye on the place
  • Mail & deliveries – making sure the house looks lived-in
  • Check-ins – sending updates and photos so owners can relax while they’re away
    –

It’s responsibility, yes — buy mostly, it’s nothing you wouldn’t do in your own home.  And it can also be incredibly rewarding.

How long are most house sitting gigs?

They can be anything from a quick weekend away to several months in one spot. Longer sits let you properly settle in. You get to know the neighbourhood. Find your favourite coffee shop. Get into a routine. Get your car serviced. Book in medical appointments. Get sh*t done. Plus, explore deeper. Shorter sits are great if you’re new to house sitting or just want to fill gaps between travel plans, or save on expensive accommodation costs in cities and popular tourist towns. We’ve done both — and honestly, we love the mix.

Is house sitting really just about free accommodation?

Well… yes and no. You’re not paying rent or nightly rates, so it can save you big time. But it’s not a traditional holiday. You’re responsible for someone’s home, garden and beloved pets — and that’s a pretty big deal. We always describe house sitting as an exchange, not “free accommodation.” You give your time, care and reliability. In return, you receive a place to stay. When it works well, everyone wins.

Who is house sitting best suited to?

House sitting is perfect for travellers who like a little adventure — but don’t mind routine and a bit of commitment. Long-term travellers can gain a temporary home base and experience a place more like a local. While short-term travellers can save on accommodation. If you love animals, take pride in looking after a home, enjoy slower travel, and don’t mind following a few house rules, this kind of setup can be magic. But if you prefer hotel living, total spontaneity, or zero responsibility. It might not be your thing — and that’s okay too.

House sitting tends to suit people who are:

  • Animal lovers
  • Slow and budget-conscious travellers
  • Happy spending time at home
  • Good communicators
  • Tidy and house-proud
  • Like planning ahead
    _

What are the pros and cons of house sitting?

For us, house and pet sitting has been one of the most beautiful additions to life on the road. It lets us slow down, reset, experience places differently, and enjoy some fur baby love.

We love it because it allows us to:

  • Spend time with beautiful animals
  • Be still after intense periods of travel
  • Explore like locals
  • Focus on writing and building our business
  • Save significantly on accommodation
  • Get off the road during peak seasons (like Christmas)
  • Enjoy the comfort of a real home in winter
  • Do proper van shakedowns (sort, organise and sell gear)
  • Build genuine friendships with hosts
  • Tend to life admin and appointments
    _ 

Plus, we’ve enjoyed some absolutely stunning homes with incredible views.

Of course, it’s not all upside. The downsides can include:

  • Less flexibility with travel plans
  • Being fully responsible for someone else’s home and pets
  • Pets with behavioural or medical needs
  • Unreliable internet services
  • Not every host–sitter match being perfect
  • The occasional breakage that needs sorting out
    –

Like most things in travel, it’s about knowing what you’re signing up for.

Do house sitters ever get paid?

Usually, no. Your “payment” is free accommodation and often some very cute furry company. Occasionally, homeowners might offer a small fee for longer stays or additional tasks. And there are professional house and pet sitters who charge for their services. But for most travellers — us included — it’s about the exchange, not the income.

How to find house & pet sitting opportunities in Australia

How do I go about finding house and pet sits?

Finding house and pet sitting jobs is honestly much easier than most people expect. There are plenty of platforms designed specifically to connect travellers with homeowners who need someone reliable to care for their home and pets while they’re away. We personally use a mix of house-sitting websites, Facebook groups and good old-fashioned word of mouth. Some of our sits have even led to repeat invitations — which is always the best feeling.

What are the best house sitting websites and apps in Australia?

When it comes to finding the right house or pet sit in Australia, there are several solid platforms to choose from. Most allow you to filter by location, dates and pet types, and you can read reviews from previous sitters before applying — which makes a huge difference.

Here are some of the main options for sitters:

Based on membership size and reach, the three biggest platforms in Australia are Aussie House Sitters, Trusted House Sitters and Happy House Sitters. Personally, we’ve used both Aussie House Sitters and Mindahome. For a while, we ran memberships on both to maximise our chances of locating gigs. Currently, we’re just with Aussie House Sitters as we’ve found it offers the most listings — and the best value for money.

A few quick tips for using these platforms:

  • Take the time to create a detailed, friendly profile
  • Keep your availability calendar and preferred locations updated
  • Respond promptly to messages — response rates do matter (and may be downgraded if you don’t)
    –

What are the best house sitting websites and apps for overseas travel?

If you’re dreaming of combining overseas travel with house and pet sitting, there are some great global platforms too.

The following sites consistently receive strong reviews:

If you’re planning something big (like a Europe stint), it can be worth comparing a couple of memberships.

Do I need to pay to join house sitting platforms?

In most cases, yes. Most well-known house and pet sitting websites charge an annual membership fee. This allows you to build a full profile and contact homeowners directly. The fee also helps keep the community serious and committed — which ultimately benefits everyone.

Annual membership fees (as at February 2026):

If you’re signing up to Aussie House Sitters, you can use our referral code V4MWR5 to save $10 off your membership.

What are the best Facebook pages to find house and pet sits?

There are loads of Facebook groups dedicated to house and pet sitting across Australia — from national groups to state-based communities and even pet-specific groups (like cat-focused). We’ve landed several sits through Facebook, particularly in regional areas.

You’ll find national groups like:

Plus state-based groups for SA, Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, Queensland, WA and even more localised communities like Dogs in Darwin.

Facebook can feel a little less structured than dedicated platforms — but it can absolutely work.

Tips for using Facebook effectively:

  • Create a clear pinned introduction post with your dates and availability
  • Check local community groups — not just house sitting groups
  • Pair Facebook with a dedicated platform like Aussie House Sitters or Mindahome for better structure and reviews
    –

How competitive is house sitting in Australia?

It can be competitive — especially in cities and popular tourist destinations. That said, with a strong profile, early applications and a bit of flexibility, securing sits is very achievable. Regional areas are often far less competitive, so if you’re open to those, your chances increase significantly. Like anything in travel, effort and timing make a difference.

How far in advance should I apply for house sits?

If you’re travelling full-time like us, we recommend applying months in advance for popular areas or peak seasons. It helps you line up back-to-back sits and avoid gaps in your plans. If you’re travelling more casually, smaller regional sits can often be secured 2–4 weeks ahead. High-demand locations are better locked in 6–8 weeks out (or earlier). Applying early gives you time to build rapport with homeowners, ask questions and make sure the sit truly fits your travel rhythm. That said, last minuet sits are available for those who are happy to go with the flow and follow the jobs.

How to make a great impression and land your next house & pet sit

How do I create a standout house sitter profile?

Your profile is your first impression with homeowners — so make it count. Homeowners will proactively search platforms when they’re looking for a sitter and reach out directly with invitations. When drafting your profile, introduce yourself warmly, highlight recent pet and home-care experience, and include references and reviews. Use a friendly photo, explain why you’re reliable and flexible, and keep your details current. A clear, trustworthy profile is your best ticket to landing the right house sit.

A few extra things that help:

  • Build a strong online presence – If the platform allows, add extra references or links to social profiles that give a positive and genuine sense of who you are. It’ll make you less of a mystery.
  • Invite reviews – Follow up with previous hosts and ask them to publish a review via the platform.
    –

Are reviews important?

Yes — they’re gold! Reviews are one of your biggest assets when securing house sits. Reviews from homeowners, friends and family show you’re reliable, responsible and good with pets, making it much easier to land future stays. Even a short reference can help you stand out and give homeowners the confidence to welcome you into their home. Always ask for a written review — whether through a platform or via email, once you’ve completed a sit.

Should I include a police or background check?

A police or background check can make a big difference, especially if you’re new to house sitting. It shows homeowners you’re serious and trustworthy, giving them extra peace of mind when leaving their home and pets in your care. Many platforms allow you to upload a check to your profile, helping you stand out from other applicants. We’ve been asked to provide police checks by a couple hosts.

What else can I do to secure a sit that I’m interested in?

Landing a house or pet sit is about standing out and proving you’re reliable. Beyond a strong profile, here are a few ways to give yourself an edge:

  • Move quickly – Apply as soon as you see a listing you love. Many homeowners want to lock someone in fast, and early applicants often have the advantage.
  • Personalise your application – Avoid generic messages. Mention the pets by name, reference details from the listing, and explain why you’re a great fit.
  • Be proactive – Offer a video call or chat. It builds trust and makes you more memorable.
  • Highlight relevant experience – Share experience with similar pets or home responsibilities like gardening or pool maintenance.
  • Provide supporting documents – Offer references and a police check (if you have one), and send them through promptly.
    –

A little extra effort can make all the difference when homeowners are choosing someone to trust with their home and furry family members. We’ve found that homeowners are most concerned about heir pets, and want to make sure you will cherish them.

Do I need references to start house sitting?

It’s not essential, but having a few references can make a big difference — especially when you’re starting out. If you don’t have any yet, consider doing short local sits for family, friends or neighbours to build your first reviews.

How do I get my first house sitting job with no experience?

Think beyond formal house sitting experience. If you’ve cared for pets, volunteered, managed a home or worked in responsible roles, include that in your profile. Many homeowners value reliability and communication just as much as experience. Add a friendly introduction, clear photos and an honest summary of what you offer. Let your enthusiasm and trustworthiness shine. Be open about dates, tasks and routines. Flexible, communicative sitters who go the extra mile are often the ones chosen. And if you’re comfortable, suggest a quick video call — it helps homeowners get to know you and feel confident leaving their home and pets in your care.

Essential tips for a successful sit

What questions should I ask before accepting a sit?

Before committing to a house sit, it’s important to clarify expectations and feel confident in your responsibilities and ability to manage the required tasks. We always try to arrange a video call before accepting a sit to ensure both parties feel comfortable.

Here are some key questions to ask homeowners:

  • What kind of pets are there, and what are their routines?
  • Are there any special needs, medications or health issues?
  • How do they behave with strangers or other animals?
  • What day-to-day tasks are expected (watering plants, taking out bins, cleaning)?
  • Are there pools, gardens or farm animals requiring extra care?
  • Are there any rules about guests, deliveries, social gatherings or house usage?
  • Is parking available for a car and or van? (if you require it)
  • Are there additional responsibilities for longer stays?
    –

Should I meet for a handover prior to the sit?

Most homeowners will want to meet with you at the property for a handover before they head away. We’ve often met homeowners the day prior — and in two instances, even stayed overnight at the property with them. Meeting beforehand not only reassures homeowners that their home and pets are in good hands, it also gives you the opportunity to gather all the information you need and do a walk through to familiarise yourself with the property and pets. A proper handover sets you up for a smooth, stress-free sit.

What questions should I ask before commencing the sit?

Many hosts provide written instructions to help house sitters care for their home and pets. Even so, it’s worth asking a few additional questions to make sure everything is clear:

Are there any appliances, security systems or equipment I should know about?

  • Who should I contact if something goes wrong (vet, plumber, electrician, family member)?
  • Are there instructions for minor emergencies?
  • What happens if a pet gets sick while I’m house sitting?
  • How do I access the property (keys, alarm codes)?
  • How often would you like updates or photos?
  • What’s your preferred communication method for updates (text, email or call)?
  • Are there house rules I should know about (smoking, noise, maintenance)?
  • How frequently do plants need watering?
  • What food or household provisions am I welcome to use (e.g. pantry staples, toilet paper)?
  • Where can I store my belongings?
    –

Clarifying expectations upfront makes the sit stress-free for everyone.

Do I need insurance as a house sitter? 

Standard insurance usually won’t cover you while house sitting, so many sitters get independent liability insurance to protect against accidents or property damage—giving peace of mind while caring for someone else’s home and pets. We have chosen not to so far.

What happens if something gets damaged?

If something gets damaged, tell the homeowner straight away. Honesty goes a long way. Then work with the homeowner on remediating the damage.

What are your best tips for a smooth sit?

Follow these tips, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free sit that keeps both pets and homeowners happy!

  • Always clarify expectations upfront
  • Stick to pet routines and special needs
  • Keep the house tidy
  • Don’t bring unapproved guests
  • Respect the homeowner’s privacy
  • Communicate regularly and clearly (with photos of the pets)
  • Make sure you know the emergency plan
    –

We also try to leave the home and garden in a better state than we received it. For example, by removing weeds, cleaning the glass doors, sweeping the patio, giving the fridge or oven a good clean. It’s that extra touch that home owners really appreciate, and may ultimately result in them inviting you back.

All in all

Is house sitting worth it? 

Absolutely! House sitting has been such a rewarding experience for us. Beyond saving on accommodation, it has let us live like locals, spend time with cute animals, get our rig back in order, tend to life admin and explore new places without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for those working remotely or needing a break from constant travel. Before we started sitting, every few months, we’d spend a night or two in a motel to get a break from the van. Now we just book in another sit. We also absolutely love cats and cherish the chance to connect with them, something we’ve missed so much on our travels. For us, sitting has been magic and we’d absolutely recommend.

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