Guide · Homes & pets
The complete house-sitting guide
Everything we've learned from years of looking after homes and pets, during our nomad years and after we'd settled in one place. A guide for both sides: for people going away, and for people who want to house-sit.
Noa & Gabriel · About a 6 minute read
We have the keys
What we learned along the way
We started house-sitting when we were nomads, and it was a way to live in a real home, with a routine and pets, instead of yet another temporary flat. Even after we went back to living in one place, we kept sitting from time to time.
Today we sit less often, but we still come now and then. And every sit taught us something: what to ask beforehand, what to get in writing, and how to help the owners leave with peace of mind.
During the nomad years
[Where we sat and for whom, in one sentence]
When we lived in one place
[One sit we especially remember]
Today
Less often, but now and then we still come
10 things worth knowing
What you need to know
Going on holiday
Want to house-sit
01
Posting and finding a match
Post a clear listing with the dates, the exact location of the home, and all the important details about the pets and the house. That way sitters can quickly tell if it's right for them.
Look for listings that match your needs and abilities. When you reach out, introduce yourself and your experience with pets and house-sitting.
02
An intro call and setting expectations
Start with a phone call to get a feel for the person. If it all fits, meet up, in person or on Zoom, to show the home and introduce the pets.
Come with questions: what the pets' routine is, what special needs they have, and anything that will help you do the best job.
03
A clear instruction sheet
Prepare a detailed sheet: the pets' daily routine, walk and feeding times, medical needs and quirks. Add the house rules and emergency numbers.
Ask for the instruction sheet before you start. Make sure you understand everything, and ask about anything that's unclear.
Our experience: [an example from an instruction sheet we got, or what was missing from it]
Our experience: [an example from an instruction sheet we got, or what was missing from it]
04
Using the house and its equipment
Say clearly what can be used. If there are valuable or sentimental items, say they're off limits.
Respect the instructions, and learn ahead of time how to run the washing machine, the heating or the alarm. Not sure? Ask.
05
References and building trust
Ask for references from previous homeowners, or contacts you can talk to.
If you're just starting out, offer to sit for friends or family. That's how you'll get your first references and build a reputation.
06
Safety
Leave a spare key with a neighbour or relative, and explain how to work the safety systems, like the alarm.
Know where the emergency keys are, and who to call if something goes wrong.
07
The pets' routine
Spell out the daily routine: walks, food and medication. Also write down how to calm the pets during loud noises or a storm.
Keep to the pets' routine and give them the attention that was agreed. Notice anything unusual? Let the owners know right away.
Our experience: [one pet we looked after and what was special about its routine]
Our experience: [one pet we looked after and what was special about its routine]
08
Problems and breakdowns
Explain what to do if a pet has a medical problem or something breaks in the house, and who to call in an emergency.
If something breaks or there's an emergency, take responsibility and report it right away. Be honest, and come with a suggested fix.
09
Cleaning and wrapping up
Say in advance what you expect to find when you get back. A good sitter leaves the home the way they found it.
Leave the home clean and tidy. Got some time left? A little extra attention for the pets before you go.
10
Small gestures
Clear a shelf in the wardrobe and some space in the fridge for the sitter, especially for a long stay. It helps them feel at home.
Send updates and photos of the pets. It reassures the owners and builds trust for next time.
Download · PDF
Checklist for homeowners & pet owners
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Download · PDF
Checklist for sitters
Download →
And this time, they recommend us
What homeowners say
Noa and Gabriel looked after my dog and two cats for about 3 weeks. The pets got devoted care. My anxious dog got special care and gentle attention that really calmed him down.
Tova A. (translated from Hebrew)
Pinto and Noa are my favourite house sitters, and I trust them with my eyes closed. My cat, who usually keeps her distance from guests, bonded with them and feels at ease when they're around... And every time I come home, I find little surprises that warm my heart.
Liat S. (translated from Hebrew)
Noa and Pinto are professional house sitters, who have also looked after the homes of several friends we have in common. They're friendly, reliable, and cared for my dogs with love and devotion. I have no doubt I'd ask them to look after my home again.
Orit R. (translated from Hebrew)
And now and then, us
Going on holiday? Maybe we'll sit for you
We don't house-sit all the time anymore, but when the dates and the place work for us, we're happy to come. We sit for free, no payment either way.
1. An intro chat, in person or on Zoom
2. All the instructions, emergency numbers and the vet, in advance
3. Photos and updates every day
Check if we're available
