Can You House Sit Without Looking After Pets? Detailed Guide

House sitting is becoming a more and more popular way for people to travel affordably and live in different parts of the world for short periods of time. Traditionally, house sitting often involves caring for pets while the homeowners are away and most house sitting platforms require pet care. However, many people wonder “can you house sit without looking after pets?”. 

The short answer is yes – you can house sit without looking after pets!

While less common, this arrangement can be mutually beneficial for both the homeowner and the house sitter.

My Housesitting Experience 

I first discovered house sitting in November 2024 and have since completed multiple house sits through TrustedHousesitters. 

It’s been a great way to explore new countries on a budget, without having to pay for accommodation! I also miss my pets while I’m away from home and it’s nice to have that comfort when you’re in another country. 

The Essence of House Sitting

At its core, house sitting is a service where someone occupies a homeowner’s property while they are away. The primary goals are to maintain the home, ensure its security, and sometimes perform routine maintenance tasks. 

House sitters may water plants, collect mail, and perform basic upkeep to give the homeowner peace of mind. Homeowners like to have a house sitter for many reasons, one major one being that the presence of a house sitter deters potential burglars. It’s also a great way to ensure the home is kept in good condition.

The Benefits for Homeowners

For homeowners, having a house sitter can be a great way to protect their investment. A vacant home can be a target for vandalism and theft. Additionally, issues such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems can go unnoticed and cause significant damage if the house is left empty. A house sitter ensures that any problems are addressed promptly.

Moreover, homeowners often have plants that need regular watering, gardens that require care, or just a general desire to keep their home lived-in and maintained. Even without pets, having a house sitter around helps ensure that the property remains in good condition. This can be particularly important for those with second homes or who travel frequently for extended periods.

The Advantages for House Sitters

There are many benefits for house sitters, especially when no pets are involved. You can enjoy a free place to stay which is great if you want to save some money or for digital nomads who want longer-term accommodation with flexibility and a stable internet connection. 

As you can imagine, without the responsibility of pets, the role becomes less demanding and more flexible. House sitters can explore the area, work remotely, or simply enjoy a change of scenery without the constraints of a traditional rental agreement.

When there aren’t pets to take care of, you aren’t tied down by feeding schedules, walking routines, or medical care requirements. This is great for those who want to explore a new city or country, as they can come and go more freely without worrying about pet-related obligations. It’s also the perfect arrangement for anyone who’s scared of certain animals and doesn’t have much experience looking after pets. 

Where to Find Pet-Free House Sitting Opportunities

I’m not gunna lie to you – most house sitting platforms advertise mostly house sits with pets as part of the deal. With that said, there are some ways to find pet-free options. 

To find these, I’d recommend using platforms such as TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse and more. Most platforms have a filtering option to search for house sits that specifically don’t have any pets to watch. 

I will say, there aren’t many listings without pets. I just did a quick search on TrustedHousesitters and there were only SIX listings out of thousands around the world. 

I don’t mention this to discourage you but it’s important to know before you sign up for a platform and realize it’s not worth the money. 

Another way you can find pet-free options is by networking within house sitting communities and asking for referrals can also lead to pet-free opportunities. I’d start by searching for online communities and asking questions there. Always chat with friends and family as well because you might be surprised by opportunities that can arise from word of mouth. 

Making the Arrangement Work

For those interested in house sitting without pets, communication is key. Clearly discuss expectations with the homeowner before accepting an assignment. This includes understanding what tasks are required, such as plant care, mail collection, and basic maintenance. It’s also essential to agree on house rules, emergency contacts, and any other relevant information.

House sitters should respect the homeowner’s property and adhere to the agreed-upon guidelines. Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, taking care of plants, and being vigilant about security are crucial aspects of a successful house sit. Building a good reputation through positive reviews can lead to more opportunities and long-term arrangements.

Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While house sitting without pets is less demanding than pet sitting, it does come with its own set of challenges. 

One potential issue is boredom or loneliness, as some people might miss the companionship that pets provide. To avoid this from happening, take time to explore the local area, meet new people, and engage in hobbies or activities that interest you. 

Some sits also accept couples or pairs which is great if there aren’t pets. Always ask the homeowner if they’re okay with your partner joining you before the sit is confirmed to ensure you’re on the same page. 

Another challenge could be the homeowner’s expectations. Without pets, some homeowners might still have specific requirements or expectations that need to be met. It’s important to have a thorough discussion beforehand so both parties are on the same page. 

The Housesitting Platform I Trust

As I mentioned at the start of this blog, I’ve been using TrustedHousesitters for a little while now and love it!

The platform is incredibly easy to use and you can browse sits for FREE before signing up for a membership. When you’re ready to contact the homeowners, you can use my 25% discount with the code SPELLBOUND25 for an annual membership!

Other Housesitting Blogs You Might Enjoy

• Housesitting 101: What Are the Duties of a Housesitter?
• Do You Get Paid For House Sitting? Paid and Unpaid Gigs
• How to Get a Cheaper Airbnb: 7 Tactics to Get a Discount!
• Looking For a Cheap European Country to Visit? Must Read
• Find Remote Jobs Online: Easy Ways to Start

Ready to Start Your Housesitting Journey? 

Can you house sit without looking after pets? You can but it might take a while to find an opportunity without pets involved! Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or simply looking for a temporary change of scenery, house sitting without pets can be a great arrangement.

I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube! 

Cheers, 

Amy xx 

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