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Unmasking the Truth: Our Trusted Housesitters Review
Note: The opinions we share in this Trusted Housesitters review are entirely our own. We are paying members of the platform and didn’t receive financial compensation from the company to write this Trusted HouseSitters review.
If you’re looking for a balanced Trusted HouseSitters review you’ve come to the right place!
David and I have been house sitting since 2008, and our family started housesitting with Trusted Housesitters on Memorial Day weekend in 2018.
Since then, we have house sat in the US, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Central America, and South America. And we have house sits in Australia booked for later this year!
With substantial experience spanning several years on the platform, we’ve experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly during that time. So we’re uniquely qualified to write an balanced review. Let’s go!
What is Trusted Housesitters?
Note: If you use our Trusted House Sitters affiliate link anywhere in this post, you can get 25% off your own first year’s membership cost.
For those unfamiliar, Trusted Housesitters (THS) is a website that connects people seeking an in-home pet sitting experience with other people available for their dates to come to their homes.
The pet owner provides the pet sitter free accommodation in exchange for pet care and home care while they’re away. This happens all around the world!
I admit I was skeptical at first. I couldn’t believe that someone would invite total strangers into their homes and let them sleep there. But hello! That’s EXACTLY what Airbnb and VRBO do!
We rocked at vacation rental hosting for over two years. The difference is that instead of paying someone to stay each time, both Sitters and Hosts pay an annual fee.
These Trusted House Sitters membership fees allow sitters to apply to sit, and for pet owners to post their dates in need of home and/or pet care.
Trusted Housesitters Review: The Fees
Considering the cost of boarding a pet or paying for hotels, the cost of Trusted HouseSitters is substantially less. After just one housesit, the Trusted House Sitters price basically pays for itself.
The Trusted Housesitter annual fee is tiered for sitters and for owners. There is even a combined membership tier for people who are both sitters and owners.
So how much does Trusted House Sitters cost? These are the current rates for how much is Trusted Housesitters and what the tiers include.
| Basic Sitter – $129 | Standard Sitter – $169 | Premium Sitter – $259 |
|---|---|---|
| ✔️ Unlimited house sits worldwide for 1 year | ✔️ All of Basic Sitter plus the following: | ✔️ All of Standard Sitter plus the following: |
| ✔️ Free video calls & online chats with vets while pet sitting | ✔️ Sit cancellation insurance | |
| ✔️ Instant alerts for unlimited saved searches | ✔️ 2 global airport lounge passes | |
| ✔️ Dedicated member support line | ✔️ Premium badge on your profile | |
| ✔️ Accident & 3rd Party Liability Protection |
worth it!
Trusted House Sitters payments on the website can be made with any major credit card. So it’s easy once you decide to take the plunge!
👉 If you want 25% off your first-year membership, then click here for our Trusted House Sitters discount code!
Can you do a Trusted House Sitters pay monthly?
No, you cannot pay your Trusted HouseSitters premium on a monthly basis. Whether you’re a sitter or a pet owner, the membership fee is only paid to the company annually.
Our Trusted House Sitters Cost Analysis
Below is a mid-range estimate of what we would have paid for housing in a 2 bedroom apartment in places we have housesat.
2019
💲 3 weeks in Washington DC: $2,100
💲 3 weeks in Johnson City, TN: $500
💲 6 weeks in Washington DC: $4,200
💲 3 nights in Ashville, NC: $300
💲 4 weeks in Nashville, TN: $1,000
💲 5 weeks in Chicago, IL: $3,600
Total: $11,700
2020 & 2021
We had two housesits planned on Trusted Housesitters in 2020 but they were canceled due to the pandemic.
We didn’t bother applying for any in 2021 because we were happily stranded in Malaysia. If we had done those 2020 housesits, this is what we could have saved:
💲 3 weeks in Busan, South Korea: $1,200
💲 3 weeks in rural Brisbane, Australia: $2,000
💲 1 week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: $350
Total: $3,550
We still paid our Trusted HouseSitters annual fee to keep our profile active in 2020 and 2021. I don’t consider that a ‘loss’ since we saved so much money being house sitters in 2019.
2022
💲 6 weeks in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: $2,500
💲 5 weeks in Guatemala City, Guatemala: $1,250
💲 8 weeks in Quepos, Uvita, and Jaco, Costa Rica: $5,000
💲 3 weeks in Bocas del Toro, Panama: $2,000
💲 1 week in Panama City, Panama: $500
Total: $11,250
2023
💲 2.5 months in Cotacachi, Ecuador: $2,500
💲 3 weeks in Puerto Montt, Chile: $1,500
💲 2 weeks in Ensenada, Chile: $1,000
Total: $5,000
2024
💲 1 week in Playa del Carmen, Mexico: $500
💲 2 weeks in Mexico City, Mexico: $1,000
💲 1 month in Guadalajara, Mexico: $1,200
💲 1 month in Chapala, Mexico: $1,500
💲 6 weeks in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico: $1,000
💲 2 weeks in Chicago, USA: $1,600
💲 2 weeks in Seattle, USA: $1,700
💲 2 months in Brisbane, Australia: $4,000
💲 1 month in Melbourne, Australia: $2,000
Total: $14,500
Excluding our canceled house sits in 2020 and including the member fees, we have saved over $40,000 in housing costs by using TrustedHousesitters. And we aren’t even done interviewing for house sits this year!
Trusted House Sitters Review: The Pros
To keep things balanced, we have included 12 pros and cons (six each) in this Trusted Housesitters review.
This way, you’ll have a more complete understanding of how it works before deciding if it’s a fit for your travel interests.
1️⃣ Biggest Housesitting Site
Trusted Housesitters is the largest housesitting site on earth. At any given time, there are over 10,000 house sits available on the platform!
Even if you pay to join other sites, you won’t have access to the number of options you have on the Trusted HouseSitters platform. No other house-sitting website even compares.
2️⃣ Unique Destinations
From country cottages in the UK and urban tiny homes in the US to rainforest retreats in Malaysia and high-rise apartments in South Korea, the types of homes on Trusted House Sitters can’t be beaten.
Since it’s the largest platform, it also has the most unique options and locations for housesitting. We’ve even seen private homes seeking petsitters on the islands of Nevis and Fiji!
3️⃣ Easy User Interface
One of the things that are important to highlight in this Trusted Housesitters review is how user-friendly the website is.
First, make your profile, which is easy to do. Then, you can search the interactive map by location and filter by dates.
So you can find housesits by where you want to go, by when you want to go, or both. You can even limit searches to certain amounts of time, like a week or a month.
Pro Tip: In addition, new and last-minute sits have different colored banners. This allows you to quickly check out and apply to those first.
Just keep in mind that the more filters you use, the fewer results you’ll get. To start out, try to use as few filters as possible in order to maximize your chances of scoring house-sitting gigs.
4️⃣ Useful Tools
In addition to being user-friendly, the Trusted HouseSitters website has some really neat tools. For example, they offer a welcome guide for home and pet owners to give their sitters all the necessary information.
From where to eat to where the vet is located, sitters can have access to everything they need to house sit successfully.
In addition, house sitters can set up a search in a specific area for the dates they want and receive an alert every time a listing goes live that meets those specifications.
Pro Tip: You can also “favorite” sits, which will automatically alert you when that home has new dates so you can be one of the first people to apply.
Search alerts directly to your phone are game-changers when there are more sitters than listings. This is especially true for popular destinations, where there is a lot of competition.
5️⃣ Easy to Use App
Trusted Housesitters is the only house-sitting site that actually has an app, too. It’s really easy to search for sits or for sitters, apply to listings, respond to applicants, “favorite” listings, and more.
One of my favorite features is the notifications option. You can get push notifications each time you receive a message as well as when new sits are posted in your preferred region(s).
The app is available for iOs and Android devices, so any smartphone can use it. I once applied for a house sit while having lunch at Grutas Tolantongo!
6️⃣ 24/7 Vet Advice Line
The Vet Advice Line is completely free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This feature is a huge perk in our Trusted Housesitters review. After all, sometimes pet owners aren’t available. Or sometimes we don’t want to alarm pet owners.
If a house sitter observes strange behavior in their pet charge, they can just speak directly with a qualified pet expert.
We haven’t had to use this but we know people who have. After noticing some odd behavior in the pet, they called the vet advice line and reached someone almost immediately. They told us how reassured they felt that a medical expert was available so quickly.
Trusted Housesitters Review: The Cons
This wouldn’t be a balanced Trusted Housesitters review if we claimed the company was perfect. It’s not. Even after being in business for well over a decade, there are certainly some opportunities for improvement.
1️⃣ Membership Fees
Membership fees with Trusted HouseSitters are the highest of any of the house-sitting platforms. How much does it cost to join Trusted House Sitters?
For new house sitters, even the basic $129/year membership fee can seem a little steep. But that’s kind of the point.
Committing to a Trusted HouseSitters membership fee shows that you are serious about the house-sitting process. It’s one way to better guarantee that someone won’t flake on you or cancel the sit.
It also helps Trusted HouseSitters provide amazing features like its smartphone app and veterinary support hotline.
2️⃣ Inefficient Trusted HouseSitters Review Process
Trusted HouseSitters reviews are vital to helping sitters to get more house sits. Unfortunately, there isn’t any incentive for home and pet owners to leave Trusted HouseSitters reviews for their house sitters.
The homeowners will get applications from housesitters regardless of whether they have Trusted HouseSitters reviews.
The same is not true of housesitters, as we need TrustedHouseSitters reviews in order to be considered for more competitive housesits.
Pro Tip: Telling homeowners we need Trusted HouseSitters reviews in order to get more house sits helps them remember to write one.
However, since there is no automated reminder process built into the Trusted HouseSitters site (like there is for Airbnb and VRBO), we sometimes have to send a couple of text or email messages to remind people.
3️⃣ Lopsided Housesitter Background Check Requirements
Sitters are required to be background-checked. It’s included with your membership, even at the basic level.
This gives homeowners a bit of reassurance that the people coming into their homes while they’re gone aren’t a danger to their pets or their houses.
Unfortunately, there is no requirement for homeowners to be background-checked. As house sitters, we could be walking into any scenario: a drug den, a violent criminal, etc.
Thankfully, having video interviews and home tours really do help
Not to mention, the owners aren’t there when you are. So the risk isn’t really as high for sitters as it is for the owners. So far, we haven’t encountered anything that makes us feel uncomfortable in our video interviews.
4️⃣ More Competition
Since it’s the biggest site, that also means there are more members. And more members mean more people applying for housesits. (This is a crummy reality, but I promised you this Trusted Housesitters review would be balanced.)
If you aren’t one of the first five people to apply, it’s usually not even worth it.
Airbnb changed its algorithm not long ago to turn off applications after five are received. In order for homeowners to get more applications, they have to reject all of the first five.
This can be demoralizing when you first join. However, it’s important to remember that Trusted HouseSitters is basically a matchmaking site. If you make a really good first impression, you have a better chance of getting a response.
So, if you use the right strategy for starting out then you’ll be housesitting in popular locales in no time.
5️⃣ Mediocre Customer Service
We have never needed to contact the service team at Trusted HouseSitters. However, conversations with other housesitters do have a common theme. The platform definitely favors homeowners in troublesome circumstances.
Some housesitters complain about repeatedly messaging the platform with concerns only to get canned, generic responses that are condescending or downplay the problems.
It’s possible that they’re just being careful with their words. However, the perception is that the platform understands the sitters’ issues but just don’t care.
Thankfully if you properly vet sits with thorough video chats in advance, you can avoid a majority of problems.
6️⃣ Slow Photo Uploads
I rotate through photos fairly regularly on our family’s Trusted HouseSitters profile. I like to keep things fresh and relevant, so homeowners can get a feel for who we are and what our pet care experience is like.
My biggest personal pet peeve about the Trusted HouseSitters platform is how slowly new photos take to upload.
At first, I thought it was my computer or that I had too many tabs open. But then I found out other Trusted HouseSitters platform members have the same issue.
So it’s not just me. When you’re adding new or replacement photos to your profile, make sure you aren’t in a hurry. Sometimes photos can take several minutes to upload.
Trusted Housesitter Review: Tips for Using the Site
When you’re ready to take the plunge and start house-sitting, it’s really important to do a few key things right at the beginning.
In addition to getting noticed and getting responses, our travel tips will help you get good Trusted HouseSitters reviews once you’re actually there.
☑️ Getting Started
Not all homeowners mark their sits as family-friendly. In fact, some specifically state that they do not want kids in their homes.
So our options are more limited than a single person or couple on the platform. This doesn’t mean it’s hopeless, though!
Pro Tip: Being flexible on dates and locations increases your chances of getting selected.
Put effort into creating your profile. Assume every pet owner will look at your profile after you apply in order to get to know you better. Include why you want to housesit and what sorts of animals you have experience caring for.
Include the maximum number of photos allowed on the platform. Have them showcase you as a person as well as your experience with different kinds of pets. You want homeowners to feel confident when they reply to your application. So be thorough!
☑️ Applying to Sits
Each published house sit shows the number of applications to sit a homeowner has received. Many that are short durations or in less popular destinations may only receive 1-3 applications.
House sits in popular locations get their first 5 applications submitted quickly, often within hours the first day they’re posted.
Pro Tip: If you want to get picked, apply to housesits that are last minute and easy to get to from your home.
☑️ Getting Chosen
Put a lot of work into your profile. There are photos of us with pets we’ve cared for over the years, not just our own.
I also have pictures of my family on our travels. As we are selected for housesits, I put new photos of me or my family with pets we’ve cared for into our profile.
When you apply to each housesit, write messages to each homeowner to highlight your experience with their type of pet. I don’t mean a Yorkie vs a Poodle. Rather, the species for which you need to care.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have experience with their type of pet (like horses), consider why you’re applying to this housesit. Address it in your message.
At the end of each application message, offer to set up a voice or video chat. This is basically a requirement, as every homeowner who has responded to our applications has requested it.
Offering an in-person interview to local housesits is a great way to increase your chances of getting accepted. It gives you a chance to meet the pet(s) and see what the home and neighborhood are actually like.
At the end of each interview, in person or online, if you’re still interested make sure to ask about the next steps.
Tell them you feel you’re a good fit and are interested in taking care of their pet. Sometimes the homeowner will agree and offer you the sit on the spot!
☑️ Questions to Ask
During conversations with homeowners, focus on getting to know the pet for which you’ll be caring. Discuss daily routines as well as pet personalities.
Ask if the pets have any bad habits you would need to keep in check. After all, you don’t want to create a ‘new’ set of rules that the pet would have to relearn once the owners return.
Taking notes during the initial phone call is very helpful. On video chats, it shows the homeowner your commitment.
In addition, review the notes prior to meeting the pet and homeowner in person. This also helps you come up with a list of follow-up or clarifying questions.
Pro Tip: For longer stays, I ask about laundry options.
During the tour, either in person or via video, also ask about the home itself. Is there an alarm system? Which door should you use to come and go regularly? Where were the internal (and external) trash cans? Also, where would you sleep?
Regarding the pet, you need to know all the details. Who are the emergency contacts? What is the protocol for taking the pet to the vet in an emergency? Does the pet have treat preferences? Where does the pet sleep?
Note: I always try to arrive at a sit before the host leaves for their trip, even if it means staying in a nearby hotel the day before. Not all hosts require this, but it definitely helps to ask during the phone interview.
☑️ House Sitting Preparations
In addition to packing, think about your game plan for food. Do you need to make trips to a local grocery store? Are there food or grocery delivery options, like Uber Eats or Instacart?
Take note of nearby walkable grocery stores, carry-outs, restaurants, and coffee shops. Just in case.
Pro Tip: In Mexico, the Rappi app is very popular for both grocery and restaurant delivery. We used it regularly.
Sometimes housesits include the use of a car. Usually, they don’t. If you don’t have a car, ask about transportation options or what is in the local, walkable area.
Rideshare services, like Uber, are common even outside the US.
Pro Tip: We prefer Uber and Didi in Mexico but use Grab in Southeast Asia.
Before you arrive, ensure that the homeowner has completed the house manual. Some of our housesits do it with the built-in template on the Trusted HouseSitters website.
Others make a more elaborate one and email it to us before we arrive. Regardless, you need this before your first day in the home.
☑️ Completing the House Sit
Make sure you complete all the tasks to which you’ve agreed each day.
Whether it’s feeding the pets, sifting the cat litter, walking the dog, or filling the hummingbird feeders…you agreed to it, so make sure it gets done.
Also, whether they ask for it or not, stay in touch with the homeowner. Send them texts every day or every couple of days to check-in. Let them know how things are going and send a photo or two.
This may have seemed like overkill to some people. But homeowners are leaving behind members of their families to go travel.
I guarantee they will appreciate it, even if they don’t expect it. It will also help you get a great Trusted HouseSitters review afterward.
After the house sit ends, ask the homeowner to rate you as a sitter. Because there are always more sitters than spots to sit, you need those Trusted HouseSitters reviews to differentiate yourself from other trusted sitters out there.
Do you get paid on Trusted House Sitters?
If you’re wondering “does Trusted House Sitters pay” the answer is no, you don’t get paid on Trusted HouseSitters.
Both sitters and owners pay their annual Trusted House Sitters membership costs to get access to the site’s network and not exchange money for house sits.
However, it is an excellent way to save money on accommodation while traveling and exploring a new area. You also get the chance to meet wonderful people and animals from around the world.
Plus, you may even be able to find additional house-sitting opportunities through word of mouth! So why not give it a try today? You never know what adventure awaits!
How much does Trusted House Sitters pay?
Trusted HouseSitters doesn’t pay anything. Unless you count the warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart when you’re snuggling a fluffy pet somewhere tropical (or snowy or arid or wherever you choose to apply). It’s definitely worth it, though!
Is Trusted House Sitters Legit?
Yes, Trusted House Sitters is a legit service that my family has been using consistently and effectively since 2018.
We’ve had mostly great experiences with house sitters from the website, as well as a couple of Trusted House Sitters bad experiences, but all in all, it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience for us.
👉 If you want 25% off your first-year membership, then click here for our Trusted House Sitters discount code!
Trusted Housesitters Review: My Overall Opinion
Overall: My TrustedHousesitters review gives the site a thumbs up!
Not many services operate based on trust and cooperation. However, my Trusted HouseSitters review feels that it is great for exactly that.
Both sitters and owners save high costs, whether for accommodation or pet care. In addition, it gives people an immense sense of fulfillment.
There are other housesitting services out there. However, Trusted HouseSitters does the best job of bringing together people and pets around the world.
For house sitters, you have to treat the site as if you’re looking for a job. Be persistent and genuine in your approach.
With so many listings, it’s the best site for new and seasoned housesitters as well as homeowners. Above all, think about your needs.
If this sounds like the right fit for you, Trusted Housesitters will connect you with like-minded people, wonderful pet companions, and unique experiences.
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
