How to Start a House Sitting Business

When people travel, they worry about two things: the pets and the house. A house sitting business takes that worry off their plate. This guide shows you how to start a house sitting business with clear services, solid agreements, safe key handling, fair pricing and the kind of trust that turns one booking into years of repeat clients.

House sitting is a service business built on reliability. You do not need expensive equipment or a storefront. You need to show up, follow instructions carefully, notice problems early and communicate well. If you are organized, calm in a small crisis and love animals or simply looking after things, it can be a rewarding business to run alongside other work or on its own.

Before we start, a quick note: this article is general information, not legal, insurance or tax advice. Rules on business setup, insurance and background checks vary by country, state and city, so check official sources and speak to a qualified professional about your own situation.

Decide what your house sitting business will offer

House sitting covers several types of service. Choose the ones you can deliver reliably, and describe them clearly so clients know what they are buying.

Overnight house sitting

You stay in the home while the owners are away. This suits clients with pets who need company, homes in areas where an empty house is a concern, or people who simply want someone there at night.

Drop-in visits

You visit once or twice a day to check the property, feed pets, water plants, bring in mail and packages, rotate lights and blinds, and make sure everything looks normal. Drop-ins let you serve several clients in a day.

Add-on services

Common extras include dog walking, plant care, light tidying before the owners return, stocking the fridge with basics and meeting contractors or deliveries. In winter, clients in cold climates may value checks on heating and pipes, and snow clearing from paths where you are able and insured to do it.

Set up insurance, agreements and trust

Clients are handing you their keys, their home and often their pets. Everything you can do to show you are careful and professional makes that decision easier for them.

Start with the usual business basics: choose a business structure, register where your location requires it, check whether you need any local licenses or permits and open a separate business bank account. Then focus on the steps that build trust.

• Insurance. Look into general liability insurance and, if you care for animals, coverage designed for pet sitters. Some insurers also offer bonding, which can reassure clients. Ask a broker what fits your services.
• Background checks. Rules and expectations vary by location and by client. Some clients will ask for a check, and offering one up front can set you apart. Use an official or reputable service in your country.
• References. Ask former employers, neighbors or early clients for short references you can share.
• A written agreement. Cover services, dates, fees, cancellation terms, key handling, pet care instructions, emergency vet authorization and what happens if something goes wrong.

Have a lawyer review your agreement template once, then use it for every client.

Handle keys and access safely

Keys are the most sensitive part of your business. A lost key or a careless label can put a client's home at risk, so set a clear key policy and follow it every time.

1. Code, do not label. Tag each key with a client code, never a name or address. Keep the code list separately and securely.
2. Store keys securely. Use a locked key cabinet or safe at home, and never leave client keys in your car.
3. Sign keys in and out. Record when you receive and return each key, with the client's confirmation.
4. Handle codes carefully. Store alarm codes, smart lock codes and Wi-Fi details in a secure password manager or encrypted notes, not in a paper notebook.
5. Return or keep by agreement. Agree whether you keep keys for regular clients or return them after each job, and put it in writing.

Client information such as addresses, travel dates, codes and phone numbers is personal data. Depending on where you work, GDPR, UK GDPR or US state privacy laws may apply. Collect only what you need, store it securely and delete it when you no longer need it.

Create a home intake checklist

Every home is different, and every client has their own routines. A standard intake checklist, filled in at the meet-and-greet, makes sure you never miss something important. A form builder such as Google Forms, Jotform, Typeform or Tally can turn it into a simple online form clients complete before you visit.

Include at least:

• Emergency contacts, a trusted neighbor and the owner's travel dates and contact details
• Alarm instructions, smart lock or garage access and where spare keys are kept
• Locations of the water shutoff, circuit breaker and thermostat, plus preferred temperature settings
• Pet details: food, portions, medication, walks, habits, vet name and emergency vet authorization
• Plant care, trash and recycling days, mail and package instructions
• House rules: rooms that are off-limits, whether you may have visitors and parking instructions

Turn the intake into a short visit routine you follow at every home. Walk the same route each time: check doors and windows, look for leaks or unusual smells, glance at the thermostat, care for pets and plants, and bring in mail and packages. In cold months, pay extra attention to heating, frozen pipes and icy steps. Note anything unusual in a quick log with the date and time. If a client ever asks what happened on a particular day, you will have a clear, calm answer, and the log helps you spot small problems before they become expensive ones.

Price your house sitting services

Price by service type rather than a single flat rate. Overnight stays take more of your time and limit other bookings, so they usually cost more than drop-in visits. Add charges for extra pets, medication, holidays and last-minute bookings. Research what other sitters charge in your area, but price on your own costs, time and experience.

A pricing and booking template

Copy this table into a spreadsheet to plan your rates and track bookings. All prices and times are made-up examples for illustration only.

Ask for a deposit to secure busy holiday dates, and set a clear cancellation policy in your agreement.

Win clients and keep them coming back

House sitting is a word-of-mouth business. People want a sitter who has been recommended by someone they trust. Your job is to make that recommendation easy.

• Set up a Google Business Profile. Add photos, services and your service area, and ask happy clients for reviews.
• Tell your local network. Neighbors, friends, local community groups and pet-related businesses such as groomers and vets can send clients your way.
• Send daily updates. A short message with a photo after each visit reassures clients and gives them something to share.
• Leave the home better. A tidied kitchen, a note about anything unusual and fresh milk on return day make a lasting impression.
• Make booking easy. A booking tool such as Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, Square Appointments or SimplyBook.me can handle meet-and-greet requests. Check each tool's current features and pricing.

Frequently asked questions

The bottom line

A house sitting business is built on trust and routine. Choose clear services, protect yourself and your clients with insurance and a written agreement, follow a careful key policy and use an intake checklist for every home. Price by service type, and send short updates that keep clients relaxed while they are away.

Start by writing your agreement and intake checklist this week, then tell five people in your local network that you are open for bookings. Reliable care and good communication will do the rest.