REVIEW: Is TrustedHousesitters Legit?

Is TrustedHousesitters Legit?

Yes! TrustedHousesitters is as legit as house-sitting websites come. 

While the company might have its hiccups (as all companies do), the premise of mutual benefits stands firm and is genuinely appreciated by users worldwide. 

TrustedHousesitters is a platform that successfully brings together pet owners and pet sitters, creating a win-win scenario where travelers get free accommodation in exchange for caring for pets and homes. 

Users are vetted thoroughly with background checks and reviews, ensuring safety and trust are the foundation of every sit. 

They have a high rating on Trustpilot and over 144,000 happy members.

The fact that I have multiple friends who have been house-sitting across Asia without paying for accommodation for years is a testament to its effectiveness. 

I know what it means to be a pet parent who goes on vacation. I used to hire a sitter for my beloved 20-year-old cat, who required special care. I understand the apprehension of trusting fur babies with strangers (and paying exorbitant fees for it). 

TrustedHousesitters addresses this by fostering a community of genuine animal lovers and diligent sitters like myself.

So yes, despite sounding too good to be true, TrustedHousesitters is legit! 

Not only has it allowed me to save thousands on accommodations in one of the world’s priciest cities, but also enriched my travels with animal companionship. 

Important Note: This isn’t a sponsored post – the good folks at TrustedHousesitters aren’t paying me to write this post. (Though, if anyone from TrustedHousesitters is reading this and feeling generous, I accept gratitude in all its forms!) 

Kidding aside, this review is 100% my unbiased opinion, stemming from an unforgettable adventure of dog-sitting in Singapore. 

🤩 Free homestay in exchange for pet care – use this link AND promo code CATISOUT25 to get 25% off TrustedHousesitters memberships

Before you start daydreaming about cuddling with cute furballs in a serene countryside cottage or an upscale city apartment, there are a few hoops to jump through. 

Getting started on this platform involves a few crucial steps that ensure the pet parents and sitters are on the same page. 

But don’t worry, it’s not rocket science — just some necessary prep before you’re all set to join this community and start applying for sits. 

1. Buy a TrustedHousesitters Membership 

The first step is to choose your annual membership level: Basic, Standard, or Premium. 

If you’re a pet sitter, choose from these sitter plans:

If you’re a pet parent, choose from these pet parent plans:

For pet parents, they offer a money-back guarantee if you can’t find a sitter within two weeks of posting your first sit. 

If you’re also a pet parent thinking about doing sits down the line, there’s even a combined membership option to consider. 

It might feel like a big purchase at first, but it quickly pays off with just one sit! 

2. Create a Profile That Stands Out

It’s time to create your profile on the app. This is where you get to showcase yourself and all your pet-sitting skills. 

You’ll start by submitting a background check (if you’re US-based) – it’s a quick process that provides peace of mind for pet parents. 

Next, include photos and details about yourself. Snap pictures with pets you’ve cared for before, show off your fun side or share moments highlighting your nurturing spirit. 

Make sure you have a profile picture that clearly shows your face. This helps pet owners feel more comfortable knowing who their potential sitter is.

Next, fill out the bio section with relevant information about yourself. Mention any previous experience you have with pets, such as owning them or volunteering at shelters. Don’t forget to mention why you love pet sitting and what makes you a great candidate for the job.

Consider what you’d want to see in a pet sitter if the roles were reversed – reliability, warmth, experience. Make sure those qualities shine through in your profile. 

Now it’s time to secure references and verifications, too. I reached out to my friends whose pets I’ve previously sat for and asked them to vouch for me. 

If this sounds like a lot, stop stressing – the app walks you through each step, making it as easy as possible.

🤩 Free homestay in exchange for pet care – use this link AND promo code CATISOUT25 to get 25% off TrustedHousesitters memberships

3. Apply for Unlimited Sits Around the World

Yay, this is the fun part – applying for your first housesit!

It’s easy to get started – just set alerts for your dream locations, and you’ll get notified about new opportunities. 

I did this myself when I had my heart set on Singapore. Patience was key as I spent several weeks monitoring the sit listings and reading through reviews from past sitters – this gave me a solid idea of what to expect. 

The pet responsibilities varied – some pets needed more attention than others. 

When it came time to apply, I made sure my applications were personalized, introducing myself and emphasizing why I’d be a reliable caretaker for their pet. 

After applying to two different sits in Singapore, voila! I was chosen for one. So remember, persistence pays off in this process, and every step brings you closer to your next adventure with TrustedHousesitters.

4. Virtual Interview / Confirm Sit Details

Based on my own experience, I can’t stress enough how beneficial it is to arrange a call with the pet parent before finalizing any sitting arrangement. 

It presents an excellent opportunity for both parties to gauge compatibility and set expectations right from the start.

During my video interview with the pet parent in Singapore, not only did we hit it off immediately, but I also got to ask all the burning questions I had about the sit. 

Plus, it’s during this conversation that you’ll get essential details – from understanding your responsibilities towards their furry friend to getting acquainted with their living environment. 

This way, you’re stepping into a situation fully aware and prepared, making for a smoother and more enjoyable experience overall. 

Does TrustedHousesitters Pay?

No, pet sits arranged via TrustedHousesitters are not paid.

Instead, it operates on a beautiful principle of mutual benefits where animal-loving travelers receive free accommodation in return for their services to care for the pets. 

This model provides an incredible opportunity for pet enthusiasts to explore new places while indulging in their love for animals. 

My friend, who is a full-time pet sitter, has found this platform immensely beneficial. She regularly connects with new clients through TrustedHousesitters and delivers such outstanding service that many homeowners return as paid clients. So, you never know!

🤩 Free homestay in exchange for pet care – use this link AND promo code CATISOUT25 to get 25% off TrustedHousesitters memberships

If you don’t enjoy caring for pets, this platform is NOT for you. 

But, if you’re an animal lover who cherishes quality time with four-legged (sometimes two-legged or no-legged) companions and has flexible travel plans, then TrustedHousesitters is your go-to platform. 

The key to a successful house sit is prioritizing the pet’s welfare above all else. 

You might need to curb your wanderlust a tad, like when I was dog-sitting in Singapore and had to walk the pup multiple times during the day, limiting how long I could be out exploring. However, I didin’t mind, there was ample time for both cuddles and sightseeing during my 2 week stay! 

And it’s not just for solo travelers – it was a couple who watched the Singaporean Goldendoodle before me! I’ve even seen posts specifically requesting couples and families to apply for a sit because the pet owners knew how much work their pets were. 

It also helps if your travel plans are somewhat flexible. I knew I wanted to visit Singapore around that time, but the exact dates didn’t matter to me. If my travel plans were more rigid, finding the right sit would have been harder. 

What Types of Animals Need Sitting?

The most commonly seen pets are cats and dogs, which often require daily feeding, exercise, and companionship. 

However, there are postings for farm animals such as chickens, sheep, and horses who need care while their owners are away, too. These can offer a unique countryside experience with tasks ranging from egg collection to pasture maintenance. 

It’s not uncommon to come across requests for caretakers for birds, bunnies, or even reptiles! 

Remember that platforms often allow you to filter results based on your preferences so you can find the perfect fit for your comfort level and expertise.

TrustedHousesitters Review: My Experience Pet Sitting in Singapore

Like you, I was hesitant to shell out $100+ for a membership to a website I had never used before. After talking to some of my travel friends who use the platform, I went for it!

After just one successful and enjoyable sit, it more than paid for itself (I’m not exaggerating when I say I saved thousands of dollars!). 

While there are a good number of sits around Asia, there aren’t as many as there are in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. So it’s a good thing I started my search several months in advance – I set alerts for Singapore and Malaysia since those were the locations I was most interested in sitting at the time.

I applied for a couple of sits before seeing success. I learned that you have to be very fast to apply since there’s a lot of competition. I also didn’t have any reviews yet since it was my first sit, so I’m sure that made a difference.

I heard back right away from this Singapore pet parent. She asked if I would be willing to do a video interview with her – perfect for me! I wanted to make sure we were a good match. We hit it off immediately and answered each other’s questions satisfactorily. 

She notified me a few hours later that she selected me for the sit! Then we sorted out the arrival/departure details, and I booked my flight. 

She sent me helpful information about getting to her apartment from the airport, and a whole welcome guide for how to care for Arlo (an adorable goldendoodle) and what to see/do/eat in the neighborhood.

Singapore is famous for being one of the most expensive places in the world, so I was thrilled to have a giant 3-bedroom apartment in a luxury building all to myself (and Arlo!). 

It was just a 1-minute walk to the metro, perfect for exploring the city. I was ecstatic about having a kitchen and laundry, not to mention added bonuses of a pool, gym, and tennis courts.

The main downside of the arrangement was that Arlo could only be left alone for up to about 5 hours at a time. So when you factor in commuting time, that’s not a huge window of time for exploring. 

Luckily, I was in Singapore for 2 whole weeks (most people spend a couple of days), so I had plenty of time to explore. 

And I got used to walking with Arlo in the rain (hello, monsoon season in Singapore, way worse than a rainy season in Thailand!). 

Before and during the sit, the pet parent was great at replying to my messages. I sent regular updates and videos while I was sitting since I remember how much I enjoyed getting those when I was a pet parent. 

They even left me a present under the Christmas tree!

So, all in all, I had a super positive first experience with TrustedHousesitters.

I calculated that it would have cost me thousands of dollars to have an apartment in Singapore over the holidays, but by using TrustedHousesitters, I had a free luxury apartment with an adorable dog. Perfection!

I’m already planning to book another sit. So many exciting sits in Australia, the UK, and the US have caught my eye! 

🤩 Free homestay in exchange for pet care – use this link AND promo code CATISOUT25 to get 25% off TrustedHousesitters memberships

Pros of Using TrustedHousesitters

• $$$ Savings: Enjoy the perks of free accommodation.

• Cute Pets: Care for adorable pets.

• Travel Like a Local: Like Airbnb (but, free), you get to experience a destination like a local. 

• Amenities: A lot of sits include access to amenities that you won’t find in a hotel like full kitchen, laundry, etc.

• User-Friendly App: Easily find the perfect house sit with filter options and alerts.

• Cancellation Insurance: Premium members receive sit cancellation insurance coverage, up to $150 USD per night to cover alternative accommodation, up to $1,500 per sit.

• Veterinarian Support: Access free 24/7 Vet Advice Line during sits.

• Peace of Mind: Enjoy a stress-free pet sitting experience with the biggest house sitting website in the world. I’ve seen some wild horror stories on pet sitting Facebook groups from sitters who didn’t book sits through a trusted platform. Yikes!

Cons of Using TrustedHousesitters

• Membership Fee: The upfront cost can be a turnoff, but it does a good job of weeding out unserious pet sitters/owners.

• Background Checks: TrustedHousesitters requires a background check, but it’s only applicable to US-based sitters. I wish pet parents also completed background checks!

• Rigid Schedule: It’s necessary for sitters to be available for the entire duration of the pet sit. You have to plan your travels around the sit.

• Shift in Priorities: Your priority is taking care of the pet and sticking to their routine. Travel plans come secondary.

• Competition for Sits: Competition on TrustedHousesitters can be quite fierce. Some sits receive numerous applications within hours of posting, so if you don’t apply quickly enough, you might miss out. I applied to a few sits before getting selected.

• Limited Sits in Some Locations: While the platform is popular in some cities, it may not have as many sits available in others. For example, there are limited opportunities if you’re looking in Asia, but seemingly unlimited sits in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia.

• Limited Customer Service: Although TrustedHousesitters connects pet owners with sitters, they don’t provide much support beyond that point. So if an issue arises during the sit, customer service may not be very helpful. Make sure you vibe with the pet parent!

• Pet Owners > Pet Sitters: Pet owners generally receive more attention and better service than the sitters do. This imbalance could potentially make your experience less enjoyable or convenient as a sitter.

Final Thoughts: Is TrustedHousesitters Worth It?

So, is TrustedHousesitters legit? Absolutely. 

TrustedHousesitters is a trustworthy platform that connects pet parents with pet sitters. Pet parents get free sitting, while sitters get free accommodation. It’s a win-win scenario!

While the initial membership fee may seem steep, remember that it can save you A LOT in accommodation spending. I estimated that I saved several thousand dollars in accommodation costs by using TrustedHousesitters in Singapore. 

TrustedHousesitters is only worth it if you genuinely enjoy caring for pets. If that’s not your thing, it’s not worth it, since your entire itinerary must be planned around your petsitting responsibilities.

One of my travel friends mastered the art of housesitting, hopping from one house sit to another across Asia – she hasn’t paid for accommodation in YEARS. Some homeowners were so impressed with her care for their pets that they offered recurring paid sits outside the platform. 

So, if you’re ready to embark on a new adventure filled with wonderful pets and free accommodation, take the leap with TrustedHousesitters using my link AND promo code CATISOUT25. You’ll receive an incredible 25% off your membership, making your travels even more affordable.

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