TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters is a platform to connect pet parents with pet sitters for pet sitting with peace of mind. One of the things we don't talk much about in award travel is all of the hidden or associated costs. Of course we love to redeem points for a business class flight and five star hotels. But what about all of the other costs that add up with traveling? Between food, pet sitting, and other miscellaneous costs, the other costs of award travel can really start to add up. Because of that, I wanted to go over how to use TrustedHousesitters and also share a ToP-exclusive link for this awesome service.
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10/20/24 Update: I just completed my 13th sit, covering a total of 93 days. Still all extremely positive experiences and have hosted some great sitters. I included an updated past sitters view for my travels below.
What is TrustedHousesitters?
TrustedHousesitters has a brilliant concept. Instead of paying for expensive pet sitters or boarding, they offer a network for pet parents to find pet sitters for pet sitting! Sitters on the platform are travelers looking for unique places to stay in exchange for their time, care and expertise in sitting your pet in your home. I personally have used the platform several times to find sitters, and have found that the sitters are all extremely passionate pet lovers who truly enjoy visiting a new place while taking care of your pet.
TrustedHousesitters themselves touts the pet sitting as catch-free: “You might ask yourself, ‘What's the catch?” but the truth is, there isn't one! Sitters registered with TrustedHousesitters offer pet sitting because they love animals and the unique travel experiences that house and pet sitting offer.”
Why You Should Use Trusted
You should use this service if you are an award traveler that needs pet sitting. Your pets get to stay in your house, as opposed to going to stay in a boarding facility. Your pet also gets one on one attention from a sitter that wants to give them care and companionship. When I was boarding my two dogs prior to using TrustedHousesitters, the typical cost for a board was $50 per day per dog. For a 10 day trip this equates to $500+ in savings per dog. As an award traveler, I tend to travel for more than 30 days per year. We are easily saving $3,000+ in boarding every year. This helps me to continue to travel the world for nearly free using points and miles!
Before deciding on a sitter, you will list your dates and sitters will apply to take your sit. Each sitter has a profile complete with reviews from previous sits or references, and all sitters have completed a full background check.
The cost of a membership to TrustedHousesitters starts at $129 / year for the basic pet plan, which includes unlimited sits.
My Experience
I have been using TrustedHousesitters since 2022. In total, I have had sitters come stay with me for 11 sits covering 80 days. I have found nothing but fantastic sitters that truly care about my pet and my home. All of the sitters I have worked with are passionate about animals and I feel very comfortable with them in my home. I have never had an issue filling a sit, with multiple sitters applying for each opening I have. This means I get my pick of the sitters, and I look for the applicant with the most and highest reviews. You also get the opportunity to have a phone interview with a sitter to ensure they are going to take great care of your pet.
How to Book A House Sitter
Here are the easy steps to confirm a sitter:
Step 1: Click Add a New Date from Dashboard
Input the dates you are looking for a sitter and publish them to open it up for applications.
Step 2: Receive Applications
The next step is to wait for sitters to apply for open sits. I have had sitters apply as quickly as the same day of my listing, and as slow as a week later.
Step 3: Review Sitters Profile
This is the part where you want to review a sitters profile for their reviews. You can also ask to have a phone interview to ask the sitter any questions you may have.
Step 4: Confirm Your Sitter
The last and final step is to offer your sit opening to the sitter for them to confirm. Once confirmed, you can share your welcome guide with the sitter for care details etc. After the sit, you will have the opportunity to review your sitter for other hosts.
FAQ
I wanted to put together some common questions I anticipate we will have and answer them. TrustedHousesitters also has a FAQ page here that you can review for more information.
How much does membership cost?
The cost of a membership to TrustedHousesitters starts at $129 / year for the basic pet plan, which includes unlimited sits. A standard membership costs $229 year pear, and the premium pet parent membership costs $299 per year.
What is the refund policy?
You can request a full refund within 14 days of joining or renewing, so long as you have no upcoming sits, or messaged with a sitter about a sit.
How are sitters vetted?
Sitters are required to complete background checks (US only), ID checks, and provide external references before they can apply for any sit. Beyond that, since they are reviewed I recommend only accepting a sitter that has previous high reviews. Interviewing a sitter can also help you get more peace of mind.
What happens if my sitter cancels?
TrustedHousesitters has a policy of requesting their hosts and sitters not to cancel any sits unless it is due to an extreme circumstance. If a sitter does cancel, your listing will be re-opened and you can reach out to previous applicants or receive new ones. I have only had this happen once, and I was able to secure another sitter. Additionally, TrustedHousesitters Premium Plan includes compensation for cancellation up to $150 per night and $1,500 per sit to cover the cost of alternative care.
How much does a pet sitting cost?
There is no charge for hiring a pet sitter. You will never be asked to compensate a sitter.
Does trusted provide insurance?
Standard and premium memberships include insurance coverages for your home and contents of up to $1 million. The basic plan does not include insurance.
Don't Forget About the Other Side of this Either
What if you don't have pets, but love animals & love to travel? TrustedHousitters may still work for you. If you are interested in finding more places to stay, ones that won't even cost you hard earned points, then this program could be a fit for you. I know this has been a favorite option of the nomad and FIRE community for a while now. It is a way to pack more travel into whatever budget you have.
Using TrustedHousesitters for Pet Sitting: ToP Thoughts
Whether you are going away for a weekend or a ten day epic adventure, TrustedHousesitters can help you get pet sitting with peace of mind. This service may have a place in your award travel arsenal to keep you traveling on points. Because sitters are background checked and reviewed, you can do some research before accepting a sitter. Trusted is easy to use, user friendly, and a great way to find pet sitters that are willing to come to you.
Have you ever used TrustedHousesitters to find a sitter? Come join the discussion in our Facebook group!
