Trusted Housesitters Review: Is It Worth It in 2023? Pros, Cons, & Price
Do you love pets and travel? Do you wish you could find a way to combine both without breaking the bank?
You may want to check out Trusted Housesitters. This global online platform connects pet owners with care-oriented sitters who will look after their pets and home for free, in exchange for a place to stay.
Sounds too good to be true, right?
In this Trusted Housesitters review, we will tell you everything you need to know about this service, how it works, why you should join, and what are the pros and cons.
Read on to find out if this pet-centric community is right for you.
Trusted Housesitters Review: Overview
Pros
- Travel more while enjoying free pet care and home protection
- Cut down on costs for lodging or pet boarding
- Make friends with cute and cuddly animals worldwide
- Benefit from verified sitters, vet advice, customer support, and insurance
- Become part of a large and welcoming community of pet lovers
Cons
- Face competition from other pet sitters for in-demand sits
- May be challenging to handle unforeseen problems or emergencies during the sit
Trusted Housesitters is an international virtual platform that matches care-oriented sitters, who can take care of pets and home for free, with homeowners and pet parents who plan to travel.
Many Trusted Housesitters reviews say this global service has various advantages and features for both owners and sitters, The benefits include unlimited pet care, verified sitters, low-cost membership, a useful app, a vet advice line, customer support, and insurance coverage.
Trusted Housesitters is a great choice for pet lovers who want to explore their options while finding dependable pet care. This reliable, reputable service has been operating since 2010. It has grown into a large community of members in over 130 countries.
Who Is Trusted Housesitters?
Trusted Housesitters is a worldwide service that enables pet owners to travel by connecting them with pet sitters who can watch over their pets and house while they are away.
The company started in 2010 with a vision to keep pets happy and safe at home while their owners go on global adventures. TrustedHousesitters is a big community of pet lovers spanning 130 countries who support each other, according to Trusted Housesitters reviews.
How Does Trusted Housesitters Work?
Trusted Housesitters reviews explain how the platform works in three easy steps:
- Buy a sitter or owner plan and create your profile with photos, verifications, and reviews.
- Apply for or post unlimited sits according to your preferences and availability.
- Travel and enjoy your home-away-from-home with the peace of mind of knowing your pets are in good hands.
Trusted Housesitters also offers a handy app, a 24/7 vet advice line, customer support, and insurance coverage for every sit.
Why Choose Trusted Housesitters?
Should you board your dog or use a pet sitter? There are many reasons to choose Trusted Housesitters, whether you are a sitter or a pet owner. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of this service.
Affordable Solution
You can save money on accommodation or pet care by paying only a yearly membership fee. No money changes hands between sitters and owners.
Verified Trusted Housesitters
You can rest assured that the sitters on the platform have been verified by ID checks, background checks, external references, and reviews from previous sits. Moreover, you may check out their Trusted Housesitters reviews.
Unlimited Pet Care
You can enjoy or provide unlimited pet care for any type of animal, from dogs and cats to horses and chickens. Furthermore, you may access expert veterinary advice in case of emergencies.
Expert Veterinary Advice
You may rely on the customer service team to assist you with any issues or questions you may have before, during, or after your sit. You can also chat with other members through the website or app.
Help and Support
Trusted Housesitters makes it possible to keep your pets safe and happy at home, avoiding the stress and cost of kennels or catteries. Some Trusted Housesitters reviews also suggest you can meet and bond with adorable pets from around the world.
Handy App
The app lets you search for sits, apply for sits, communicate with members, and receive alerts. It allows you to access useful features such as search filters, favorites, and welcome guides.
Pets’ Safety and Happiness
You can have peace of mind knowing that every sit is covered by GUARDHOG insurance. It offers protection for property damage, theft, and public liability up to $1 million USD, according to Trusted Housesitters reviews.
Trusted Housesitters Membership Plans
Based on Trusted Housesitters reviews, the online platform offers three types of membership plans:
- The sitter plan lets you apply for unlimited sits worldwide for $129 to $259 USD per year.
- The owner plan allows you to post unlimited sits and find verified sitters for $129 to $259 USD annually.
- The combined plan enables you to do both for $189 to $319 USD yearly.
All plans include access to the app, the vet advice line, customer support, and insurance coverage.
How To Join Trusted Housesitters
After learning helpful pet care tips, follow these steps to apply as a pet sitter with Trusted Housesitters:
- Sign up for a sitter plan and create a profile that showcases your personality, skills, experience, and love for animals. Add photos, verifications, references, and Trusted Housesitters reviews to boost your credibility.
- Search for sits that match your criteria and availability. Use the app to get alerts for new or last-minute sits. Be flexible and open-minded about different locations and types of pets.
- Apply for sits with a personalized message that explains why you are interested in the sit and what you can offer to the owner and their pets. Be quick to apply because some sits are very popular and competitive, according to Trusted Housesitters reviews.
- Communicate with the owner through the website or app. Arrange a phone or video call to get to know each other better and discuss the details of the sit. Ask questions and clarify expectations.
- Confirm the sit and prepare for your arrival. Read the welcome guide provided by the owners or request one if it hasn’t been sent yet. Pack your essentials and travel documents. Confirm your travel arrangements with the owner.
- Arrive at the sit location and meet the owner and the pets. Follow the instructions given by the owner regarding pet care, house maintenance, security, emergency contacts, and other related details, Respect the owner’s home and belongings as if they were your own.
- Enjoy your sit and keep in touch with the owner. Send updates and photos of the pets regularly. Contact the owner if you have any problems or questions. Use the vet advice line if needed.
- Leave the sit location as you found it or better. Clean up after yourself and the pets. Replace any food or supplies you used. Write a thank you note or leave a small gift for the owner. Wait for the owner to return and hand over the keys.
- Leave a Trusted Housesitters review for the owner and the pets on the website. Ask the owner to leave a review for you as well. Keep in touch with them and stay friends. Apply for more sits and repeat the process.
Trusted Housesitters Review – Is It Safe?
House sitting is generally safe, as long as you use a reputable website like Trusted Housesitters and take essential precautions.
Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable house sitting experience:
- Always make house sitting arrangements through the website. Do not share your personal contact details until you have confirmed the sit. Use the best VPN services to protect your online privacy while coordinating via the site.
- Check the Trusted Housesitters reviews, references, and verifications of the owner or the sitter before accepting or applying for a sit. Look for any red flags or negative feedback.
- Arrange a phone or video call with the owner or the sitter before confirming the sit. Ask questions and get to know the other person better. Check Trusted Housesitters reviews featuring the sitter or owner. Trust your intuition and be discerning about your choice.
- Get travel insurance as a backup in case of accidents, injuries, or cancellations. Check the terms and conditions of the insurance provided by Trusted Housesitters and GUARDHOG.
- Draw up a contract or agreement with the owner or the sitter to manage expectations and responsibilities. Include details such as dates, pet care, house rules, and emergency contacts.
- Stay in contact with the owner or the sitter throughout the sit. Update the other person regularly and report any issues or concerns. Use the customer support function if you need help or advice.
- Respect the owner’s or the sitter’s privacy, property, and pets. Do not invite guests, smoke, drink, or use drugs in someone else’s home. Do not take belongings, money, or food without permission. Follow the instructions and preferences of the owner.
How To Find a Perfect Trusted Housesitter
Follow these steps to find a perfect house sitter for your home and pets:
- Sign up for an owner plan and create a profile that describes your home, location, pets, and sitter responsibilities. Add photos, verifications, Trusted Housesitters reviews, and a video link to attract more applicants.
- Post your sit on the website with as much detail as possible. Include dates, pet care, house maintenance, security, emergency contacts, and other relevant information. Specify what kind of sitter you are looking for in terms of skills, experience, and personality.
- Review the applications you receive from interested sitters. Check their profiles, Trusted Housesitters reviews, references, and verifications. Look for sitters who match your criteria and availability.
- Communicate with the sitters through the website or app. Schedule a phone or video call to get to know them better and discuss the details of the sit. Ask questions and clarify expectations, based on Trusted Housesitters reviews.
- Confirm the sit and prepare for the arrival of the sitter. Send a welcome guide with all the essential information the sitter will need during the sit. Confirm their travel arrangements and contact details.
- Meet the sitter and introduce them to your pets. Show the sitter around your home and explain how everything works. Give the person a set of keys and any other items they may need. Leave some food or supplies as a courtesy.
- Enjoy your trip and keep in touch with the sitter. Receive updates and photos of your pets regularly. Contact the sitter if you have any plan changes or questions. Use the vet advice line if necessary.
- Return to your home and meet the sitter. Thank the sitter for their service and check how everything went. Reclaim your keys and any other items you left behind. Write a thank you note or leave a small gift for the sitter.
- Leave a Trusted Housesitters review for the sitter and the person’s service on the website. Ask the sitter to leave a review for you as well. Keep in touch with the sitter and stay friends.
Trusted Housesitters Review: Insurance
Trusted Housesitters offers insurance coverage for every sit confirmed through the website at no extra cost to you as an owner or a sitter.
The insurance is provided by GUARDHOG, a global insurer that specializes in home-sharing protection.
What the Insurance Covers
Based on Trusted Housesitters reviews, the insurance covers the following:
- Property damage: If something gets damaged or broken in your home during the sit, you can claim up to $1 million USD for repairs or replacements.
- Theft: You may file a claim worth up to $1 million USD for reimbursement or recovery if something gets stolen from your home during the sit.
- Public liability: If someone gets injured or harmed in or around your home during the sit, you can claim up to $1 million USD for medical expenses or legal fees.
What the Insurance Does Not Cover
According to Trusted Housesitters reviews, the insurance coverage does not include the following:
- Personal belongings: You cannot file a claim if something gets lost or damaged that belongs to you as an owner or a sitter, such as clothes, jewelry, or laptops.
- Pet injuries: You are not eligible to file a claim if your pet gets injured or sick during the sit due to an accident or illness. However, you can use the vet advice line for free 24/7 if needed.
- Travel issues: If your travel plans get disrupted or canceled due to weather, flight delays, or health problems, you cannot make a claim. Some Trusted Housesitters reviews suggest getting your own travel insurance as a backup.
- Cancellation fees: If you or the other party cancel the sit for any reason, you cannot claim any fees or costs incurred. You should communicate with each other and try to find a solution or a replacement.
Activate the Insurance
Based on Trusted Housesitters reviews, you should follow these steps to activate the insurance:
- Confirm the sit through the website and pay the membership fee.
- Fill out the GUARDHOG form with your details and the sit details.
- Receive a confirmation email from GUARDHOG with your policy number and documents.
File a Claim
To make a claim, some Trusted Housesitters reviews suggest that you do the following:
- Contact GUARDHOG within 14 days of the end of the sit and provide your policy number and evidence of the damage, theft, or liability.
- Follow the instructions given by GUARDHOG and cooperate with the insurance company’s investigation and resolution process.
- Receive a decision and a payment from GUARDHOG within 30 days of submitting your claim.
Trusted Housesitters Reviews and Customer Testimonials
The virtual platform has received many positive Trusted Housesitters reviews and testimonials from satisfied owners and sitters who have used the service.
Here are some examples:
Sarah and John, sitters from Canada, share in their Trusted Housesitters review how the platform has changed their lives. It allowed them to travel to amazing places and meet wonderful people and pets.
John and Sarah have also saved a lot of money on accommodation and pet care. They highly recommend Trusted Housesitters to anyone who loves animals and adventure.
Lisa and Mark, owners from Australia, share that they have used Trusted Housesitters several times. Based on their Trusted Housesitters review, they have always been happy with the sitters they have found. The sitters have taken great care of their home and pets, and they have returned to happy and healthy animals.
Mark and Lisa also enjoy reading their updates and seeing their photos while they are away. That’s why they consider Trusted Housesitters as a reliable and quality service.
According to their Trusted Housesitters review, Maria and Carlos, owners from Spain, praise Trusted Housesitters as the best thing that ever happened to them.
They have been able to travel more often and longer without worrying about their pets or home. Carlos and Maria have also made some lifelong friends with the sitters they have hosted. They say that the sitters have become part of their family thanks to Trusted Housesitters.
Trusted Housesitters Review: Alternatives
If you are looking for other options besides Trusted Housesitters, you can try other house sitting websites. Check out some of the available options:
HouseSit Match
HouseSit Match is a similar platform that connects owners and sitters worldwide. It offers different membership plans for owners and sitters. The prices range from around $88 to $114 per year, depending on exchange rates. The service also offers ID checks, references, reviews, customer support, insurance, and a blog.
Pros
- Offers both house sitting and pet sitting options
- Includes a social network aspect for house sitters
- Provides house sitting legal templates and hands-on customer support
- Features sits in unique and wonderful places, mostly in Europe
- Allows homeowners to post multiple house sit ads
Cons
- Membership is expensive given the number of house sits
- Search functionality is not very good
HouseSit Match is a newcomer to the house sitting scene, but it has some features that make it stand out from the crowd.
It is not only a platform for finding house sits, but also a social network for house sitters who want to connect with each other and share experiences. It also offers pet sitting options for animal lovers who already have accommodation.
HouseSit Match has a range of sits in different locations, especially in Europe, where you can find some unique and wonderful places to stay. It also provides legal templates and customer support for both homeowners and sitters, as well as a marketplace for offers and discounts.
However, HouseSit Match is not very cheap compared to other sites, and it has a limited number of active house sits. The search function is also not very user-friendly, and you may have to scroll through many listings to find what you want.
HouseSit Match might be a good option if you are looking for a house sitting site with a social aspect and some extra perks. If you are looking for more variety and value, you might want to check out other sites like Trusted Housesitters.
HouseCarer
HouseCarer is another online platform that connects owners and sitters worldwide. It offers free membership for owners and paid membership for sitters ($50 USD per year). HouseCarer also provides ID checks, references, reviews, customer support, insurance, and a newsletter.
Pros
- Daily listings and a big community
- Handy app with search alerts and favorites
- Free ID verification and easy online background check
- Sits in over 130 countries
- Fair membership price
Cons
- Outdated, unintuitive website interface
- Homeowners have more protection than sitters
HouseCarer is one of the oldest and most respected house sitting websites globally. It has a large and diverse community of homeowners and sitters, with daily listings in over 130 countries. You can find sits in remote farms, city apartments, seaside villas, and other locations.
The platform also has an app that makes it easy to find and apply for sits on the go. You can set up search alerts, filter by location, dates, and animal type, and favorite the sits you like.
HouseCarer also offers free ID verification and easy online background check for sitters, as well as verified reviews and customer support. The membership price is also reasonable compared to other sites.
However, the HouseCarer website interface is not very modern or user-friendly. It can be hard to navigate and find what you need on the site. Also, HouseCarer seems to favor homeowners more than sitters when it comes to resolving issues or disputes. Sitters may have less protection or recourse if something goes wrong during a sit.
HouseCarer might be a good choice if you are looking for a reliable and established house sitting site with many options and features. If you are looking for a more updated and balanced site, you might want to try Trusted Housesitters instead.
Trusted Housesitters Review: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Trusted Housesitters if you’re interested in free travel with pet and house sits.
Can I Rely on Trusted Housesitters?
Yes, you can trust house sitters on Trusted Housesitters because they have been verified by ID checks, background checks, external references, and Trusted Housesitters reviews from previous sits. You can also communicate with the sitters before confirming the sit and get to know them better.
You can also check their profile photos, videos, skills, experience, availability, and preferences.
How Do I Find a Reliable House Sitter?
You can find a reliable house sitter on Trusted Housesitters by posting your sit on the website with as much detail as possible. Afterward, check the Trusted Housesitters reviews and applications you receive from interested sitters and check their profiles, reviews, references, and verifications.
Finally, you can arrange a phone or video call with the sitters before confirming the sit to ask questions and clarify expectations.
Do House Sitters Stay Overnight?
Yes, house sitters usually stay overnight in your home during the sit since they are expected to provide pet care and house maintenance while you are away. However, some sitters may have other commitments or preferences that may prevent them from staying overnight.
You should discuss this with them or check their Trusted Housesitters reviews before confirming the sit and agree on a schedule that works for both of you.
What Are the Benefits of TrustedHouseSitters.com?
The benefits of Trustedhousesitters.com include the following:
- For owners: You can find verified sitters who will look after your pets and home for free while you are away. Plus, you could save money on pet care or kennels or catteries. You can keep your pets safe and happy at home, avoiding the stress and cost of travel. Lastly, you may access veterinary advice, customer support, and insurance coverage.
- For sitters: You can apply for unlimited sits around the world and stay in different homes and locations for free. Next, you can save money on accommodation and travel expenses. You can meet and bond with adorable pets worldwide. Finally, you can also access expert veterinary advice, customer support, and insurance coverage for every sit.
Final Word: Trusted Housesitters Review
Trusted Housesitters is a great option for pet lovers who want to travel more or find reliable pet care. This trusted and reputable online platform connects owners and sitters worldwide.
The company offers many benefits and features for both parties, such as unlimited pet care, verified sitters, affordable membership, a handy app, a vet advice line, customer support, and insurance coverage.
Joining Trusted Housesitters allows you to save money whether you are a pet owner or sitter because of the mutually convenient arrangement.
We hope this Trusted Housesitters review has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy house sitting!