The # 1 question: "How do you become a housesitter anyway?"

We often hear the question, "How did you get into being house and pet sitters?" We sometimes get the "Oh, you're so lucky!" comment too. So let me explain ...

We spent the 2013/14 winter in Costa Rica, where we met an American couple who sold up everything, moved to Costa, and travelled from sit to sit throughout Central America. Inevitably they became tired of not having a home base, and so rented an inexpensive condo near us. They would return there when they had gaps in their schedule, or when they just needed to take a break from the nomadic lifestyle. That's the background of how we learned that the opportunity exists.

Who am I, you ask?

How we actually started is a longer story. I searched the Internet for related websites. Our favourite one is Trustedhousesitters.com, which is based out of Britain but covers properties worldwide. We also registered with House sitters America and Housecarers.com. As you will see from our profile, we then needed to write a profile we hoped would attract homeowners. I also spent a great deal of time building up a bank of references. 

I then obsessively monitored these websites, looking for locations that would appeal to us and/or would fit in with our dates and plans. It's not uncommon for sought-after locations to be filled within hours, or sometimes even less than an hour. I find it interesting that many homeowners choose on the basis of who applied first, rather than waiting to see if their ideal candidate applies. The competition is fierce for many of these placements.

My name is Mikko

In addition to these websites, I also place ads on Craigslist, once we are located in the area. However, we will not do a sit from Craigslist without first meeting the homeowners and pets in their home. It has to be a good fit for all concerned. We have had two wonderful sits in Phoenix from this site, so it has been helpful. So, in addition to continuously monitoring the housesitting sites, I also repeatedly post the Craigslist ads as frequently as I'm allowed.

The job of juggling timeframes and locations is a big jigsaw puzzle involving travellers' schedules, our open dates, and our need to get from one place to another. It is certainly a logistical challenge at times, to say the least!

That brings me to my reply to the "You're so lucky!" comments. I know people mean well, but believe me, it is not luck. It takes concerted effort on our part - before, during, and after a house sit, but we do enjoy it so it's worthwhile.

Keep reading ...

That brings me to our latest housemate, Mikko, who lives in Fountain Hills, a city that's part of the Greater Phoenix area. Yep, that's the most recognizable part of Fountain Hills, in Fountain Park. More about that later ...

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Location: Fountain Hills (Phoenix), Arizona, USA
Housesitting: Mikko, a shih tzu
Weather: 60ºF (16ºC) at 4 pm
Forecast: High of 60ºF (16ºC), low of 37ºF (3ºC)
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Note: Photos of pets and homes are only used with the prior consent of the owners.