Disclaimer

I write and produce all content on One cat at a time, and all views expressed are my own.

My blog posts are designed for information only and I would recommend doing additional research before signing up to a house sitting website. You might also want to consider the risks involved with using TrustedHousesitters internationally and should consult an immigration lawyer (or similar) before agreeing to an international house and pet sit.

How the house sitting thing works

Sits are found through house sitting websites where owners can view my profile and reviews before deciding if I’m a good fit for them. I can respond to a person’s ad or they may choose to reach out to me without posting.

I’m not affiliated with any of the house sitting websites I use and I pay for each membership I have. Sometimes I may have enough rewards points/dollars to renew my membership without incurring a cost, but my membership is never ‘gifted’.

It’s not paid

HOWEVER, AS I HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED, THE US GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS HOUSE AND PET SITTING THROUGH TRUSTEDHOUSESITTERS TO BE A FORM OF WORK. THAT MEANS  TOURISTS ENTERING THE USA WITH AN ESTA—OFFERED TO CITIZENS OF VISA WAIVER PROGRAM COUNTRIES—WHO HOUSE AND PET SIT ON THEIR HOIDAY/VACATION CAN BE DEPORTED.

I’m not paid to house and cat sit, and accepting cash goes against the terms and conditions stipulated by the house sitting websites. I’m not employed by any of the house sitting companies and I don’t receive payment for spruiking the benefits of using their services. I’ve never signed a contract prior to undertaking a house and cat sit, and none of the people I’ve sat for have my bank details. I pay for all my travel costs (e.g. flights, bus and train fares) to and from the owner’s location, but I’m always happy to accept a ride from the airport if it’s offered.