Housesitting in Europe everything you need to know

As folks who love housesitting internationally, we tend to lean towards long term housesitting and pet sitting positions.  These allow us to spend quality time in a location and they also help us to determine if the area is right for our eventual retirement.

House sitting is not just about a free place to stay or a cheap way to travel around Europe, or travel the world it’s about being responsible for somebody’s home and pets and you need to ensure a great experience for both yourselves, the animals and the homeowners.

As housesitters we have spend the last 10 years travelling in Europe. We finally rented a house in Ireland and travelled the entire country pet sitting from Donegal to Cork. We spent 3 years in France, 2 years in Spain and 4 years in the United Kingdom.

I don’t mean to imply that all housesitting is unicorns and rainbows or stressful though we have had to deal with the homeowner from hell we learned a lot about housesitting from it. Housesitting in Europe is a joy and on our house sitting assignments we have met many new friends and travelled to places we never expected to see in our lifetimes.

For homeowners debating whether or not to get a housesitter most platforms are free to sign up for and search for a sitter and there are so many benefits for you and your precious pets you can’t go wrong.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can read my privacy policy here.

What is housesitting in Europe all about?

So, you’re curious about housesitting in Europe? It’s basically when you take care of someone’s home and pets while they’re away. You get to live in their place for free, and in return, you look after their dogs and cats, water their garden, and keep everything clean and tidy. It’s a winwin situation: they get someone to look after their stuff, and you get free accommodation in a cool European destination!

How do I become a house sitter?

Becoming a house sitter is easier than you might think! First, sign up on a platform like trustedhousesitters or nomador. Create a profile that showcases your experience with pets and your reliability. It’s a good idea to get a background check if the platform offers it, as it can help you build trust with potential homeowners. Then, start applying for housesitting gigs!

Does a housesitter get paid?

Not usually it’s an exchange of services. Although having said that some house sitters do get paid if they house sit locally and the rates can be around $80 a day, this is why many homeowners choose a platform where they can match with a housesitter who doesn’t charge. 

As a  pet owner can I take my own pets housesitting?

Whether you can take your own pets house sitting depends on the homeowner’s preferences and the specific arrangement you agree upon. Some homeowners may be fine with it, while others may not allow it due to concerns about their pets, property, or other reasons.

Can my kids come with me housesitting?

Yes, your kids can come with you house sitting, but it depends on the homeowner’s preferences and the specific arrangement. Some homeowners may welcome families, while others may prefer solo house sitters due to space, noise, or other concerns. Here’s what you need to know and consider:

As a solo House sitter how do I take precautions?

As a solo house sitter, taking precautions is essential to ensure your safety, protect the homeowner’s property, and provide peace of mind for both you and the homeowner. 

What should I do before the House Sit?

Research the Homeowner and Property

Verify the homeowner: Use video calls to meet the homeowner and see the property beforehand. Check their reviews or references if you’re using a house sitting platform.

Research the area: Look up the neighborhood to ensure it’s safe and familiarize yourself with nearby amenities (e.g., hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores).

Communicate Clearly

Discuss expectations: Clarify your responsibilities, house rules, and emergency procedures.

Share your plans: Let a trusted friend or family member know where you’ll be and provide them with the homeowner’s contact information.

What are the typical house sitter rates?

When it comes to house sitter rates, it’s a bit tricky! Many sitters offer their services for free in exchange for accommodation. However, if you’re looking to get paid, the average rate can range from $25 to $50 per day, depending on the location, the pets involved, and your experience level. Keep in mind that in big cities, rates might be higher!

As a housesitter will I be able to have use of a car?

As a house sitter, asking to use the homeowner’s car is possible, but it depends on the homeowner’s willingness and the terms of your house sitting agreement. If the answer is no then check with the homeowner what the public transport links are from the property and how you can get to shops and attractions.

Here’s what you need to know about driving in Europe as a foreigner:

Discuss with the homeowner: It’s important to have a clear conversation with the homeowner about whether you can use their car. Some homeowners may allow it, while others may not.

Insurance: Ensure the homeowner’s car insurance covers you as a driver. If not, you may need to be added to their policy or purchase temporary insurance.

Liability: Clarify who is responsible for any damages or accidents that may occur while you’re driving the car.

Driving in Europe as a Foreigner

To legally drive in Europe, you’ll need the following:

For Americans and Canadians:

Valid Driver’s License:

Your U.S. or Canadian driver’s license is generally valid for driving in Europe for short stays (up to 90 days in most countries).

Some countries may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your license. An IDP is a translation of your license and is available through organizations like AAA (in the U.S.) or CAA (in Canada).

What kinds of pets do I usually take care of?

As a house sitter, you’ll most likely be taking care of dogs and cats. But don’t be surprised if you encounter other pets too! From rabbits to fish to even exotic birds, every homeowner has different needs. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the pets you’ll be looking after!

Do I need to bring anything for pet sitting?

If you’re thinking about a petsitting gig, you might wonder, “Do I need to bring anything?” Well, it really depends! An average house sitter usually just needs to keep the home cozy while dog sitting. If you’re in a place like Costa Rica or Ecuador, just pack some essentials and get ready for a pet care adventure! 

What Visas might I need to housesit in Europe?

The visa requirements for house sitting in Europe depend on your nationality and the country where you plan to house sit. Here’s a breakdown for Americans, Canadians, and British citizens postBrexit:

For Americans and Canadians:

Schengen Visa and area Countries (most of the EU, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein):
As a tourist, you can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180day period without a visa.
Legally If you plan to house sit for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a longstay visa or a residence permit from the specific country where you’ll be staying.

TIP: As pet sitters or house sitters we never ever tell a border agent we are planning on house sitting or pet sitting as they tend to consider this WORK and may well refuse you entry to the country. This has happened for several sitters in the past and so we highly recommend you don’t mention the fact that you may be house sitting.

Requirements vary by country, but you may need to prove you have sufficient funds, health insurance, and a valid reason for staying (e.g., house sitting may qualify as a “volunteering” or “nonremunerated” activity).

NonSchengen Countries (e.g., Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus):
These countries have their own visa rules. Americans and Canadians can typically stay for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a visa or permit specific to that country.

For British Citizens (PostBrexit)

Schengen Area Countries: British citizens can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180 day period without a visa. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a longstay visa or residence permit from the specific country. House sitting may not qualify as paid work, but you’ll still need to meet the financial and insurance requirements.

NonSchengen Countries: Each country has its own rules. For example: Ireland: British citizens can stay indefinitely under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus: British citizens can typically stay for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a visa or permit.

What background checks should I get before house sitting?

Obtaining background checks is a great way to build trust with homeowners and demonstrate your reliability as a house sitter. While not always mandatory, having these checks can make you a more competitive candidate for house sitting opportunities. Here’s a guide to the background checks you might consider:

 1. Criminal Background Check

 What it is: A criminal background check verifies that you have no criminal record.

 Why it’s important: Homeowners want to ensure their property and pets are in safe hands.

How to get one In the U.S.: Use services like the FBI’s Identity History Summary Check or private providers like GoodHire or Checkr.

In Canada: Request a criminal record check through your local police service or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

In the U.K.: Apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which shows unspent convictions.

Identity Verification

 What it is: Confirms your identity using official documents like a passport or driver’s license.

 Why it’s important: Homeowners want to ensure you are who you say you are.

 How to do it: Provide a copy of your governmentissued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license) or use a service like TrustedHousesitters, which verifies identities for members.

Reference Checks

What it is: References from previous house sitting jobs, employers, or personal contacts who can vouch for your character and reliability.

Why it’s important: Homeowners want to hear from others who have trusted you in the past.

 How to do it: Collect written or verbal references from previous house sitting assignments, employers, or personal contacts. Offer to connect homeowners with your references directly.

Pet Care Experience

What it is: Proof of your experience caring for pets, such as references from pet owners or certifications in pet care.

Why it’s important: Many house sitting assignments involve pet care, and homeowners want to know their pets will be well looked after.

How to do it: Provide references from pet owners you’ve worked with.

Driving Record Check

What it is: A record of your driving history, including any accidents or violations.

Why it’s important: If you’ll be driving the homeowner’s car, they’ll want to ensure you’re a safe driver.

How to get one:

   In the U.S.: Request a driving record from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

   In Canada: Contact your provincial or territorial licensing authority.

   In the U.K.: Request a check code from the DVLA to share your driving record.

HouseSitting Benefits for Home Owners

For the homeowner, this is a fantastic way to ensure your home is taken care of. If you go away for any length of time the cost of having your pets stay in a kennel can be very expensive, not to mention incredibly traumatic for fur babies.  What do you do if you have chickens, rabbits or horses who looks after them?  

Perhaps you have a great garden with vegetables and a yard to maintain or hundreds of potted plants that will die without regular watering? What better way to make sure the garden is taken care of than finding a great house sitter?

With several sits we have been asked to help undertake renovations, put in new kitchens, collect rents from tenants, accept deliveries and parcels and do all kinds of day to day jobs. Once we housesat a stunning Georgian house in Ireland and the owner rented out a portion of this house for weekends.

The house was set in grounds with a river in Thomastown Ireland. We looked after the place for several weeks and cared for 4 hen weekends for Brides to be. The amount of Prosecco drunk was record breaking.

In addition, your house is vacant and you could be robbed, pipes could burst, windows get broken and damage could occur that you have no idea about.  With a house sitter, all this can be a thing of the past. We have had many longterm house sits where there are no pets and we are often asked why they would need a house sitter when there is nothing to look after. There are so many things to consider as a homeowner the list can be staggering.

Reasons to get a housesitter 

As house sitters, we maintain the family home as if it was our own and we look after your family pets as if they were are own.

We take care of your gardens, water the lawn and flowers, mow the lawn and manage the general upkeep of your lovely gardens.

We make sure your pipes don’t freeze and arrange for any repairs your home may need.

We collect your mail and deliveries and notify you if anything needs to be taken care of.

We ensure a constant presence in your home taking care of your precious pets and providing security when you need to go away.

In some cases, we personally have collected rents for homeowners with rental properties and gites and even undertaken renovations by managing the installation of new kitchens, flooring, painting of interiors and exteriors and much more.

Tips for Homeowners when arranging a housesit

Homeowners this list from Mind my House will give you an idea of what information to sort out before you go and provide the housesitter with all the information they may need. 

You can have Zoom meetings to get a sense of who your housesitter is and whether or not they will be compatible with your requirements. Remember your housesitter is vetting you while you are vetting them.

Make sure in your profile on any housesitting platform you provide photos of your home inside and out. Take pictures of the room they will stay in, and have photos of the living spaces, kitchen and bathrooms for the housesitter’s to use. Photos of the outside space and garden will give the housesitter an idea of what to expect for yard work. Above all be honest.

Create an information pack

It’s a good idea to put an information pack together containing all of the materials that your house sitter needs to provide topquality care to your home. Your signed and completed housesitting agreement will provide the cornerstone of your information pack. By placing all of your records in plastic A4 sheets in a sturdy folder, this pack can be used by your house sitters for years to come. Consider including the following in your information pack:

Your house sitter’s needs

House sitters are people too and they will need the facilities to live their own lives in your home as well as enough information to settle into your home and neighbourhood quickly and easily.

Tips for folks wanting to House and Pet sit in Europe (or anywhere)

Build Your House Sitting Skills and Reputation

Gain Experience: Start by house sitting for friends, family, or neighbors to build experience and references.

Learn Responsibilities: Understand the typical duties of a house sitter, such as pet care, plant watering, mail collection, and home security.

Get References: Ask for testimonials or references from people you’ve house sat for to build credibility.

Create a Professional Profile

Write a Bio: Highlight your experience, skills, and why you’re trustworthy.

Include Photos: Add professional photos of yourself and any pets you’ve cared for.

List Services: Clearly outline what you can offer 

Best Housesitting Websites 

There a loads of platforms out there for housesitting and Facebook sites as well. Personally these are my preferred sites. Facebook is full of scams to be very wary of those types of groups or pages. I also don’t like dealing with Trusted Housesitters as I have heard far too many complaints about the lack of service and ridiculous conditions to register. The one annoying thing that many talk about is the fact that homeowners only get to see 5 profiles out of the dozens they may get for potential housesitters  this just does  not sit right with me.

Housesitmatch –  I have been really impressed by the support and customer service aspect and they appear to be growing in leaps and bounds every day. They also have a FB page here. The cost is from €89 / year, for homeowners you can place an ad for a housesitter for free. 

Mind a Home UK  obviously specific to the UK which does include N. Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The cost is £20 annually for housesitters and free for homeowners. We have had quite a few housesits from here in locations we may never have had the chance to see otherwise. 

House Carers costs $50 US per year housesitters and again free for homeowners and this is the site we have had the most luck with. We have obtained all our sits to date from this platform.

Mind My House another favourite the cost of this platform is $29 US and it covers worldwide with lots of sits available and again homeowners can register for free.

Nomador is another good one for European housesits. A full membership costs €89/year.

These are the toprated housesitting platforms and the most commonly used. There are other countryspecific platforms as well. I recently discovered an even better way to search these platforms as some of the functions on each site are not very good. This site appears to be able to search easily among all the housesitting platforms Housesitsearch.

Housesitting resources and information

HouseSitting  The Ultimate Lifestyle Magazine is a really good new resource with loads of tips and stories about housesitting around the world

Housesitting Cafe is another interesting Facebook group again a terrific place to ask all your housesitting questions and get lots of advice and information. You can also post your availability on this group as well.

Housesitting Magazine Group on FB has tons of interesting information and lots of folks to chat with as well as the great magazine they publish.

There are quite a few specific resources on Facebook you can find if you search for house sitting. There are groups for Panama, Spain, House and Pet Sitters UK, Housesitters who Sail and many more.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions [email protected]

Housesitting is a fantastic way to explore Europe and experience different cultures. It allows you to live like a local, immerse yourself in the community, and save money on accommodation costs and for homeowners, it gives you peace of mind. 

With so many opportunities available across Europe, there’s never been a better time to try housesitting for yourself or for your precious pets. Whether you’re looking for a shortterm stay or a longer adventure, housesitting offers a unique and rewarding experience that gives you and your homeowner a chance to get away without any worries.

You might also like

A housesit goes bad International Housesitting Nightmares

How do I get an EU Passport and EU Citizenship?

Pin it for later