Is TrustedHousesitters Worth It for Sitters? Honest Pros, Cons, and Real Costs
TrustedHousesitters removes the single biggest cost of travel: accommodation. In exchange for caring for pets, you stay in real homes around the world without paying for housing.
If you're comparing TrustedHousesitters to paid platforms like Rover, read my breakdown of the key differences. They solve completely different problems.
Is it actually legit?
Yes. TrustedHousesitters is a well-established global platform that connects homeowners with sitters who care for pets and homes while owners are away. Sitters pay an annual subscription and can apply for sits worldwide with no nightly accommodation cost.
- Massive Volume: Thousands of active sits available globally.
- No Accommodation Cost: Eliminates the biggest travel expense.
- Real Homes: Kitchens, workspaces, laundry, and stability.
- Trust-Based System: Reviews and references on both sides.
- Upfront Cost: An annual membership fee is required. Review the membership levels before choosing.
- Competition: Desirable sits move fast and platform has applicant cap pressure. I share a strategy for applying quickly if you want an edge.
- Learning Curve: Early success takes strategy. See my guide to getting your first sit without reviews.
The 2-Night Breakeven Math
Most hesitation comes from the annual fee. Here’s the reality:
- Average sitter membership: roughly $200/year
- Conservative hotel or Airbnb cost: ~$100/night
- Two nights of paid accommodation cover the entire year.
After that, every stay is pure savings. Make sure you use a discount when signing up to lower the fee even further — this link applies one automatically.
For long-term or full-time travel, this math is hard to beat. I go deeper in my full house sitting cost breakdown.
Who Is It Not For?
It is not for people who do not genuinely love pets. For me, having pets around adds warmth, routine, and companionship. It turns a temporary place into a home and enhances the experience.
What to Be Aware Of
The real friction in house sitting is rarely the pets. It can be the homeowners. Most hosts are fantastic, but some fail to understand that this is an exchange, not employment. That’s why I only apply to sits with strong, consistent reviews and clear expectations. Done right, this eliminates the issue almost entirely.
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F.A.Q.
For frequent sitters, it pays off through saved lodging. Consider your travel plans before committing.
House sitting eliminates lodging costs, the largest travel expense. Depending on the stay, you can save thousands per year.
I find almost all my month long stays through house sitting. It is by far the most sustainable way to see the country.