My TrustedHousesitters Alert Strategy (Real Examples)

Alerts are how you catch sits before they fill up. Here's how I configure mine, with real examples you can adapt to your own situation.

You're Going to Get Addicted (And That's Okay)

Let me be honest: you will find yourself browsing TrustedHousesitters constantly. Looking at beautiful homes, reading about adorable pets, imagining yourself in different cities. It's weirdly addictive. Way more entertaining than scrolling Instagram or Facebook.

The good news? You can make this addiction useful.

Here's the trick: When you see a sit you absolutely love (even if the dates don't work for you right now), click the heart or like button on that listing. TrustedHousesitters will automatically send you alerts when that same homeowner posts new dates in the future.

This is one of the best features most people don't know about. I've landed several amazing sits this way.

My Alert Strategy

Everyone's filters will be different because we all want different things. Here's how I set mine up. Use these as examples to build your own system.

Alert #1: Long Term Cat Sits Anywhere in the US

Why this works for me: Long term cat sits are my foundation. Cats are lower maintenance, and a month gives me time to settle into a location. I'm flexible on where in the US, so casting a wide net makes sense.

Why 6 months? I usually book 6 months ahead, not more. Life can always change when you're doing this full time, and I want flexibility. If you have a specific work vacation week, you'd configure this differently.

Alert #2: Current or Next State (2 Months Plus)

Why this works: I focus on long term sits, so I'm always looking ahead to where I'll be next. This alert keeps me informed about extended opportunities in my target area without getting overwhelmed by short term listings.

Alert #3: Gap Fillers (The Tricky Ones)

The reality of gaps: After I have 3 or 4 longer term sits lined up, there are usually small gaps between them. Maybe 1 to 5 days where I need somewhere to stay.

I try not to have gaps because they're harder to fill, but they happen. When they do, I set up individual alerts for that specific timeframe and location.

Pro tip: If you're in a busy location (major city or popular area), you'll almost always find something if you're not too picky. These gap filler sits are about being practical, not finding your dream home.

Finding Your Own Strategy

Your alerts should match your actual needs and constraints:

• If you have a car: You can be flexible on location
• If you don't have a car: Filter for cities with good public transit
• If you work remotely: Make sure you can filter or check for wifi
• If you have pets of your own: Look for sits that allow guest pets

Don't Overdo It

Start with 2 or 3 alerts that match what you actually want. You can always add more later.

Too many alerts means you'll ignore them all. Keep it focused on sits you'd genuinely accept.

If you're brand new and don't have reviews yet, read my guide on landing your first sit before spending too much time on alert strategy. Get that first review, then worry about optimization.

Once you have alerts set up and you're ready to apply quickly, check out my AI strategy for fast applications.