This text will give you all the data it is advisable to discover wonderful home sitting jobs within the US. For two years I’ve been touring the world as a digital nomad. I take advantage of home and pet sitting web sites to maintain my expenditure down and to boost my total touring expertise and on this submit, I’ll let you know how.
I’ve at all times had an affinity with the USA. I visited for the primary time over 14 years in the past and instantly fell in love with the place. I’ve made a behavior of returning at the least every year however since leaving the UK in 2022 I’ve spent 3 lengthy stints home sitting in numerous states and cities throughout the US.
It may be powerful, and maybe somewhat daunting, getting began. However there are some nice web sites to assist ease you into the function of a home sitter. Together with just a few helpful ideas and my very own private experiences, this text will set you heading in the right direction to securing some actually wonderful home sits within the USA.
The best way to Home Sit within the USA
Though basically providing an identical service, many home sitting web sites accessible have totally different options. Discovering the appropriate one for you is a crucial step when turning into a home sitter.
Beneath, I’ve outlined my prime 5 web sites for locating home sitting jobs within the US. I’ve additionally outlined the professionals and cons of every, that I’ve come throughout that can assist you select which one could also be finest so that you can strive.
1. Trusted Housesitters
My go-to platform is undoubtedly Trusted Housesitters. It is likely one of the premier web sites for home sitting and at the moment has over 3,500 houses accepting purposes within the US alone. It’s a nice web site when you’re severe about house-sitting in America.
Trusted Housesitters is primary for the sheer variety of listings they provide, however in addition they have an excellent web site and app. Trying to find the exact itemizing you need, within the space you want, in the course of the actual time-frame that works for you is less complicated than on another web site I’ve come throughout. It can save you filters and searches and decide to be notified instantly when the appropriate outcomes turn into energetic.
Trusted Housesitters presents three membership tiers, every with distinct advantages akin to the worth. The premier membership, priced at $260, consists of cancellation insurance coverage, enhanced customer support, and two annual airport lounge passes. A extra budget-friendly choice is the fundamental membership at $129/12 months with limitless worldwide home sits.
Goats On The Street readers obtain 20% off the membership payment. Click on right here to obtain that particular low cost.
2. Housesitters America
I suppose the title says all of it. Housesitters America is one other nice choice for locating home sitting jobs in America. The location is unique to US owners in search of sitters and is a implausible useful resource to have in your arsenal. At simply $49 a 12 months, it’s a discount besides.
The web site could be very simple to navigate and looking for your particular sit standards is easy and simple. The filters even go as deep as looking for properties with out backyard care, which could be helpful to know when you don’t have inexperienced fingers. Householders record at no cost so there are at all times ample energetic home sitting jobs within the US.
Some listings supply fee, and it’s the one web site I’ve seen the place you will get paid to be a home sitter. Watch out although as non-US residents could also be breaching vacationer visa guidelines by accepting fee. Make sure at all times to remain compliant along with your visa.
Join shortly and simply to Housesitters America utilizing this unique hyperlink.
3. Workaway
Whereas primarily often known as a useful resource for locating volunteer placements, Workaway is a invaluable addition to my home sitting toolkit. Over the previous three years, I’ve constantly utilized this web site to seek out volunteer alternatives in trade for lodging and meals. However what shouldn’t be neglected is the five hundred+ home sitting listings at the moment accessible.
Their handy app is an additional benefit that doesn’t include many different home sitting web sites. I’ve discovered that hosts with energetic profiles sometimes reply promptly and there’s a pleasant neighborhood spirit about the entire web site.
Membership is priced at round $50/12 months or $30/particular person for {couples}, and it offers entry to an intensive community of alternatives. I’ve cast lasting friendships and established invaluable international connections by way of my experiences on Workaway.
4. Thoughts My Home
Thoughts My Home is a superb platform with a lot of US home sitting listings. At simply $29/12 months, it’s essentially the most budget-friendly home sitting web site round. This low value permits newcomers to ease into the home sitting expertise with none actual vital monetary outlay. Householders record their properties at no cost, guaranteeing a relentless stream of numerous listings throughout the US.
Potential home sitters can freely discover the location, even earlier than committing; looking accessible alternatives with detailed info. The helpful statistics web page presents insights into the location’s energetic customers and their places. This can be a nice function that lets you see if that is going to be the appropriate choice for you earlier than signing up.
Established in 2005, Thoughts My Home distinguishes itself from different web sites with a community-oriented environment. An app would make looking out and making use of considerably simpler however attaining sits remains to be fairly simple. So, whether or not you’re a seasoned home sitter or simply testing the waters, Thoughts My Home is a perfect and really accessible place to begin.
5. Nomador
I’m fairly certain Nomador has taken a web page out of the Trusted Housesitters playbook with their web site strategy. Their user-friendly platform is simple to navigate, permits for very exact searches, and as soon as once more has the choice to avoid wasting particular filters and be alerted when a list matches your particular standards.
Though they’ve many extra listings in Europe, Nomador is a world home sitting web site. It has dozens of listings at the moment energetic within the US. Keep in mind, the proper sit for chances are you’ll solely be listed on one web site, as hosts don’t have a tendency to record on a number of websites. For that purpose, it’s a good suggestion to maintain your choices open with quite a few home sitting platforms.
Nomador’s 3-month fundamental membership plan is nice for folks pondering of moving into the home sitting sport. Added advantages similar to insurance coverage, premium customer support, and early entry to new listings include the top-end package deal, which at round $190/12 months remains to be lower than a few nights in a median lodge.
Private Expertise Home Sitting within the USA
After racking up 5 5-star scores home sitting within the UK, In 2022 I submitted a Hail Mary utility for a 6-week pet sit in Tucson, Arizona. A lot to my delight (and shock), I acquired it! 4 horses, 3 cats, 2 canines, and a swimming pool on an exquisite ranch-style residence in Oro Valley. I had one of the best time and have been invited again with an open invitation every time I’m on the town.
This was shortly adopted by 3 weeks with a stunning chilled canine known as August in lovely Lafayette, Colorado. Then a home sit with some fairly intense gardening tasks in Waco, Texas. These have been two very totally different postings, however each houses have been completely unbelievable. The usage of a automobile was included in every sit (extra on that later).
Managing my U.S. vacationer visa, I at all times exit nicely earlier than the 90-day restrict and keep away for at the least 90 days. After these three sits, and following a 3-month stint in Costa Rica, I headed again to Texas. The home, in an over-55s neighborhood in Mission, was wonderful. I acquired just a few curious glances being in my 30s, however everybody was very pleasant. The onsite facilities included a gymnasium, library, pool, and tennis courts.
My favourite home sit to this point was in Durham, North Carolina. A number of unusual coincidences led me to use for a 3-month sit in a metropolis I knew valuable little about. I completely cherished my time there, taking care of a pleasant Airedale known as Ladybug. Dwelling minutes from Downtown Durham was a dream and I met many pleasant locals while having fun with a complete summer time in an exquisite residence.
Greatest Areas to Home Sit within the US
The USA is such an enormous nation that even in spite of everything my years of visiting I don’t really feel like I’ve even scratched the floor. Home sitting is actually serving to me to tick off extra states and cities yearly. Listed below are just a few of my favourite spots for home sitting within the US:
1. Nashville, TN.
After the pandemic, Nashville was excessive on my record of locations to return to. Having made a number of journeys to Music Metropolis through the years I couldn’t wait to return. I spent 2-months there over Christmas in 2022. This included 3 home sits that have been all somewhat totally different. Two have been inside strolling distance to Broadway and one was half-hour exterior of city in leafy Hermitage.
Nashville isn’t nearly nation music, although after all that performs an enormous half on Broadway. There are additionally many unbelievable eating places, cool breweries and bars, a superb cafe tradition, sensational mountaineering alternatives, and a welcoming and open vibe all through town that will enchantment to anybody.
In fact, Nashville can also be the situation of the one pet sit to this point that I wouldn’t rush again to. I survived it, and the situation was nice however the home was fairly uncomfortable to be in – it was fairly soiled! I realized a invaluable lesson about trusting my intestine with listings. My recommendation is just to belief your instincts earlier than accepting any function and don’t be afraid to ask questions of your hosts in case you have any considerations.
Location: Nashville, TN is situated on the central japanese facet of the USA. It’s serviced by a main worldwide airport (BNA) with many flights from across the US and the world arriving all day day-after-day. Memphis, TN is round a 3-hour drive away.
2. Durham, NC.
I knew little or no about Durham earlier than making use of for a 3-month home sit there in the summertime of 2023. I in a short time fell in love with the whole area and it stays one in every of my prime places to go again to as quickly as potential.
Durham is round a 30-minute drive from the North Carolina state capital, Raleigh. The home was a block from the Duke East Campus and it was an excellent location for consuming BBQ and mountaineering. Try my earlier article concerning the 15 finest hikes and 15 finest BBQ spots in Durham. It was additionally only a 10-minute stroll from Downtown Durham – such a cool space to remain in Durham.
The tree-lined suburban streets, quaint cafes, top-notch eating places, cool craft breweries, and super-friendly folks made it one in every of my favourite home sitting places to this point. There are at all times a ton of listings that come up for Durham and Raleigh so it’s an excellent place for touchdown home sits within the states.
Location: Durham and Raleigh NC are situated towards the mid/east part of the USA. Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU) is a significant nationwide and worldwide terminal for flights. Historic Wilmington and the coastal city of Carolina Seashore are round a 2.5-hour drive away.
3. San Diego, CA.
I’ve but to accommodate sit in San Diego however it’s one in every of my everlasting saved searches on Trusted Housesitters. I’m simply ready for the celebrities to align and the appropriate sit, on the proper time, to come back alongside.
Round 5 years in the past I took a sabbatical from work and spent 2 months in Mission Seashore, San Diego. The entire keep felt like a dream and stays top-of-the-line issues I’ve ever carried out. Though on the time I rented an Airbnb, it was this journey that has spurred me on to seek out methods like home sitting to make these sorts of journeys a everlasting function of my life.
The Gaslamp Quarter and Downtown San Diego are severely cool areas to have shut by with an untold variety of nice bars and eating places. The beautiful ocean is at all times inside quick access wherever you keep and the seaside city vibe is current all through town. Home sits are repeatedly accessible in San Diego and it might be an excellent place to remain.
Location: San Diego is situated on the southwest facet of the US, 20 minutes from the border with Mexico. It’s round a 2.5-hour drive north to Los Angeles. San Diego Airport (SAN) is a significant worldwide transport hub.
4. Boulder, CO.
If you happen to like mountaineering, anyplace in Colorado can be nice for a home sit. Many very good trails are all inside simple attain and far of the character and surroundings is breathtaking. I taken care of a really massive, lovely home, and a brilliant chilled canine known as August in Lafayette, simply exterior of Boulder.
Boulder is a enjoyable place stuffed with attention-grabbing issues to do. The Museum of Boulder and the Museum of Up to date Artwork are two nice cultural points of interest. Broadway has an enormous collection of avenue meals choices, effective eateries, cafes, and funky bars. My favourite was the Sunset Saloon, an underground faculty bar with pool tables and a number of the most cost-effective beer pitchers on the town.
On prime of the mountaineering, my favourite reminiscence from house-sitting in Colorado was going to the Crimson Rocks Amphitheater. This iconic out of doors venue constructed into the purple rocks of the Colorado hills had been on my to-do record for years. As luck would have it, David Grey, a fellow Brit, and somebody’s music I’ve at all times loved, was enjoying – it was a spectacular present.
Location: Boulder is situated fairly centrally within the USA and is round a 30-minute drive from Denver, CO. The closest worldwide airport is Denver Worldwide round 40 miles (64 km) away.
5. Hawaii
One other US State that I’ve my eye firmly on is Hawaii. I’ve checked out visiting many occasions however have been repeatedly postpone by the price of inns. Home sitting offers an actual alternative to discover Hawaii with out that vast added expense of lodging.
I’m significantly drawn to Hawaii’s fascinating pure magnificence and distinctive island life-style. Home sitting would supply an unparalleled alternative to expertise the aloha spirit whereas being immersed within the wealthy native tradition and embracing a laid-back life-style.
Hawaii’s numerous islands present a variety of environments, from the bustling power of Oahu to the tranquillity of Maui and the Massive Island’s awe-inspiring volcanic terrain. I’ve seen home sits repeatedly listed throughout the entire state however the majority appear to be on the Massive Island. It could undoubtedly be an idyllic place to safe a placement!
Location: Hawaii is round a 6-hour flight from the west coast of the USA. The island state at its closest level to the mainland USA is roughly 2,500 miles (4,023 km).
Professionals and Cons of Being a Home Sitter within the USA
Though home sitting has modified my life, in all one of the best methods, and I’ve encountered many professionals, I’ve additionally skilled just a few cons while home sitting within the USA. I’ve outlined the important thing ones beneath to think about earlier than making use of for any postings within the USA.
Professionals of Home Sitting within the USA
- Numerous Places: The USA presents an unlimited array of locations, from bustling city cities and suburban neighborhoods to laid-back coastal retreats and desert ranches. Home sitters will at all times have an array of choices.
- Language Comfort: For English audio system, home sitting within the USA eliminates any language limitations. This enables simple communication with owners and locals.
- Assorted Local weather: From the sunny seashores of San Diego to the snowy mountains of Colorado, the USA’s numerous local weather ensures that home sitters can select environments that swimsuit their preferences.
- Accessibility: The well-developed and dependable infrastructure and transportation networks make it simple for home sitters to discover quite a few states and areas.
- Automotive Included: Within the US, typically the automobile is insured, not the driving force. This enables for home sitters to have use of the host’s automobile, (ought to it’s accessible and naturally agreed previous to the sit). If it’s not talked about within the itemizing, I realized that it by no means hurts to ask.
- Pet Variety: You will note listings for a variety of pets. Home sitters may have the chance to take care of numerous animals; from city-dwelling cats to ranch-based horses.
- Iconic Points of interest: Home sitters can discover iconic landmarks, nationwide parks, and cultural points of interest while on assignments within the US. The possibility to discover Broadway in Nashville, Occasions Sq. in New York, or the Las Vegas Strip with free lodging is a significant enchantment.
- Pleasant Communities: From private expertise, there are a lot of pleasant neighborhoods and welcoming communities within the USA. Integrating and feeling at residence has been simpler within the USA than anyplace else I’ve taken accepted a sit.
Cons of Home Sitting within the USA
- Visa Restrictions: Non-U.S. residents could face visa limitations, doubtlessly proscribing the length of their home sitting assignments within the USA.
- Price of Dwelling: I’ve discovered the price of dwelling in sure areas of the USA to be excessive. This might enormously affect a home sitter’s finances.
- Seasonal Extremes: Some areas of the USA expertise excessive climate circumstances, similar to hurricanes, wildfires, or winter storms. Analysis the forecasted climate of the realm you’re contemplating earlier than making use of for a sit.
- Needing a Automotive: In lots of components of the US, your individual transportation is important and chances are you’ll have to consider the associated fee and availability of transportation and automobile leases if a automobile shouldn’t be supplied with the sit.
- Safety Considerations: Relying on the neighborhood or metropolis, greater crime charges could be a actual concern for guests. At all times analysis the realm you’re contemplating earlier than making use of for any home sit.
- Medical Prices: The value of healthcare within the US is staggering in comparison with different components of the world. Do not go to with out enough insurance coverage to cowl a healthcare state of affairs.
- Insurance coverage Prices: Because of the medical prices within the US, insurance coverage premiums are excessive for insurance policies that embody the US.
- Wildlife: I’ve been warned at quite a few home sits to be cautious of rattlesnakes, mountain lions, coyotes, and even toxic toads! Simply one thing to think about if wildlife consciousness doesn’t sound like your cup of tea.
- Flight Prices: The USA is a large nation and inner flights could be expensive. Don’t overlook how large it’s; getting from one state to its neighbor, and even from one finish of a single state to a different, can take money and time.
Home Sitting within the US: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on home sitting within the USA:
Sure, you completely want insurance coverage for visiting the States. Though most home and pet sitting web sites will supply inside their memberships protection for a bunch canceling, don’t underestimate the healthcare prices within the US. You want to be coated for healthcare conditions as even a small medical occasion could be very, very costly.
What’s extra, flight delays and cancellations don’t work the identical as they do within the UK or Europe. If you happen to miss a flight within the US, whether or not it was the airline’s fault or not, for essentially the most half, you received’t get any monetary aid from the airline.
To turn into a pet sitter within the US you first want to enroll to a home or pet sitting web site. There are a few nice ones on the market that at the moment have a ton of listings in search of sitters within the US. My private favorites are Trusted Housesitters (click on right here for 20% off) and Housesitters America.
Usually, there isn’t any fee concerned for home sitting within the USA. The trade is basic within the type of a stunning free residence in an excellent space to discover.
Housesitters America does supply some listings that embody a per diem fee. Nevertheless, that is the one one I’ve seen and will trigger points with non-US residents who is probably not allowed to work or obtain fee on a vacationer visa. So tread very rigorously right here and do your analysis earlier than making use of.
Sure, there are home sits within the US with out pets. I’ve seen common listings throughout many web sites that merely require somebody to keep watch over a property whereas the hosts are on trip. Nevertheless, for essentially the most half, a pet or pets, are typically included as a part of the deal.
How lengthy you possibly can keep within the US home sitting relies upon totally on the kind of visa you might have and the place you’re from. Be sure you totally analysis this earlier than accepting any home sits. Additionally bear in mind that merely leaving the nation and returning instantly to get a recent visa could be very dangerous, extremely unlikely to achieve success, and an all-round dangerous concept.
Home sitting within the US is a dream come true for me. I’ve loved the number of totally different states I’ve visited and may’t wait to tick off the various that also stay on my must-see record. Being a home sitter is like dwelling someplace as an area moderately than merely passing by way of.
No, a automobile shouldn’t be at all times included with US home sits however it’s at all times a good suggestion to ask if nothing is talked about a few automobile within the itemizing. On quite a few events, I’ve requested a few automobile and the hosts have mentioned, ‘After all you need to use it, ours will likely be right here!’ – regardless of not making this clear of their itemizing.
The insurance coverage within the US typically means the automobile is roofed for anybody with a legitimate license to drive it.
In Conclusion
The US has been like a second residence to me over the past 5 years or so. After my sabbatical from work in 2018 the place I spent 2-months exploring California, there was by no means any trying again.
Home and pet sitting grew to become an excellent instrument for extending and enhancing my journeys and means I’m now in a position to journey with out an finish date in sight. For a lot of, myself included, it’s troublesome to realize a long-term visa to remain within the US however home sitting has offered me with the chance to really feel like I’m an area dwelling there.
There are millions of home sits in America simply ready in your utility to hit their inbox, so get to it!