If you are looking for a different way to travel, reduce your accommodation costs and still keep a good level of comfort, maybe you have just found the right platform.

That was exactly how Trusted House Sitters appeared in my life.

Before I found the platform, I was already travelling slowly. I was spending more time in each place, working from home and trying to build a lifestyle where I could travel without moving too fast.

Because of that, hostels were not always the best option for me. I needed a proper structure: a comfortable place, a desk or at least a quiet corner to work, a kitchen, some privacy and a routine.

So, for a long time, I mostly stayed in Airbnbs or hotels.

And that worked for a while.

But when I decided to go to Europe, accommodation started to become much more expensive. The euro was much stronger than the Brazilian real, and suddenly, renting places for longer periods started to feel a lot heavier on my budget.

That was when I started looking for alternative ways to reduce accommodation costs.

At first, I found platforms where you can exchange volunteer work for accommodation. And I think they can be amazing for many people, but for my routine at that moment, it was still not the perfect fit.

Sometimes I would have to live with people, share spaces all the time, and divide my day between my own work, my clients and the volunteer tasks. It was not exactly the kind of comfort or independence I needed.

Then I discovered Trusted House Sitters.

And the idea made so much sense to me: I could stay in someone’s home while they were travelling, and in exchange, I would take care of their pets and the house.

For me, that fit perfectly.

I love animals, I work remotely, I usually travel slowly, and I do not need to be in tourist mode every single day.

At some point, I was finding so many sits that I could connect one opportunity to the next without having to rent a place in between. I was not building my route first and then looking for accommodation. I was often finding a good sit and adjusting my route around it.

Of course, this worked so well for me because I had flexibility with dates and time.

But even if you do not travel full-time, it is still possible to find something that matches your needs, your destination and your travel style.

And for me, the best part is this: I can stay in comfortable homes, keep my privacy, keep my routine, work properly, spend time with pets and avoid paying a fortune for accommodation in another country.

Trusted House Sitters is not a shortcut to free hotels. It is a trust-based exchange. You get a place to stay, but you also take care of someone’s pet and home. And that responsibility needs to be taken seriously.

What Is Trusted House Sitters And How Does It Work?

Trusted House Sitters is a platform that connects pet owners with travellers.

The pet owner, also called the host, has a home and pets, but wants to travel and does not have someone to look after the pets while they are away.

The traveller, also called the sitter, is going to that destination and needs somewhere to stay.

So the exchange is simple: the sitter stays in the host’s home and takes care of the pets and the house while the host is away.

It is not a paid job. It is also not a hotel booking. It is a trust-based exchange.

Inside the platform, both sides create a profile.

The host creates a listing with the dates, location, pets, responsibilities, house rules and all the important details about the sit.

Usually, the listing explains things like where the home is, what type of pet they have, the pet’s routine, feeding times, walking routine, medication if needed, house rules, transport information and anything else the sitter needs to know before applying.

Then the sitter applies for that sit.

In the application, the sitter explains why they think they would be a good fit for that opportunity. After that, the host and the sitter usually start talking through the platform to understand if it makes sense for both sides.

Sometimes, the host will ask for a video call. And honestly, I think this is a very good thing.

The call is usually not something scary or too formal. It is more about getting to know each other, seeing if there is a good connection and understanding if both people feel comfortable.

At the end of the day, the host is opening their home to someone they do not know yet. And the sitter is also choosing to stay in someone else’s home and take responsibility for their pet.

So the call helps both sides.

It is also a good moment to ask questions, such as:

• What is close to the house?
• Is public transport easy?
• Can the pet be left alone for a few hours?
• Does the pet need medication?
• What is the walking routine?
• Who should I contact in an emergency?
• Is there a vet nearby?
• What should I know about the house before arriving?

Usually, many of these things are already written in the listing or in the house guide, but if you still have doubts, this is the perfect moment to ask.

After the conversation, if both sides are happy, the host sends an invitation and the sitter accepts.

Once that happens, both people are committing to each other.

And this part is very important: you should not cancel unless it is a real emergency.

The host is counting on you. Their pets are counting on you. And if you are the host, the sitter may also be arranging travel plans around that sit.

So it is important to remember that there is another human being on the other side of the platform.

After the sit ends, both host and sitter can leave a review. This is one of the things I like about Trusted House Sitters, because the review system works both ways.

So before applying for a sit, or before accepting someone into your home, you can check what other people have said about that person or experience.

For me, this makes the platform feel much safer and more reliable.

My Experience After 3 Years Using Trusted House Sitters

I have been using Trusted House Sitters for around three years, and my experience has been extremely positive.

I have used it in different parts of the world, including South America, Central America and Europe.

At one point, I spent around nine months going from one sit to another without having to pay for accommodation in between.

There were so many opportunities that I was able to connect one sit with the next. So when one sit ended, I already had another one starting. I did not have those gaps where I needed to rent an Airbnb or book a hotel while waiting for the next place.

And for someone who travels long-term, this makes a huge difference.

It is not just about saving money on one trip. It changes the whole way you plan your route.

Instead of choosing a destination first and then paying whatever accommodation costs there, I started looking at the sits available and building part of my travel plans around the opportunities that made sense for me.

Of course, this works better when you have flexibility.

If you have very fixed dates and a very specific destination, it may take more time to find the right sit. But if you are open with dates or locations, the platform can open many doors.

The country where I have done the most sits is England.

And honestly, I think England can be one of the best countries to start with Trusted House Sitters.

There are many listings, people are very used to the platform, and pet sitting as a concept is already quite normal there. Because there are so many opportunities, I think it can be easier to find something that works for your dates and profile.

My first experiences with Trusted House Sitters were in England, and they were really lovely.

The hosts I met were usually very kind and welcoming. In some cases, they asked us to arrive one or two days before they left, so we could meet properly, understand the routine and spend some time together.

Sometimes there was dinner, lunch or just a very nice conversation before the sit started.

And this is one of the things I really love about the platform: you are not just arriving in a city with no context. You often meet someone local who can give you tips, explain the area, tell you where to go, where to shop, what to avoid and what is worth visiting nearby.

That can completely change the experience.

In some cases, hosts also made transportation available, such as a car, a bike or even a motorbike. This is not something you should expect, because it is not the host’s obligation, but it has happened to me and it made the experience much easier, especially in more remote places.

Sometimes, if the house is far from shops or public transport, the host may also offer to take you to the supermarket before they leave. Again, this is not something guaranteed, but in my experience, many hosts were very thoughtful and helpful.

For me, Trusted House Sitters never felt like just a travel hack.

It felt like a way to make travel more human.

You are not just sleeping somewhere. You are entering someone’s home, following a routine, caring for a pet, walking around the neighbourhood and living a small piece of everyday life in that place.

That is exactly the kind of travel I enjoy.

How Much Does Trusted House Sitters Cost?

Trusted House Sitters is not free.

You can usually browse available listings and use filters before becoming a member, but you cannot apply for sits unless you have an active membership.

The platform works with an annual membership, and the exact price can change depending on your country, currency and the plan you choose.

Because of that, I prefer not to put a fixed price here that could become outdated. The best thing to do is check the current plans directly on the official Trusted House Sitters website.

What I can say from my own experience is this: I see the membership as an investment.

Even if you get one short sit, it can already feel worth it compared to the cost of accommodation, especially if you are travelling to a country where accommodation is expensive or where the currency is stronger than yours.

For example, if you are from Brazil and travelling in Europe, just a few nights in an Airbnb or hotel can easily cost more than the annual membership.

So, in my opinion, if you actually use the platform and get accepted for a sit, the investment can come back very quickly.

Sometimes, the first confirmed stay is already enough to make the membership feel worth it.

Another good thing is that Trusted House Sitters also has a money back promise.

At the time I checked, if you do not confirm any sits within 14 days of making your 5th application as a sitter, you can receive your money back. So this gives you a little more peace of mind if you are worried about paying and not getting accepted for any sit.

But always check the current conditions on the official website before joining, because prices, plans and benefits can change.

If you want to check the current plans and prices, you can use my link below. And if you decide to join through it, you can get 25% off your membership, no matter which plan you choose.

Check Trusted House Sitters plans and get 25% off here

Do Sitters Get Paid?

No, sitters do not get paid through Trusted House Sitters.

Your “payment” is the accommodation.

You stay in the home without paying nightly accommodation costs, and in exchange, you take care of the pets and the house.

Sometimes, a host may leave food, take you to the supermarket, offer transport, leave a small gift or do something thoughtful. But this is not their obligation.

The host does not have to pay for your groceries, your transport or your time.

They are offering you a place to stay, and you are offering care, responsibility and trust in return.

So it is important to join with the right expectation.

If you are looking for paid pet sitting work, Trusted House Sitters is probably not the right platform. But if you want to reduce accommodation costs while travelling and you genuinely enjoy caring for animals, it can make a lot of sense.

What Do You Actually Give In Exchange?

Trusted House Sitters is not just about getting accommodation without paying nightly rates.

You are taking care of someone’s pet as if it were your own. You are also taking care of their home.

The host usually leaves a house guide with everything explained. That can include feeding times, walking routines, medication, vet information, house rules, emergency contacts and anything else you need to know.

If the pet has a specific routine, you follow it.

If the owner wants updates, you send updates.

During the sit, you usually keep in touch with the host. If you have questions, you can message them. If they want to know how the pet is doing, you can send photos, small updates and reassurance.

But this does not mean you cannot explore the place or enjoy your trip.

Most pets can be left alone for a few hours, and this is usually explained in the listing before you apply. In many cases, pets can stay alone for around four to six hours, depending on their routine, age and needs.

In other cases, the host may only ask you to feed the pet, check on them and keep the house safe, which gives you much more freedom during the day.

So yes, you can still go out, visit places, work from cafés, walk around the city and enjoy your destination.

The important thing is to have common sense.

Before accepting a sit, always read the listing carefully and make sure the pet’s routine fits the way you want to travel. If the pet cannot be left alone for long, that needs to make sense for you. If the routine is more flexible, you can plan your days with much more freedom.

For me, this is one of the reasons Trusted House Sitters works so well. You still have responsibilities, but in many sits, you can also enjoy the trip in your own way.

You are not just staying in a house. You are being trusted with something very important to someone, and that needs to be respected.

How To Get Your First Trusted House Sitters Sit

If you are new to Trusted House Sitters, the beginning can feel a little intimidating.

You may be thinking: how am I going to get accepted if I do not have any reviews on the platform yet?

And that is normal.

When I started, I was accepted quite quickly, but I also applied to many sits. So at some point, someone was going to say yes.

The most important thing is: do not lie about your experience.

But if you have cared for pets before, even outside the platform, use that.

Maybe you looked after a friend’s dog. Maybe you helped a neighbour with their cat. Maybe you cared for a family member’s pet. These experiences count.

Trusted House Sitters allows you to add external references, so you can ask someone outside the platform to write a reference for you.

This helps build trust when you do not have platform reviews yet.

Your profile is basically your CV inside Trusted House Sitters.

So fill it out properly.

Add as much useful information as you can:

• who you are;
• why you want to house sit;
• your experience with animals;
• what types of pets you have cared for;
• whether you travel solo, as a couple or as a family;
• your lifestyle;
• whether you work remotely;
• why a host can trust you;
• photos of you with pets, if you have them.

The more complete your profile is, the easier it is for a host to feel comfortable with you.

And if you are a host, the same idea applies.

Add photos of your home, photos of your pets, details about the location, transport options, what is nearby and what responsibilities the sitter will have.

The person looking at your listing is also trying to understand if that sit makes sense for them.

Another thing I recommend: apply quickly.

If you see a sit in a place you really want, do not leave it for later.

Of course, read the listing properly first. Check the responsibilities, the dates, the location and the reviews. Make sure it actually makes sense for you.

But if it does, apply as soon as you can.

Good opportunities can disappear fast, especially in popular destinations.

Is Trusted House Sitters Safe?

In my experience, yes, Trusted House Sitters has felt very safe and reliable.

Of course, no platform can guarantee that every single experience will be perfect. But there are several things that help build trust.

The first one is the review system.

I always recommend looking carefully at reviews before applying for a sit. Ideally, choose sits with recent reviews and people talking positively about the experience.

That helps reduce the chance of surprises.

The second thing is communication.

Try to have a clear conversation before confirming anything. If the host does not ask for a call, you can suggest one. A simple video call can help a lot.

It gives both sides a chance to ask questions, understand expectations and avoid miscommunication later.

The third thing is the house guide.

Inside the platform, the host is expected to provide a guide with important information about the home, the pets, the routine and responsibilities.

Usually, this includes things like emergency contacts, vet information, feeding routines and house rules. If something is missing, you can ask for it.

Actually, I think it is a good thing to ask.

Ask who the vet is. Ask what to do in an emergency. Ask how long the pet can be left alone. Ask about anything that would help you do a better job.

The more interest you show, the better.

If you are nervous about things going wrong, you can also consider choosing a plan with more support or protection included.

Personally, I have never had a serious bad situation. And the one time something was close to becoming complicated, the host was very kind, understanding and helped in a way that made sure I would not be left without support.

For me, the biggest safety tips are:

• read the full listing;
• check recent reviews;
• have a call when possible;
• ask questions before confirming;
• understand the pet routine;
• confirm emergency contacts;
• make sure the sit actually fits your travel style.

Can You Explore The Destination During A Sit?

Yes, you can.

Doing a house sit does not mean you are locked inside the house or that you cannot enjoy your trip.

This is something I think many people misunderstand at first.

Of course, every sit is different, and the pet’s routine always comes first. But many pets can be left alone for a few hours, and this is usually explained in the listing before you apply.

In many cases, dogs or cats can be left alone for around four to six hours. In other cases, the routine is even more flexible, and the host may only ask you to feed the pet, check on them, keep the house safe and be there overnight.

So yes, you can still go out, explore the city, visit places, go for lunch, work from a café, take walks and enjoy the destination.

You just need to use common sense.

Before applying, read the listing properly and ask questions if something is not clear.

If the pet needs someone around most of the day, and you want to spend the whole day outside, that sit may not be the best fit for you.

But if the pet is independent and the routine is flexible, you can absolutely enjoy your trip while doing the sit.

For me, the best sits are the ones where the pet’s routine and my travel rhythm match well.

Can Couples, Friends Or Families Use Trusted House Sitters?

Yes.

Couples can use Trusted House Sitters. Friends or travel partners can also use it. Families can use it too, depending on the listing.

I usually travel with my boyfriend, and Trusted House Sitters works really well for us as a couple.

Inside the platform, you can create your profile explaining who will be doing the sits. If you are applying as a couple, make that clear. If you are applying as a family with children, make that clear too.

This is important because not every sit will accept children. Sometimes the pet is not used to kids, or the home may not be suitable. Usually, this will be explained in the listing.

There is also an overlap option in the platform, which can be useful for couples or pairs.

For example, if you have two sits close together and the dates overlap by a couple of days, one person can stay and finish the first sit while the other person starts the next one, as long as it follows the platform’s rules and both hosts are aware and comfortable with the arrangement.

How Much Can You Save With Trusted House Sitters?

This depends a lot on how you travel.

For me, the savings are huge because I live travelling. Accommodation is one of my biggest costs, and in some periods it can feel almost like rent.

So when I do a Trusted House Sitters stay, I am not just saving on a random hotel night. I am reducing one of the biggest expenses of my lifestyle.

If you are taking a short holiday, the savings will depend on where you are going and how expensive accommodation is there.

But in many destinations, just a few nights in a hotel, Airbnb or rental can already cost more than the annual membership.

That is why I say the platform can pay for itself very quickly if you actually use it.

But I also think it is important to be honest: you are not saving money in exchange for nothing.

You are saving on accommodation because you are taking responsibility for someone’s pets and home.

So yes, the savings can be amazing, but the exchange needs to make sense for you.

Pros And Cons Of Trusted House Sitters

What I love

What I love the most is that Trusted House Sitters can make travel more affordable without making it uncomfortable.

You can stay in real homes, cook, work, walk around the neighbourhood, spend time with pets and experience a place in a more local way.

For me, the connection with pets is one of the biggest benefits. Since I miss my dogs in Brazil so much, being around animals while travelling brings a kind of comfort that accommodation alone could never give me.

I also love the human side. Many hosts are kind, helpful and generous. They may give local recommendations, explain the area and make you feel welcome.

The downsides

Trusted House Sitters is not for everyone.

You need to care about animals, follow the routine, respect the house and communicate clearly with the host.

If you want complete freedom to leave early in the morning and come back late at night every day, some sits may not be ideal.

But that does not mean you cannot explore the destination.

Many pets can be left alone for a few hours, and this will usually be explained in the listing. The key is choosing a sit where the pet’s routine matches the kind of trip you want to have.

If you want hotel service, breakfast included, daily cleaning and zero obligations, this is probably not the right platform for you.

Some opportunities can also be competitive, especially in popular destinations.

Flexibility helps a lot.

And again: you should not see it only as free accommodation.

Yes, you can save a lot of money, but you are also making a commitment.

Who Is Trusted House Sitters Perfect For?

I think Trusted House Sitters is perfect for people who want to experience places in a more personal and connected way.

It can be a great fit for:

• animal lovers;
• couples who travel together;
• solo travellers;
• flexible travellers;
• people who want to reduce accommodation costs;
• people who enjoy staying in real homes;
• people who want to experience local routines;
• people who miss having pets around while travelling;
• digital nomads;
• responsible travellers;
• some families, when the listing clearly accepts them.

For me, it makes the most sense when you see it as part of a travel lifestyle, not just a trick to avoid paying for accommodation.

Who Should Probably Skip It?

Trusted House Sitters is probably not for everyone.

You may want to skip it if:

• you do not like animals;
• you do not want responsibility while travelling;
• you want hotel-style comfort;
• you want complete freedom every day;
• you are travelling with a very tight schedule;
• you do not want to follow a pet’s routine;
• you only see it as free accommodation;
• you do not like communicating with hosts;
• you are not comfortable staying in someone else’s home.

This platform works best when there is genuine care, respect and trust.

If that sounds like too much for you, that is okay. It is better to know that before joining.

Trusted House Sitters Discount: How To Get 25% Off

If you got this far and feel like Trusted House Sitters makes sense for your travel style, I will leave my referral link here.

Through this link, you can get 25% off your annual membership, no matter which plan you choose.

Before joining, please check the final price, plan details and current conditions on the official Trusted House Sitters website, because prices and benefits can change depending on your country, currency and membership type.

Disclosure: this is a referral link. If you join through my link, you may get 25% off your membership, and I may receive a benefit too. This helps me keep the blog active and continue sharing resources that are genuinely useful for travellers, digital nomads and people who want to travel differently.

Get 25% off Trusted House Sitters here

FAQ About Trusted House Sitters

Is Trusted House Sitters really free?

No.

You may be able to browse sits and use filters without paying, but you need an active membership to apply for sits.

Do sitters get paid?

No.

Sitters do not get paid through Trusted House Sitters.

The exchange is accommodation in return for pet and home care.

Can beginners get accepted?

Yes.

Beginners can get accepted, but you need to build trust.

Create a complete profile, add external references, use photos with pets if you have them and write personalised applications.

When I started, I was accepted quite quickly, but I also applied to many sits. So I think consistency helps a lot.

Is Trusted House Sitters safe?

In my experience, yes.

I recommend reading recent reviews, having a call before confirming, asking questions, checking the house guide and making sure you understand the pet routine before accepting a sit.

Can you leave the house during a sit?

Yes, in most cases.

Many pets can be left alone for a few hours, and this is usually explained in the listing. Some pets need more attention, while others have a much more flexible routine.

The important thing is to choose a sit that matches the way you want to travel.

Can couples use Trusted House Sitters?

Yes.

I usually travel with my boyfriend, and it works well for us.

Couples, travel partners and families can use the platform, as long as the listing accepts that arrangement and everyone is clear about who will be staying.

How much can you save?

It depends on how you travel and where you go.

For me, the savings are huge because accommodation is one of my biggest travel expenses. When I do a sit, I can reduce that cost to zero during the confirmed dates.

For many travellers, even one sit can already make the annual membership feel worth it.

Is Trusted House Sitters good for digital nomads?

Yes, it can be very good for digital nomads, especially if you like slow travel and do not need to move every few days.

But you should always check the listing carefully and make sure the home has the conditions you need, such as Wi-Fi, a good workspace and a pet routine that fits your work schedule.

Can you use Trusted House Sitters abroad?

Yes, there are sits in many countries.

But always check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting and make sure your travel plans are organised before you go.

My Honest Verdict

For me, yes, Trusted House Sitters is worth it.

It has been one of the best discoveries of my travel life.

It helped me reduce accommodation costs, stay in real homes, meet kind hosts and bring pets back into my everyday routine while being away from my own dogs in Brazil.

But I only recommend it if you understand the exchange.

It is not a shortcut to free hotels.

It is a more responsible, more personal and more local way to travel.

If you love animals, respect people’s homes and want to experience places beyond the tourist surface, Trusted House Sitters can open a very different kind of travel experience.

If you want full freedom, hotel comfort or a trip with no responsibilities, it may not be the right fit.

For the way I travel, it makes so much sense.

And after three years using it, I can honestly say it changed the way I think about accommodation, travel costs and what it means to feel at home in different parts of the world.