This text will offer 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 exploit home and pet sitting web sites to maintain my expenditure down and to reinforce my total touring expertise and on this publish, 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 no less than annually however since leaving the UK in 2022 I’ve spent 3 lengthy stints home sitting in varied 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 useful ideas and my very own private experiences, this text will set you heading in the right direction to securing some really wonderful home sits within the USA.
The right way to Home Sit within the USA
Though primarily providing an identical service, many home sitting web sites obtainable have totally different options. Discovering the fitting one for you is a crucial step when turning into a home sitter.
Beneath, I’ve outlined my high 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 greatest so that you can strive.
1. Trusted Housesitters
My go-to platform is for sure Trusted Housesitters. It is among 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 should 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 important web site and app. Looking for the exact itemizing you need, within the space you want, through the precise time-frame that works for you is less complicated than on some other web site I’ve come throughout. It can save you filters and searches and choose to be notified instantly when the fitting outcomes change into energetic.
Trusted Housesitters gives three membership tiers, every with distinct advantages similar 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 essential membership at $129/12 months with limitless worldwide home sits.
Goats On The Highway readers obtain 20% off the membership price. Click on right here to obtain that particular low cost.
2. Housesitters America
I suppose the identify says all of it. Housesitters America is one other nice choice for locating home sitting jobs in America. The positioning is unique to US householders on the lookout for sitters and is a implausible useful resource to have in your arsenal. At simply $49 a 12 months, it’s a cut price in addition.
The web site may be very simple to navigate and trying to find your particular sit standards is easy and easy. The filters even go as deep as trying to find properties with out backyard care, which might be useful to know should you don’t have inexperienced fingers. Householders listing at no cost so there are at all times ample energetic home sitting jobs within the US.
Some listings provide fee, and it’s the one web site I’ve seen the place you may 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 rapidly and simply to Housesitters America utilizing this unique hyperlink.
3. Workaway
Whereas primarily often called a useful resource for locating volunteer placements, Workaway is a precious addition to my home sitting toolkit. Over the previous three years, I’ve constantly utilized this web site to search out volunteer alternatives in alternate for lodging and meals. However what shouldn’t be missed is the five hundred+ home sitting listings at the moment obtainable.
Their handy app is an additional advantage that doesn’t include many different home sitting web sites. I’ve discovered that hosts with energetic profiles usually 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 gives entry to an intensive community of alternatives. I’ve solid lasting friendships and established precious international connections by means of my experiences on Workaway.
4. Thoughts My Home
Thoughts My Home is a wonderful 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 listing their properties at no cost, making certain a continuing stream of various listings throughout the US.
Potential home sitters can freely discover the location, even earlier than committing; looking obtainable alternatives with detailed info. The useful statistics web page gives insights into the location’s energetic customers and their areas. It is a nice function that lets you see if that is going to be the fitting 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 easy. 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 method. Their user-friendly platform is simple to navigate, permits for very exact searches, and as soon as once more has the choice to save lots of 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. Bear in mind, the proper sit for it’s possible you’ll solely be listed on one web site, as hosts don’t have a tendency to listing on a number of websites. For that cause, it’s a good suggestion to maintain your choices open with quite a few home sitting platforms.
Nomador’s 3-month primary membership plan is nice for folks considering of moving into the home sitting sport. Added advantages comparable to insurance coverage, premium customer support, and early entry to new listings include the top-end bundle, which at round $190/12 months remains to be lower than a few nights in a mean resort.
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 software for a 6-week pet sit in Tucson, Arizona. A lot to my delight (and shock), I received it! 4 horses, 3 cats, 2 canine, and a swimming pool on a good looking ranch-style house in Oro Valley. I had the perfect time and have been invited again with an open invitation at any time when I’m on the town.
This was rapidly adopted by 3 weeks with a stunning chilled canine referred to as August in stunning Lafayette, Colorado. Then a home sit with some fairly intense gardening duties 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 no less than 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 received just a few curious glances being in my 30s, however everybody was very pleasant. The onsite facilities included a fitness center, library, pool, and tennis courts.
My favourite home sit so far 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 liked my time there, taking care of a pleasant Airedale referred to as Ladybug. Dwelling minutes from Downtown Durham was a dream and I met many pleasant locals while having fun with a whole summer time in a good looking house.
Greatest Areas to Home Sit within the US
The USA is such an enormous nation that even in any case my years of visiting I don’t really feel like I’ve even scratched the floor. Home sitting is definitely serving to me to tick off extra states and cities yearly. Listed here 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 listing 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 outdoors of city in leafy Hermitage.
Nashville isn’t nearly nation music, although in fact that performs an enormous half on Broadway. There are additionally many unbelievable eating places, cool breweries and bars, a wonderful cafe tradition, sensational climbing alternatives, and a welcoming and open vibe all through town that might enchantment to anybody.
In fact, Nashville can be the placement of the one pet sit so far that I wouldn’t rush again to. I survived it, and the placement was nice however the home was fairly uncomfortable to be in – it was fairly soiled! I realized a precious lesson about trusting my intestine with listings. My recommendation is solely 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 issues.
Location: Nashville, TN is situated on the central japanese aspect 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 daily. 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 complete area and it stays considered one of my high areas to move 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 important location for consuming BBQ and climbing. Try my earlier article concerning the 15 greatest hikes and 15 greatest 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 considered one of my favourite home sitting areas so far. There are at all times a ton of listings that come up for Durham and Raleigh so it’s an important 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 deal with sit in San Diego nevertheless it’s considered one of my everlasting saved searches on Trusted Housesitters. I’m simply ready for the celebrities to align and the fitting 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 among the finest issues I’ve ever finished. Though on the time I rented an Airbnb, it was this journey that has spurred me on to search 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 significantly cool areas to have shut by with an untold variety of nice bars and eating places. The gorgeous ocean is at all times inside quick access wherever you keep and the seashore city vibe is current all through town. Home sits are commonly obtainable in San Diego and it could be an excellent place to remain.
Location: San Diego is situated on the southwest aspect 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.
In the event you like climbing, anyplace in Colorado could 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, stunning home, and an excellent chilled canine referred to as August in Lafayette, simply outdoors of Boulder.
Boulder is a enjoyable place filled with fascinating issues to do. The Museum of Boulder and the Museum of Modern Artwork are two nice cultural points of interest. Broadway has an enormous number of avenue meals choices, advantageous eateries, cafes, and funky bars. My favourite was the Sunset Saloon, an underground faculty bar with pool tables and a number of the least expensive beer pitchers on the town.
On high of the climbing, my favourite reminiscence from house-sitting in Colorado was going to the Crimson Rocks Amphitheater. This iconic outside venue constructed into the pink rocks of the Colorado hills had been on my to-do listing 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 instances however have been repeatedly delay by the price of inns. Home sitting gives an actual alternative to discover Hawaii with out that massive added expense of lodging.
I’m significantly drawn to Hawaii’s charming pure magnificence and distinctive island way of life. Home sitting would provide an unparalleled alternative to expertise the aloha spirit whereas being immersed within the wealthy native tradition and embracing a laid-back way of life.
Hawaii’s various islands present a spread of environments, from the bustling vitality of Oahu to the tranquillity of Maui and the Massive Island’s awe-inspiring volcanic terrain. I’ve seen home sits commonly listed throughout the entire state however the majority appear to be on the Massive Island. It could for sure 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 the perfect methods, and I’ve encountered many execs, I’ve additionally skilled just a few cons while home sitting within the USA. I’ve outlined the important thing ones beneath to contemplate earlier than making use of for any postings within the USA.
Professionals of Home Sitting within the USA
- Various Areas: The USA gives 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 obstacles. This permits easy communication with householders and locals.
- Various Local weather: From the sunny seashores of San Diego to the snowy mountains of Colorado, the USA’s various 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.
- Automobile Included: Within the US, usually the automobile is insured, not the motive force. This permits for home sitters to have use of the host’s automobile, (ought to it’s obtainable 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 Range: You will notice listings for a variety of pets. Home sitters could have the chance to take care of various 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 various pleasant neighborhoods and welcoming communities within the USA. Integrating and feeling at house 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 limiting the period 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 situations, comparable 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 Automobile: In lots of components of the US, your personal transportation is important and it’s possible you’ll have to consider the fee and availability of transportation and car leases if a automobile isn’t supplied with the sit.
- Safety Issues: Relying on the neighborhood or metropolis, increased 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 worth 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 scenario.
- Insurance coverage Prices: On account 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 contemplate if wildlife consciousness doesn’t sound like your cup of tea.
- Flight Prices: The USA is a large nation and inside flights might be dear. Don’t overlook how huge 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 here 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 provide inside their memberships protection for a bunch canceling, don’t underestimate the healthcare prices within the US. That you must be lined for healthcare conditions as even a small medical occasion might be very, very costly.
What’s extra, flight delays and cancellations don’t work the identical as they do within the UK or Europe. In the event you 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 change 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 on the lookout for sitters within the US. My private favorites are Trusted Housesitters (click on right here for 20% off) and Housesitters America.
On the whole, there isn’t any fee concerned for home sitting within the USA. The alternate is basic within the type of a stunning free house in an important space to discover.
Housesitters America does provide 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 might not be allowed to work or obtain fee on a vacationer visa. So tread very fastidiously 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 control a property whereas the hosts are on trip. Nevertheless, for essentially the most half, a pet or pets, are usually included as a part of the deal.
How lengthy you may keep within the US home sitting relies upon totally on the kind of visa you will have and the place you’re from. You’ll want to totally analysis this earlier than accepting any home sits. Additionally remember that merely leaving the nation and returning instantly to get a contemporary visa may 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 numerous that also stay on my must-see listing. Being a home sitter is like dwelling someplace as a neighborhood reasonably than merely passing by means of.
No, a automobile isn’t at all times included with US home sits nevertheless 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 stated, ‘In fact you should utilize it, ours will likely be right here!’ – regardless of not making this clear of their itemizing.
The insurance coverage within the US usually means the automobile is roofed for anybody with a sound license to drive it.
In Conclusion
The US has been like a second house to me during the last 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 wanting again.
Home and pet sitting turned an important device 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 achieve a long-term visa to remain within the US however home sitting has supplied me with the chance to really feel like I’m a neighborhood dwelling there.
There are literally thousands of home sits in America simply ready to your software to hit their inbox, so get to it!
