This text will offer you all the data you have 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 reinforce my total touring expertise and on this publish, I’ll let you know how.
I’ve all the time 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 robust, and maybe somewhat daunting, getting began. However there are some nice web sites to assist ease you into the position of a home sitter. Together with a couple of 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.
Easy methods to Home Sit within the USA
Though primarily providing an identical service, many home sitting web sites accessible have completely different options. Discovering the precise one for you is a vital 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 will help you select which one could also be greatest 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 functions within the US alone. It’s a nice web site in the event you’re critical about house-sitting in America.
Trusted Housesitters is primary for the sheer variety of listings they provide, however in addition they have an awesome web site and app. Looking for the exact itemizing you need, within the space you need, throughout the actual time-frame that works for you is simpler than on some other web site I’ve come throughout. It can save you filters and searches and decide to be notified instantly when the precise outcomes grow to be energetic.
Trusted Housesitters gives three membership tiers, every with distinct advantages akin to the value. The premier membership, priced at $260, contains cancellation insurance coverage, enhanced customer support, and two annual airport lounge passes. A extra budget-friendly possibility is the essential membership at $129/yr with limitless worldwide home sits.
Goats On The Highway readers obtain 20% off the membership charge. 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 possibility for locating home sitting jobs in America. The positioning is unique to US householders searching for sitters and is a unbelievable useful resource to have in your arsenal. At simply $49 a yr, it’s a discount besides.
The web site could be very straightforward to navigate and trying to find your particular sit standards is straightforward and simple. The filters even go as deep as trying to find properties with out backyard care, which might be useful to know in the event you don’t have inexperienced fingers. Owners listing totally free so there are all the time ample energetic home sitting jobs within the US.
Some listings supply cost, 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 cost. Make sure all the time to remain compliant along with your visa.
Join rapidly and simply to Housesitters America utilizing this unique hyperlink.
3. Workaway
Whereas primarily generally known as 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 seek 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 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 usually reply promptly and there’s a pleasant neighborhood spirit about the entire web site.
Membership is priced at round $50/yr or $30/particular person for {couples}, and it gives entry to an intensive community of alternatives. I’ve solid lasting friendships and established precious world connections by means of my experiences on Workaway.
4. Thoughts My Home
Thoughts My Home is a wonderful platform with numerous US home sitting listings. At simply $29/yr, 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. Owners listing their properties totally free, making certain a continuing stream of numerous listings throughout the US.
Potential home sitters can freely discover the positioning, even earlier than committing; searching accessible alternatives with detailed info. The useful statistics web page gives insights into the positioning’s energetic customers and their places. It is a nice function that means that you can see if that is going to be the precise possibility 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 right 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 purpose, 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 stepping into the home sitting sport. Added advantages akin to insurance coverage, premium customer support, and early entry to new listings include the top-end bundle, which at round $190/yr 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 rankings 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 received it! 4 horses, 3 cats, 2 canines, and a swimming pool on a phenomenal ranch-style house in Oro Valley. I had one of the best time and have been invited again with an open invitation each time I’m on the town.
This was rapidly adopted by 3 weeks with a beautiful chilled canine referred to as August in stunning Lafayette, Colorado. Then a home sit with some fairly intense gardening obligations in Waco, Texas. These had been two very completely different postings, however each houses had been completely unimaginable. The usage of a automobile was included in every sit (extra on that later).
Managing my U.S. vacationer visa, I all the time 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 a couple of 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 up to now was in Durham, North Carolina. A number of unusual coincidences led me to use for a 3-month sit in a metropolis I knew treasured little about. I completely cherished my time there, taking care of a pleasant Airedale referred to as Ladybug. Residing minutes from Downtown Durham was a dream and I met many pleasant locals while having fun with a complete summer time in a phenomenal 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 a couple of 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 over time I couldn’t wait to return. I spent 2-months there over Christmas in 2022. This included 3 home sits that had been all somewhat completely different. Two had been inside strolling distance to Broadway and one was half-hour outdoors 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 unimaginable eating places, cool breweries and bars, a wonderful cafe tradition, sensational climbing alternatives, and a welcoming and open vibe all through the town that may enchantment to anybody.
In fact, Nashville can be the situation of the one pet sit up to now 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 precious lesson about trusting my intestine with listings. My recommendation is just to belief your instincts earlier than accepting any position and don’t be afraid to ask questions of your hosts in case you have any considerations.
Location: Nashville, TN is positioned on the central jap 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 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 whole area and it stays one among my high places to move again to as quickly as doable.
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 awesome location for consuming BBQ and climbing. Take a look at my earlier article in regards to 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 one among my favourite home sitting places up to now. There are all the time a ton of listings that come up for Durham and Raleigh so it’s an awesome place for touchdown home sits within the states.
Location: Durham and Raleigh NC are positioned towards the mid/east part of the USA. Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU) is a serious nationwide and worldwide terminal for flights. Historic Wilmington and the coastal city of Carolina Seaside are round a 2.5-hour drive away.
3. San Diego, CA.
I’ve but to accommodate sit in San Diego but it surely’s one among my everlasting saved searches on Trusted Housesitters. I’m simply ready for the celebs to align and the precise 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 Seaside, San Diego. The entire keep felt like a dream and stays probably the greatest issues I’ve ever achieved. 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 critically cool areas to have shut by with an untold variety of nice bars and eating places. The beautiful ocean is all the time inside easy accessibility wherever you keep and the seashore city vibe is current all through the town. Home sits are frequently accessible in San Diego and it might be a really perfect place to remain.
Location: San Diego is positioned 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 serious worldwide transport hub.
4. Boulder, CO.
When you like climbing, anyplace in Colorado could be nice for a home sit. Many excellent trails are all inside straightforward attain and far of the character and surroundings is breathtaking. I taken care of a really giant, stunning home, and a brilliant chilled canine referred to as August in Lafayette, simply outdoors of Boulder.
Boulder is a enjoyable place stuffed with attention-grabbing issues to do. The Museum of Boulder and the Museum of Modern Artwork are two nice cultural sights. Broadway has an enormous number of road meals choices, high-quality eateries, cafes, and funky bars. My favourite was the Sunset Saloon, an underground faculty bar with pool tables and a few of the most cost-effective 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 out of doors venue constructed into the crimson 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 all the time loved, was taking part in – it was a spectacular present.
Location: Boulder is positioned 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 delay by the price of lodges. Home sitting gives an actual alternative to discover Hawaii with out that massive added expense of lodging.
I’m notably drawn to Hawaii’s fascinating pure magnificence and distinctive island way of life. 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 way of life.
Hawaii’s numerous islands present a spread of environments, from the bustling power of Oahu to the tranquillity of Maui and the Huge Island’s awe-inspiring volcanic terrain. I’ve seen home sits frequently listed throughout the entire state however the majority appear to be on the Huge 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).
Execs 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 a couple of 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.
Execs of Home Sitting within the USA
- Numerous 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 all the time have an array of choices.
- Language Comfort: For English audio system, home sitting within the USA eliminates any language obstacles. This enables simple communication with householders and locals.
- Diverse 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 straightforward 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 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 notice listings for a variety of pets. Home sitters can have the chance to look after numerous animals; from city-dwelling cats to ranch-based horses.
- Iconic Sights: Home sitters can discover iconic landmarks, nationwide parks, and cultural sights while on assignments within the US. The prospect to discover Broadway in Nashville, Instances Sq. in New York, or the Las Vegas Strip with free lodging is a serious enchantment.
- Pleasant Communities: From private expertise, there are lots of 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 might face visa limitations, probably proscribing the length of their home sitting assignments within the USA.
- Price of Residing: I’ve discovered the price of residing 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, akin to hurricanes, wildfires, or winter storms. Analysis the forecasted climate of the world you’re contemplating earlier than making use of for a sit.
- Needing a Automobile: In lots of elements of the US, your individual transportation is important and it’s possible you’ll have to think about the price and availability of transportation and car leases if a automobile isn’t supplied with the sit.
- Safety Issues: Relying on the neighborhood or metropolis, greater crime charges is usually a actual concern for guests. All the time analysis the world 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 elements of the world. Do not go to with out sufficient insurance coverage to cowl a healthcare state of affairs.
- Insurance coverage Prices: On account of the medical prices within the US, insurance coverage premiums are excessive for insurance policies that embrace 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 expensive. Don’t neglect 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 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 supply 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. When you miss a flight within the US, whether or not it was the airline’s fault or not, for essentially the most half, you gained’t get any monetary aid from the airline.
To grow to be 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 searching for sitters within the US. My private favorites are Trusted Housesitters (click on right here for 20% off) and Housesitters America.
Typically, there isn’t any cost concerned for home sitting within the USA. The alternate is common within the type of a beautiful free house in an awesome space to discover.
Housesitters America does supply some listings that embrace a per diem cost. 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 cost 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 regulate 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’ll be able to keep within the US home sitting relies upon solely on the kind of visa you might have and the place you’re from. You’ll want to completely analysis this earlier than accepting any home sits. Additionally remember 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 thought.
Home sitting within the US is a dream come true for me. I’ve loved the number of completely different states I’ve visited and may’t wait to tick off the various that also stay on my must-see listing. Being a home sitter is like residing someplace as an area quite than merely passing by means of.
No, a automobile isn’t all the time included with US home sits but it surely’s all the time 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, ‘In fact you should utilize it, ours will probably 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 legitimate license to drive it.
In Conclusion
The US has been like a second house 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 wanting again.
Home and pet sitting turned an awesome 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 tough to realize a long-term visa to remain within the US however home sitting has supplied me with the chance to really feel like I’m an area residing there.
There are literally thousands of home sits in America simply ready to your utility to hit their inbox, so get to it!