Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a House Sitter

🎯 Role Definition

A House Sitter is a highly reliable and conscientious individual entrusted with the comprehensive care and security of a private residence while the owner is away. This role extends beyond mere presence; it involves actively maintaining the home's condition, caring for any pets as if they were one's own, and managing various household tasks to ensure the owner returns to a home that is just as they left it. Success in this position is measured by the peace of mind provided to the homeowner and the well-being of the property and its inhabitants.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker
Veterinary Assistant / Technician
Personal Assistant or Nanny

Advancement To:

Professional Estate Manager
Founder of a House Sitting or Pet Care Agency
Property Caretaker for high-net-worth individuals

Lateral Moves:

Personal Concierge
Professional Organizer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Maintain a constant, reassuring presence in the home to deter unauthorized access, theft, and vandalism, ensuring the property remains secure.
Provide comprehensive and compassionate care for household pets, strictly adhering to feeding schedules, dietary needs, and medication administration protocols.
Engage pets in regular exercise, enrichment, and playtime, such as daily dog walks, interactive cat play, and companionship to maintain their well-being.
Diligently monitor pet health and behavior, promptly identifying and reporting any signs of illness, injury, or distress to the homeowner and designated veterinarian.
Uphold a clean and hygienic environment for pets, which includes daily scooping of litter boxes, cleaning crates or cages, and promptly addressing any pet-related messes.
Execute daily security procedures, including locking all doors and windows, setting and disarming alarm systems, and managing exterior lighting.
Collect, sort, and securely store all mail, packages, and newspapers to prevent accumulation and maintain the appearance of an occupied residence.
Perform light housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, loading/unloading the dishwasher, and managing trash and recycling to keep the home tidy.
Meticulously care for indoor and outdoor plants according to a detailed schedule, ensuring they receive the appropriate amount of water and sunlight.
Act as the first point of contact for household emergencies like power outages or plumbing leaks, and coordinate with pre-approved service providers for resolution.
Deliver regular and clear communication updates to the homeowner, including photos and notes on pets and the property, via their preferred method (text, email, call).
Manage the home's climate by adjusting the thermostat as needed to ensure pet comfort and protect the property from extreme temperatures.
Handle scheduled and unscheduled visits from service personnel (e.g., landscapers, cleaners), providing access and supervision as authorized by the homeowner.
Prepare the home for the owner’s return by ensuring it is clean, organized, and welcoming, which may include stocking requested groceries.
Maintain a detailed log of daily activities, pet behaviors, and any incidents or issues that arise during the sitting period for the owner’s review.
Uphold the utmost respect for the homeowner’s privacy and property, restricting personal use to designated areas and items.
Respond to and troubleshoot minor issues with household technology or smart home devices based on provided instructions.
Screen visitors and phone calls with professionalism and discretion, taking messages and handling inquiries appropriately.

Secondary Functions

Forward critical mail or scan and email important documents to the homeowner upon request.
Perform minor, pre-approved household repairs such as changing a lightbulb or resetting a tripped circuit breaker.
Run essential errands for the household, such as purchasing pet food, supplies, or pre-arranged grocery items.
Oversee other household service providers, such as cleaners or gardeners, to ensure tasks are completed to the owner's standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Pet First Aid & CPR: Certified or highly knowledgeable in emergency medical procedures for common pets.
Medication Administration: Proven ability to administer various forms of medication to animals, including pills, liquids, and injections.
Basic Home Maintenance: Familiarity with troubleshooting common household issues, such as a tripped breaker, water shut-off valves, and basic tool use.
Plant & Garden Care: Knowledge of plant care requirements, including watering, light, and identifying signs of distress.
Animal Handling: Experience and confidence in handling animals of various sizes, temperaments, and species.
Security System Operation: Proficiency in arming, disarming, and troubleshooting common residential alarm and camera systems.

Soft Skills

Trustworthiness & Integrity: An impeccable and verifiable track record of honesty and ethical behavior.
Responsibility & Accountability: A strong sense of ownership and commitment to fulfilling all duties without supervision.
Communication & Responsiveness: Excellent skills in providing clear, concise, and timely updates to homeowners.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and act decisively and calmly in unexpected situations or emergencies.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in following instructions and observing the nuances of a pet's behavior and a home's condition.
Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Capable of adjusting to different household environments and finding solutions to unforeseen challenges.
Professionalism & Discretion: Maintaining a professional demeanor and respecting the client's privacy and confidentiality at all times.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent. A clean background check and verifiable references are often required.

Preferred Education:

Professional certification in pet sitting (e.g., CPPS from Pet Sitters International) or a certificate from a veterinary assistant program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Animal Science
Veterinary Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-5+ years of demonstrable experience in house sitting, professional pet care, or a related field requiring a high level of trust and responsibility.

Preferred:

A strong portfolio of positive references and testimonials from previous house-sitting or pet-sitting clients.
Verifiable experience caring for pets with special needs (e.g., senior pets, animals with medical conditions, or behavioral challenges like separation anxiety).
Experience managing larger or more complex properties with specific features such as swimming pools, large gardens, or smart home automation.