Is there a Website to find House Sitters?
 

Hubby and I are traveling in August and don't know where to begin to find a house sitter. Are there So. Cal publications(maybe through large Pet stores, colleges, travel agents)? Are there some USA/European web sites? Don't know where to begin as I've never done this before. What has your experience been? Did you get references or ask for a refundable security deposit? I know there are web sites for house exchanges but I've never heard of any for finding a house sitter. I'd appreciate any suggestions as to where to begin. Thanks, Marcie

My family always used students from the local seminary and never had a problem. It seems to me they actually had a list of students who were willing to do this for a little extra cash.

What's the going rate for a house sitter per week? We always need someone to stay with our cats and water the garden while we are gone. Usually a friend will come and stay, but this time we will probably hire a student to do this. I don't know how much to pay them.

Yes, how much do you pay them? I didn't even realize we needed to pay them...I just thought that it might be a nice way for a family to vacation in So.Calif. without paying for any hotel. Don't know about seminaires....just call a local Catholic church? Marcie

i think that if you are considering long term (i.e. 6 months) most people will house sit in exchange for not paying any rent so you don't have to pay them.

When I needed to find a pet sitter, I went to Yahoo and typed in "pet sitters" and "(my city)". I found lots of great information, even accreditation agencies that recommend sitters who meet their criteria. I'm pretty sure if you do the same, with "house sitter" and "(your city)" you'd find some info.

Oh, and by the way, I had a college aged girl stay at our house for about a week, feeding and caring for our cats and home, and paid her $25 per day. When I just have a pet sitter come over to feed the cats twice a day, but not stay over, it is $11 per day.

Thanks guys. I will explore these possibilities. We're only going to be gone about 11 or 12 days so it's not long term. Thanks!

Should you tip the house sitter if they quote the rate?

I can watch your house. I don't have any timeshare seminars to go to for a while.