Congratulations on securing your first house sit through Kiwi House Sitters. Whether you’re nestled in a sunny Auckland villa or a cosy cabin near Queenstown, starting off on the right foot can lead to amazing adventures, and maybe even lifelong furry friends. Having completed over 50 house sits ourselves, we’re sharing our best advice to help you shine.
Think of communication like a warm cup of tea—it’s best when it’s consistent and comforting. Start by creating a detailed profile on Kiwi House Sitters that shows off your personality and experience. Once you’ve locked in a sit, ask the homeowners directly: “How often would you like updates? Daily snapshots of Mittens, or a quick summary every couple of days?”
A simple message when you arrive, like “We’ve made it! Buster’s already showing us his favourite nap spots,” is a great start. Make sure you use the house-sitting platform’s messaging system to keep everything organized and consider setting up a WhatsApp group for quick photo updates or questions. It might feel a bit formal at first, but it’s a lifesaver when you need to share that video of their Labrador gleefully destroying a sofa cushion.
The handover is your golden opportunity to ask every tiny question, no matter how silly it seems. Take notes on everything, from the Wi-Fi password to the exact way the coffee machine gurgles when it’s ready. If the homeowners have a house manual, ask for it early so you can review any quirks like a temperamental hot water system. When it’s time to hand back the keys, go the extra mile: tidy their mail into a neat stack, mention if the local dairy ran out of their favourite milk, and leave their house sparkling. A freshly baked batch of Anzac biscuits on the counter never hurts, either.
Most house sits revolve around furry, feathery, or scaly VIPs, so treat them like royalty. Send a photo to the owners within the first day, maybe their spaniel mid-zoomies at the beach or their cat perched regally on your suitcase. Pay close attention to their habits; if the usually chatty cockatiel goes quiet, give the owners a heads-up. Stick to their routines like glue, even if it means waking up at dawn for a grumpy pug’s walk. For anxious pets, ask the owners to leave an old t-shirt or blanket with their scent. Trust us, it’s like a security blanket for animals and it shows you care about the little things.
A great house sit isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about adding those thoughtful touches that make homeowners smile. Wash the sheets and towels, even if they didn’t ask. Toss a $5 bunch of tulips from the farmers’ market into a vase. Leave a handwritten note like, “Loved our week with Daisy! She aced her walks along the Wellington waterfront.” One homeowner told us, “We came home to a pantry tidier than we left it!” and you better believe they rebooked that sitter for next summer.
After your sit, take a moment to think about what worked and what didn’t. Maybe you discovered a knack for calming nervous cats, or maybe rural tank water systems stressed you out. Use these insights to refine your future searches on Kiwi House Sitters. Maybe you’ll stick to city sits or embrace off-grid adventures. And don’t be shy about asking for a review! A polite “We’d love your feedback if you have a moment!” goes a long way. Those glowing reviews will help you land even more sits, whether you’re eyeing a stay in Christchurch’s Garden suburbs or a remote cabin in the Coromandel.
Pack patience, a sense of humour, and a good raincoat (this is New Zealand, after all). House sitting isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, being present, and treating someone’s home and pets like your own. Nail these basics, and you’ll unlock a world of free stays, wagging tails, and maybe even a few invites back.
Ready to start your journey? Check out house sitting jobs across Aotearoa and turn travel dreams into reality.
Christopher & Andrew
Helpful links:
- SPCA’s pet care guide: https://www.spca.nz/advice for nailing animal routines
- MetService: https://www.metservice.com/ to stay ahead of NZ’s moody weather
- Kiwi House Sitters FAQs: https://www.kiwihousesitters.co.nz/house-sitting-faqs for handy house sitting information.
Hi, we are very impressed with the kiwihousesitters website. We have done 2 longterm housesits now & all parties have been happy. Sue
