How to find the best house sitter for your needs

With Kiwi House Sitters we make it easier than ever for homeowners to find their perfect house and pet sitter.

Here’s some information on how to find the best house sitter for your needs.

Start with a detailed house-sitting ad  

If you’re new to Kiwi House Sitters, the easiest way to find a great house sitter is by listing your own ad. Think of it like posting a job description, you outline what you need (dates, location, pet care, etc.), and sitters who are available and interested will reach out directly. No need to scroll through endless profiles. By putting your ad out there, you’re inviting the right people to come to you.  

This works because the sitters who message you are already keen on your dates and location. You’ll save time upfront, and you’ll get to pick from a group of candidates who are experienced house and pet sitters ready to help.  

Let sitters come to you 

When you list your house-sitting job on Kiwi House Sitters, you’re tapping into a community of sitters actively looking for opportunities. They’ll see your ad in their alerts, which means you’ll start hearing from potential matches quickly. The best part?

Every sitter who contacts you is confirming two things upfront: they’re free and available for your dates, and they’re genuinely interested in looking after your home and pets.  

This means you can skip the awkward back-and-forth about availability if you search for s sitter on the database. If someone messages you, they’re already on board with your timeline.  This is a huge time saver.

Share the details that matter

Be specific in your ad. The more you share, the better your matches will be. For example, if your cat needs medication at 7am sharp or your garden needs watering twice a week, make sure you mention it. If your home is a short walk from Dunedin’s beaches or located in a cosy spot near Queenstown’s trails, highlight that too.  

These details help sitters decide if they’re a good fit before they message you. It also means fewer surprises down the track. You’ll get interested sitters who already understand your needs and are happy to meet them.  

Build your go-to sitter list

One of the perks of listing an ad is that you’ll often get multiple replies. This gives you options. You can compare reviews, chat with a few sitters, and even save their profiles for future trips. Let’s say you find someone fantastic for your summer getaway, keep their details handy for your next holiday.  

And if plans change? No stress. You’ll already have a list of backup sitters who’ve shown interest in your home and location.

Use photos to show, not just tell

Photos make your ad stand out. Include snaps of your pets (so sitters can picture caring for them), your garden (if there’s upkeep involved), or your home’s cosy living room. If you’re near a spot like the Coromandel Peninsula or Hawke’s Bay wine country, a photo of the area can really highlight the perks of the sit.  Great photos can attract more sitters which means more experienced people for you to choose from.

Keep It safe and simple  

We know trust is key. That’s why all communication stays on Kiwi House Sitters until you’re ready to share contact details. Only registered sitters can message you through our private messaging system, and every sitter’s profile links to their reviews and experience. You’re in control.

You can take your time reviewing applicants and only share personal information once you’ve confirmed your sitter.  

Adjust your house ad as needed 

Found your perfect match? Deactivate your ad with one click. Want to tweak the dates for next time? Update and repost it later. This flexibility means you won’t have to start from scratch every trip.  And if you’re travelling regularly, you’ll build a network of reliable sitters who know your home and pets and can return to house sit for you.  

Ready to Get Started? 

Listing your house-sitting ad is the first step toward stress-free travel. By being clear about your needs and letting sitters come to you, you’ll save time and stress while finding the perfect sitter who will genuinely care about your home and pets while you are away.  

Want to know more?

- How It Works: https://kiwihousesitters.co.nz/how-it-works 

- House Sitting FAQs: https://kiwihousesitters.co.nz/house-sitting-faqs

- Pet Care Tips: https://www.spca.nz/advice