If you’ve been looking for a way to earn money while exploring new places, house sitting might just be the perfect fit for you. Canadians are discovering the perks of this flexible gig, which allows you to “get paid to” care for someone’s home, pets, or plants while they’re away. No two house-sitting jobs are alike, and whether you’re looking to earn a side income or fund your travels, house sitting combines work, responsibility, and adventure in one neat package.
This guide will walk you through how house sitting works, why it’s a great option for Canadians, and how to get started with house-sitting jobs. Don’t worry if you’re new to it—by the end, you’ll have a clear action plan to land your first house-sitting gig.
What Is House Sitting?
House sitting involves temporarily staying in someone’s home while they travel. Your main responsibility is to take care of the property and any specific tasks the homeowner assigns. These tasks may include:
- Watering plants
- Taking care of pets (feeding, walking, playtime, etc.)
- Collecting mail
- Cleaning or general maintenance
- Ensuring home security
Some house-sitting arrangements are unpaid and offer free accommodation instead. While these can help you save money (especially if you want affordable travel), our focus here is helping you get paid to house sit. For Canadians, this can be an excellent way to earn money, especially if you also enjoy temporary changes of scenery.
Why House Sitting is a Great Option for Canadians
1. Opportunity to Earn Money
The main draw of house sitting is that you quite literally “get paid to” stay somewhere! Depending on the job, house sitters in Canada can earn anywhere from $25 to $60 per day, or even more if pets and other responsibilities are part of the deal.
2. Travel on a Budget
House sitting offers free accommodations in places you might want to visit. Whether it’s the next province over or a snowbird destination in the southern U.S., you can explore without paying for hotels or Airbnbs. Get paid while you experience new places—what’s better than that?
3. Flexible Gigs to Match Your Lifestyle
House-sitting jobs come in all shapes and sizes. Some last a weekend, others weeks or months. This makes it easy to choose gigs that align with your schedule. Whether you’re a student on break, a freelancer, or a retiree interested in part-time work, there’s something for everyone.
4. Minimal Experience Required
Unlike many other jobs, house sitting doesn’t call for extensive experience or formal education. If you’re dependable, honest, and can fulfill tasks like pet care or home maintenance, you’re already qualified for many roles.
5. Connect With People Across the Country
For Canadians, house sitting can foster connections in communities you might not otherwise explore—whether you’re looking in bustling big cities like Toronto and Vancouver or quieter spots like Halifax. Meeting homeowners and their pets often creates positive relationships that can lead to future gigs or recommendations.
How to Get Started with House Sitting
You might be wondering where to start and how to actually land these gigs as a paid house sitter. Follow these practical steps to build your reputation and find jobs that pay well.
1. Decide What You’re Offering
Before signing up for anything, figure out your ideal house-sitting terms. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do you prefer looking after animals, or not?
- How far are you willing to travel for a job?
- Are you comfortable with long-term or short-term gigs?
Knowing your preferences will help you search for opportunities that align with your skills and lifestyle.
2. Create a Strong House-Sitting Profile
Most house-sitting jobs are advertised online through platforms like TrustedHousesitters, House Sitters Canada, and local Facebook groups. A strong profile is essential. Here’s how to stand out:
- Write a short but engaging introduction (who you are, why you’re trustworthy).
- Highlight relevant skills (e.g., pet care, gardening, cleaning, handyman skills).
- Include references or testimonials if possible, even if they’re informal (for example, from someone whose pet you’ve cared for).
- Add a photo or two of yourself—show homeowners you’re friendly and approachable.
Platforms often have review systems, so as you complete gigs, build positive reviews to boost your profile.
3. Apply to Jobs
Look for postings that match your experience and desired workload. Read through job descriptions carefully and tailor your applications:
- Mention why you’d be a great fit (e.g., “I have two years of experience with dogs like yours” or “I’m excellent at maintaining large properties”).
- Show enthusiasm while maintaining professionalism.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions if anything in the ad seems unclear.
Building connections with homeowners through thoughtful communication will often set you apart from other candidates.
4. Set Your Rates
It’s crucial to establish your rate for house-sitting jobs, especially when you’re starting. Rates depend on a variety of factors:
- Location (rates in big cities like Calgary or Toronto may differ from smaller towns).
- Tasks required (caring for animals or large properties will justify higher pay).
- Length of job (longer stays may include discounted rates).
Start with competitive but reasonable numbers, such as $25–$40 per day, and adjust as you gain experience.
5. Get Contracts in Writing
While many house-sitting agreements are informal, it’s always a good idea to have terms in writing. This ensures both parties are on the same page about responsibilities, payment, and expectations.
6. Build Up Your Reputation
Once you complete your first gig, consider asking homeowners for a review or reference. A solid track record helps you land higher-paying jobs faster. Trust is everything in house sitting—a glowing review can make all the difference.
Tips for Successful House Sitting
To thrive as a house sitter, it’s essential to build trust with homeowners and deliver on your promises. Here are simple tips to maximize success:
- Be on time. Arrive at the property when agreed and stick to timelines if tasks are time-sensitive.
- Communicate regularly. Send updates about the pets or property (daily photos of pets are always welcomed).
- Follow instructions carefully. If a homeowner asks for specific care, such as watering plants twice a week, follow through exactly as instructed.
- Leave the house better than you found it. Clean up before you leave—this small effort ensures a positive impression and repeat opportunities.
Where Canadians Can Find House-Sitting Jobs
There’s no shortage of places to search for gigs. Here are reliable places to start hunting for house-sitting opportunities in Canada:
- House Sitters Canada: This site is focused on Canadians. It’s easy to sign up and apply to jobs.
- TrustedHousesitters: Great for international house-sitting roles, including Canada. Ideal if you’re looking to expand beyond Canadian borders.
- Local Communities and Facebook Groups: Some homeowners prefer posting directly in local classifieds or groups. Search “house sitting jobs” or “get paid to house sit” in your city or area.
- Word-of-Mouth: Take advantage of word-of-mouth recommendations by telling friends, family, and colleagues you’re open to house sitting.
Is House Sitting Right for You?
House sitting isn’t for everyone. It requires responsibility, reliability, and flexibility. But for Canadians seeking an affordable way to travel or make extra money while doing something unique, it’s an opportunity worth exploring. It’s a particularly great fit if you enjoy caring for pets or plants and love exploring new surroundings.
Whether you’re staying in a cozy rural cabin or a chic downtown Toronto condo, the experience can be genuinely rewarding—not just financially, but personally too. By following the advice and steps outlined in this article, you can confidently begin your journey into the world of house sitting.
Now that you know what it takes to “get paid to” house sit, why not give it a try? Who knows, your next gig could be the start of an exciting new chapter!
