Getting started in house & plant sitting

Steps to go from zero to your first paying house/plant-sitting client.

1. 1

   Check local licensing rules

   Most areas don't require a special license for house sitting, but some cities require a general business license — check your city/county clerk site.

2. 2

   Get liability insurance

   Given the level of home access involved, coverage for property damage or theft claims is worth it even for referral-based work.

3. 3

   Set your rates and service menu

   Decide drop-in visit pricing, overnight/day-rate pricing, and add-ons (extra plants, mail forwarding, light housekeeping) before you talk to your first client.

4. 4

   Build an intake form and contract

   Collect entry instructions, plant watering schedules, security system codes, and emergency contacts, and get the contract signed before the first visit or stay.

5. 5

   List yourself locally and on niche platforms

   Google Business Profile, Nextdoor, local Facebook community groups, and paid-sit platforms like House Sitters America all drive early client traffic — note that some popular house-sitting apps (e.g. TrustedHousesitters) are built around free lodging-for-care swaps, not paid gigs, so confirm a platform supports charging a fee before relying on it.

6. 6

   Track visits and get reviews

   Ask satisfied clients for a Google review after the first few jobs — referrals are the highest-leverage growth channel for solo sitters.