House sitting is one of the best ways for retirees to see the world. Enjoy the company of pets, experience new places, and beautiful homes, without blowing your savings or needing fancy tech skills.
Whether you’re newly retired or simply looking for a way to add some adventure to your lifestyle, house sitting can offer freedom, fulfillment, and even a sense of purpose.
This guide is designed specifically for those over 55 who are curious about house sitting but might feel a bit unsure about how to get started, especially if the idea of navigating apps, websites, and online bookings feels intimidating.
Don’t worry – you don’t need to be a tech wizard to get involved. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to start your journey into the world of house sitting for retirees.
Why House Sitting is Perfect for Retirees
House sitting offers a beautiful balance of travel, routine, and companionship – three things many people crave in retirement. You get to stay in real homes, look after beloved pets, and live like a local rather than a tourist. For many, it becomes the ideal low-cost lifestyle shift after leaving the 9-5.
It’s also an amazing option for those who love animals but no longer have pets of their own. Pet sitting for retirees is more than just feeding and walking – it’s a chance to bond, care, and feel appreciated while homeowners are away.
Curious to hear more about the benefits? Check out our full article: House Sitting for Retirees: A Guide to Unlimited Travel for Empty Nesters
What You’ll Need to Get Started (Even Without Tech Skills)
Getting into house sitting for retirees doesn’t require anything fancy. All you need is:
- An internet-connected device such as a desktop computer, a smartphone, a laptop, or a tablet like an iPad.
- A friendly short bio.
- A few clear photos.
- Some ID or references.
- An email address.
Most house sitting platforms are built to be user-friendly. If you can check your email and browse a simple website, you can do this. If you’re unsure, ask a friend or family member to help you set things up the first time – you’ll likely be fine on your own after that.
Securing placements as a pet sitter is easier than people think. Retirees offer maturity, life experience, and reliability – qualities homeowners love. In fact, during a recent question and answer with homeowners, over 70% answered they would prefer someone retired or with ‘life experience’ to a younger applicant.
Choosing the Right Platforms for Retired Sitters
Some house sitting websites are more popular with retirees than others. For us, there is only really one option to consider;
Trusted Housesitters
Trusted Housesitters is a global favorite and market leader. We have been active users of this site for years and have had fantastic experiences around the world. Regularly advertising around 9000 sits at any one time, this is the only option you need to consider and is ideal for retirees and first timers.
Click here to sign up for free using just your email address and start browsing the amazing listings currently available. If you decide to become a fully paid-up member, you are in luck, our readers get a 25% discount on any membership option when using the code BEACHES25 at checkout.
Simply copy the code, click this link to head to Trusted Housesitters, choose your membership type, and enter the code when prompted. Want help setting up your profile on Trusted Housesitters? Here’s a quick, step-by-step walkthrough: Sign Up for TrustedHousesitters: A 3-Minute Guide
Facebook Groups
A more informal way to get started house sitting as a retiree is to join a relevant Facebook group. For example, House and Pet Sitting for Retirees is a dedicated page that only allows exchanges between the over-55s and retired people. Click here to join the group.
Building Trust: Your Profile and First Reviews
A strong profile is key to securing your preferred house sits. Highlight the things that make you dependable and caring:
- Your experience as a homeowner.
- Love for animals.
- Any relevant skills (gardening, maintenance, etc.).
- Why do you enjoy this lifestyle?
Photos matter too – choose clear, friendly pictures, ideally one with a pet. You can easily upload photos to your profile on the Trusted Housesitters app directly from your phone’s gallery.
Starting with local sits or short-term placements can help you ease in and get a few good reviews under your belt. Many retirees find that pet sitting quickly turns from a one-time trip to a lifestyle they love. And once you have a few reviews, the offers will start coming more regularly.
Tips for Your First Sit
Here are a few tips to help make your first sit a success:
- Ask lots of questions before the sit: pet routines, quirks, vet contacts.
- Stay in touch while the owners are away with updates and photos.
- Stick to the house rules and pet schedules.
- Leave the house sparkling clean – better than you found it.
These small touches go a long way toward getting glowing reviews and repeat invites. For more help with your first sit, check out What to Expect from Your First House Sitting Experience.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Do This
House sitting for retirees is one of the most rewarding and accessible ways to travel and connect with people and pets. You don’t need to be tech-savvy, and you don’t need previous experience – just a willingness to learn, care, and show up.
Whether you’re looking for local sits or dreaming of a cottage in France or a beachside stay in Australia, it all starts with one simple step. So take it – you might be surprised where it leads. For more help, head over to our dedicated House Sitting Advice Page.
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Owner’s consent given to use all images in this post.