House Sitting Etiquette — A Guide for Sitters
Starting out on your FurPetVo journey? Exciting times! A world of unique travel adventures, cute pet companions, and a global community of like-minded pet people awaits you.
For new sitters, there can be a lot to get your head around—from what exactly house sitting entails (pun most definitely intended) to how to prepare for a sit handover. Even for seasoned sitters, it can be difficult to know the right etiquette when it comes to house sitting: Should you leave the owner you’re sitting for a “welcome home” gift? And who buys the loo roll?
There are a lot of questions—granted—but often nothing a little communication between you and the pet parent can’t solve. To help you on your way, we’ve pulled together some of our members’ most frequently asked questions on the topic—and shared clear, practical answers below.
Should I replace items I use during a sit, such as paper towels or food items?
This is a great question to ask in the lead-up to your house sit—and the answer often varies from sit to sit.
In general, most pet parents are happy for you to use up any perishable items in the fridge (such as eggs, milk, or anything else that would otherwise go bad), along with basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, herbs, spices, paper towels, and toilet paper. It’s best practice to replace anything you’ve used in full. While not required, it’s a thoughtful gesture to leave a few essentials for the pet parent’s return—like fresh bread, milk, or a small supply of coffee.
The key here is open, honest communication. Make sure expectations are clarified well before your sit begins.
Should you leave the pet parent a “welcome home” gift?
While not required, leaving a welcome gift is a lovely and memorable touch.
You don’t need to go over the top—a simple home-cooked meal (just check dietary needs or allergies first!), a nice bottle of wine, or a box of chocolates is always appreciated. Some sitters choose to leave a hand-drawn portrait of the pets—or even a playful “welcome home” card written from the pets’ point of view. If art isn’t your thing, a heartfelt note thanking the pet parent for trusting you with their home and animals goes a long way. It helps build trust, earns you that 5-star review, and may even lead to an invitation for a future sit!
Should sitters pay for utilities?
It’s rare for a pet parent to ask their sitter to contribute to utility bills. That said, this is a matter best discussed openly and agreed upon in advance—especially for longer-term sits.
If both parties are comfortable with a shared arrangement, it should be clearly negotiated and confirmed before the sit is finalized. Transparency and mutual agreement are essential.
Can I have someone stay in the home I am sitting?
No—sitters are not permitted to have third parties (such as friends or family members) stay overnight or enter the pet parent’s home without their explicit, prior consent.
Sometimes, sitters look for sits near where a family member lives and may want to invite them for tea. Or, during holidays, you might wonder if a friend could join for a festive dinner. In these cases, start the conversation early—well before the sit is confirmed. Some pet parents are happy to accommodate; others prefer privacy. Always respect their decision.
Can I take my own pet on a sit?
Yes—but only with the pet parent’s full knowledge and approval, arranged well in advance.
While it’s not common, some FurPetVo sitters do bring their own pets along. If this applies to you, mention it clearly in your profile and application message. Better yet, arrange a supervised meet-and-greet between the pets before the sit begins to ensure everyone gets along.
What’s the cleaning protocol when leaving a house sit?
Just as you’d expect to arrive at a clean, tidy home, it’s expected that you leave it in the same condition—or better.
Think: emptied trash bins, wiped-down countertops, laundered linens (if used), vacuumed or swept floors, and dishes washed and put away. A quick refresh—like fluffing cushions or replacing used towels—makes a big difference. For more detail, refer to the FurPetVo sitter cleaning checklist.
Can I post pictures online from my house sit?
Sharing joyful moments with adorable pets is natural—but online sharing requires care and respect.
Avoid posting anything that reveals the pet parent’s location (e.g., street signs, distinctive landmarks, or GPS-tagged photos), personal belongings, security details, or interior layouts. Always ask for permission before posting photos of the pets, the home, or any identifiable features. When in doubt, keep it private—or share only generic, non-identifying moments (like a paw print in the snow or a silhouette against a window).
Remember: trust is earned through consistency, kindness, and professionalism—and FurPetVo is here to support you every step of the way. Happy sitting!
