Homesitting Made Easy: Everything You Need To Know

Posted on 9 September, 2024

Photo by Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash

If you are retired and already starting to feel the desire for something more, you’re not alone. According to a report from Standard Life[i], 14% of retirees aged over 55 have gone back to work, however many are not opting to work in the same way as before. Rather than the traditional nine to five, they are seeking flexible, active and engaging opportunities that fit in with their new lifestyle.

Becoming a homesitter can offer the ideal solution. The role involves taking care of someone’s home and pet when they are away. It is a rewarding opportunity that combines staying active in retirement with the flexibility and fulfilment of caring for homes and pets.

At Homesitters, we proudly employ a large number of active retirees and are always on the lookout for new recruits. The main benefits for people are spending time with animals, travelling to new places and meeting people, all while providing a rewarding service for clients.

But what does the role actually involve? Here are our top five questions we are frequently asked by our homesitters.

1. Will I receive any training?

While formal training is not required, all our homesitters undergo a thorough screening and interview process before they are hired. At the interview we will discuss your pet care experience and the type of assignments that will suit you most, which means we can match you to the right assignments.

We also set up a preliminary meeting before the assignment where you can meet the client and their pets. We suggest a checklist of questions for you to take with you so you can find out everything you need to know about the house and any pets and their routines before you get started. This way, you can go away feeling prepared and confident on familiar territory.

2. Do I have to stay at home all day?

Only if you would like to! Our goal is to take a balanced approach, ensuring as homesitters you take full responsibility for client’s homes and pets while still giving you the freedom to explore your new surroundings. You can leave the property multiple times a day, but your time should not exceed three consecutive hours during daylight or one hour after dark.

Many of our homesitters have thoroughly enjoyed exploring areas through local walks and National Trust sites, making it an ideal way for retirees to stay active and engaged while fulfilling their duties.

3. What if something goes wrong on assignment?

Things go wrong sometimes, it happens! Fortunately, we support both parties if anything unexpected occurs. We directly employ all our homesitters, providing a unique safety net not found in other roles. Our 24-hour support ensures that if a homesitters falls ill or has a personal emergency, a replacement is quickly provided.

We also have employer’s liability insurance for all our employees and a client liaison executive who regularly communicates with you to ensure everything runs smoothly when you are on assignment.

4. How long are the homesits?

A homesit can last about two weeks on average, but there are plenty of opportunities to sit for weekends or much longer periods of time. This flexibility is the cornerstone of homesitting, allowing for a personalised experience tailored to an individual’s preferences and at their discretion.

5. How much will I earn as a homesitter?

Becoming a homesitter offers a fulfilling and flexible career with modest pay. As of 1st April 2024, a two-week assignment caring for a home and a dog includes a minimum payment of £196.28 (PAYE).

Not only this, but you’ll also receive a daily food allowance of £148.40 (tax free) and mileage reimbursement at £0.45 per mile (tax free). For homesitters doing assignments over the festive bank holidays, additional pay is provided for each of the three bank holidays.

Homesitting is an attractive option for those looking to boost pension income or even save on energy bills, all while enjoying a unique experience that for many feels like going on a mini-break!

Are you ready to experience the rewarding world of homesitting? Embrace this unique opportunity that offers both responsibility and the freedom to explore! Visit our website to discover more and apply today we would love to hear from you – your next fulfilling adventure is just a step away!

[1] https://www.standardlife.co.uk/about/press-releases/14-percent-of-retirees-have-returned-to-work 

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