What Makes A Great House Sitter

House sitting jobs in New Zealand are built on trust. Kiwi homeowners are opening their doors to strangers, and leaving behind their most valuable personal possessions, beloved pets, and the comforts of home. Many sitters can do a ‘good’ job — they’ll show up, follow the basic instructions, and keep things ticking over. But what transforms a good house sitter into a ‘great’ one? The difference often lies in attention to detail, communication, and the level of care.

Here’re ten key areas where ‘great’ house sitters set themselves apart from ‘good’ ones:

1. Proactive Communication

Good house sitters only check in if necessary. Great Kiwi house sitters will communicate proactively. They ask thoughtful questions before the sits begin — about pet quirks, emergency contacts, or the mail — showing that they’re already thinking ahead. During the sit they will send updates (with photos of happy pets or thriving plants) on a regular basis to reassure homeowners everything is running smoothly during their absence.

2. Respect For The Home

Good NZ house sitters leave the houses as they found them. Great house sitters leave things better — noticing a full trash bin and emptying it, wiping down counters, mowing the lawns, cleaning a few windows, replenishing the pantry, and making sure there is ample food staples (e.g. milk, cereal, bread, butter, cheese, eggs etc) ready for when the homeowners return. These sitters treat the home with the utmost care, cleanliness, and a stringent respect for the homeowners’ privacy.

3. Going The Extra Mile For Pets

Pet care is often at the heart of house sitting. A good sitter feeds the pets, walks the dog, and keeps litter boxes clean. A great sitter goes beyond the rudimentary chores. They play with the pets, learn each animal’s preferences, and keep a close watch for signs of stress or illness. Some will even have pet first aid knowledge and make sure they know the local vet’s exact contact details — showing serious care and responsibility.

4. Problem-Solving And Initiative

Unexpected things happen — a leaking pipe, a sick pet, a power cut. Good sitters report the issue. Great sitters calmly solve the issue. They call a plumber, get the pet to the vet, or handle things responsibly before needing to disturb the homeowners’ holiday. They’re proactive, practical, and think on their feet.

5. Thoughtful Finishing Touches

Good sitters finish the job. Great sitters welcome the owners home — changing bed linens, mowing the lawn, leaving a note or small gesture like flowers, baking, chocolates, or a ready meal. It shows pride in the role and leaves a lasting, positive impression.

6. References, Reviews, And Reputation

Great house sitters know that trust is earned. They build solid reputations by gathering references, reviews, or even creating a simple portfolio of happy clients. This reassures homeowners they’re choosing someone experienced, professional, and reliable — not just someone passing through.

7. Insurance And Security Awareness

Great house sitters think ahead about ‘what if’ situations. Some carry their own liability insurance or double-check homeowners’ policies. They’re also mindful of security — setting alarms, handling smart cameras appropriately, and safeguarding the home with extra care.

8. Adaptability And Flexibility

Some homeowners will need to adjust their departure or return dates due to delayed flights or bad weather, or the owners may have to come home early for an unexpected funeral. A good sitter sticks to the script — but a great sitter is adaptable, calm under pressure, and flexible if homeowners need to change their plans due to a last-minute ‘hiccup’. That peace of mind is priceless for the owners.

9. Tech-Savviness

Modern homes come with their quirks — smart locks, security cameras, Wi-Fi routers, and advanced appliances. A great sitter is tech-savvy enough to handle minor troubleshooting, reset a tripped breaker, or navigate smart home systems without needing constant help.

10. Building Long-Term Relationships

The best house sitters don’t just do the job — they build trust and relationships. Many homeowners prefer a particular sitter so much they book them time and again, or even recommend them to friends. Long-term relationships benefit both sides, turning house sitting into a rewarding, ongoing arrangement.

Final Words

The difference between a good house sitter and a great one is the difference between performing a task and truly caring. Great sitters approach the role with professionalism, empathy, and responsibility. They anticipate needs, solve problems, and treat the home and pets as their own — providing the ultimate peace of mind. In the end, great house sitting isn’t just about looking after a house — it’s about providing reassurance, building trust, and delivering a service homeowners remember and recommend.