Listings and profiles only tell you so much. The video call is where you actually meet – where you get a sense of personality, ask the questions that matter, and decide if this is the right fit.
Skip it at your peril. Forum posts are full of regrets: “We confirmed without a call and...” The 20-30 minutes you invest upfront can save weeks of difficulty later.
Why the video call matters
For homeowners
- • See if they're genuinely interested in your pets
- • Gauge their experience and competence
- • Check if their environment seems organised
- • Ask follow-up questions about their profile
- • Trust your gut about personality fit
For sitters
- • See the home and pets in real-time
- • Ask questions the listing didn't answer
- • Gauge the owner's expectations
- • Spot potential red flags
- • Trust your gut about the arrangement
Setting up for success
The basics
- Good lighting – face a window, don't sit in front of one
- Stable internet – test beforehand if uncertain
- Quiet environment – or warn about background noise
- Camera at eye level – not looking up your nose
Platform options
Most platforms don't have built-in video calling. Common options:
- • WhatsApp video – most widely used globally
- • Zoom – reliable, works without account for guests
- • FaceTime – Apple devices only
- • Google Meet – easy to share link
Exchange details via the platform's messaging first.
For homeowners: running the call
Structure that works
Brief chat to break the ice. Where are they now? How did they get into housesitting?
Introduce each pet. Describe their personality, routine, quirks. Let the sitter ask questions.
Walk through the key spaces. Show bedroom they'd use, kitchen, garden. Be honest about quirks.
Give them space to ask anything. Experienced sitters will have specific questions – that's a good sign.
Ask about their experience, how they'd handle situations, what they enjoyed about previous sits.
Be clear: “I'll get back to you by [date]” or “I'd like to confirm you – how does that sound?”
Questions that reveal character
- “What was your favourite sit, and why?” – Shows what they value
- “Have you had a challenging sit? How did you handle it?” – Reveals problem-solving
- “What would you do if [pet] stopped eating?” – Tests practical knowledge
- “How do you like to communicate with owners during a sit?” – Sets expectations
- “Is there anything about this sit that concerns you?” – Invites honesty
For a comprehensive checklist, see our Questions to Ask a Potential Housesitter guide.
For sitters: making an impression
What homeowners notice
Good signs
- • Asks about the pets by name
- • Has read the listing thoroughly
- • Asks specific, thoughtful questions
- • Mentions relevant experience naturally
- • Environment on camera looks tidy
- • Genuinely enthusiastic about the pets
Warning signs
- • Hasn't read the listing properly
- • Only asks about the location/home
- • Vague about their experience
- • Reluctant to show surroundings
- • Seems distracted or rushed
- • Asks questions already answered
Questions you should ask
Good questions show you're thorough and care about doing well. Ask about:
- The pet's routine – “Walk me through a typical day with [pet name]”
- Behaviour specifics – “How is she with other dogs on walks?”
- Alone time – “How long can they comfortably be left?”
- Emergency plans – “What's your vet situation? Who do I call if I can't reach you?”
- Their expectations – “What does a successful sit look like for you?”
- Cameras in the home – “Are there any indoor cameras or monitoring devices I should know about?” (See our red flags guide for why this matters.)
- Visitors and guests – “Are you comfortable with me having a friend visit, or is this a solo arrangement?” Better to know now than assume.
Request a virtual tour
It's completely reasonable to ask: “Would you mind showing me around a bit?” You want to see:
- • The bedroom you'd use (size of bed, storage space)
- • Kitchen (working condition, equipment)
- • Garden/outdoor space (for dogs especially)
- • General cleanliness and condition
- • The pets in their environment
Tip: Homeowners should be ready for this. If they seem reluctant or unprepared, that tells you something.
For a complete pre-acceptance checklist, see our Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Housesit guide.
Red flags on the call
For homeowners to watch
- More interested in location than pets
- Vague about their experience or schedule
- Pushing to confirm before asking questions
- Chaotic background or unprofessional manner
- Defensive when asked about past sits
For sitters to watch
- Negative about all previous sitters
- Reluctant to show home or pets
- Evasive about pet behaviour or routines
- Mentions responsibilities not in listing
- Excessive rules or controlling behaviour
Making the decision
After the call, trust your instincts. If something felt off, it probably was. If it felt right, it probably is.
For homeowners
- Don't feel pressured to decide immediately. “I'll be in touch within a few days” is fine.
- If talking to multiple sitters, be honest about your timeline.
- Second calls are okay if you need more information or want to introduce pets properly.
For sitters
- You can say no. If it doesn't feel right, politely decline. Better now than later.
- Ask for time if needed. “Can I get back to you tomorrow?” is reasonable.
- Request another call if important questions weren't covered.
What if they won't video call?
Some people genuinely struggle with video calls – anxiety, tech issues, hearing difficulties. A phone call is a reasonable alternative. But if someone refuses any live conversation before confirming, proceed with caution.
For sitters: If a homeowner confirms you instantly without any conversation, ask yourself why. They may be desperate (red flag) or just inexperienced (worth a conversation to set expectations).
The bottom line
A 20-30 minute video call is the single best investment you can make in a successful housesit. It surfaces potential problems, builds rapport, and gives both parties confidence to proceed – or the clarity to decline.
Never skip it. The few times you wish you hadn't will cost you far more than the time you spent on all the others.