Beyond the platforms
For years, the path to finding a housesitter was straightforward: join a platform, post your listing, wait for applications, pick from whoever applies. It works. Millions of successful sits have happened this way.
But increasingly, homeowners and sitters are connecting differently. Facebook groups, word of mouth, personal websites, direct referrals. The reasons vary: avoiding platform fees, wanting to choose a specific sitter, building ongoing relationships, or simply preferring direct communication.
The question isn't whether to use a platform. Both approaches work. The question is: how do you verify someone's experience when you're not relying on a platform to do it for you?
Where people find sitters directly
Facebook groups
Regional housesitting groups have exploded. Some are free, some allow paid arrangements. Quality varies wildly.
Word of mouth
The most trusted method. “Our friends used this couple and they were wonderful.” Gold, but hard to scale.
Repeat bookings
Many sitters and homeowners who meet on platforms continue the relationship directly. The platform becomes a starting point.
Sitter directories
Curated lists of verified sitters. Homeowners browse and contact directly. Quality depends on the verification process.
The verification challenge
When a platform handles verification, they check ID, references, and background (in some cases). They also accumulate reviews over time. When you go direct, you're the one who needs to verify.
The internet is full of people claiming to be “experienced housesitters.” How do you know if someone's 50 glowing reviews actually exist? How do you distinguish genuine expertise from enthusiasm?
What to look for
- Verifiable reviews from a recognised platform (not just testimonials)
- Consistent history – years of housesitting, not just a few months
- References you can actually contact
- Clear communication and professional responses
- Willingness to do a video call before committing
- Specific experience with your type of pet/situation
For a thorough approach, see our complete vetting guide – it covers everything from reading between review lines to structuring video calls.
Benefits of direct arrangements
The risks to manage
- No platform mediation if something goes wrong
- Verification is on you – claims need checking
- No cancellation insurance (unless the sitter has their own)
- Payment terms need agreeing directly
- Less recourse for disputes
These risks are real, but manageable. The key is working with sitters whose experience is genuinely verified, and agreeing clear terms upfront.
When Direct Arrangements Go Wrong
Most direct arrangements work out fine. But when they don't, you're on your own. Here's what actually happens:
The “Experienced Sitter” Who Wasn't
“Unless your sitter is from the USA – there are very little checks done by the company, one review and an ID check only.”
— Trustpilot review on platform vetting
Anyone can claim experience. “I've done 30 sits” means nothing without proof. Profiles disappear. Testimonials can be fabricated. Without verifiable reviews from a recognised source, you're trusting words alone.
No Recourse When Things Go Wrong
“A sitter destroyed an expensive murphy bed, attempted to cover it up, lied about what happened, and neglected our dog. Despite video evidence, the company only gave the sitter a warning.”
— Host, Sitejabber
With a platform, you at least have someone to complain to (even if their response is inadequate). Direct arrangements have no intermediary. If something goes wrong, it's between you and the sitter – and small claims court if you're lucky.
The Facebook Group Gamble
Facebook housesitting groups are booming – and so are the horror stories. No verification. No review history. Anyone can present themselves however they want.
Common issues: Sitters who ghost. “Professionals” with no track record. Disputes that go nowhere because there's no evidence trail.
What Makes Direct Arrangements Actually Work
The difference between a great direct arrangement and a disaster comes down to verification. Here's what that actually means:
- 1.Verifiable platform reviews
Not testimonials on a website. Actual reviews from THS, Nomador, MindMyHouse – platforms where reviews can be confirmed. If someone claims 50 reviews, you should be able to see them.
- 2.Consistent history
Years of housesitting, not months. Someone who's been doing this since 2018 is different from someone who started last year.
- 3.Contactable references
Ask for homeowner references you can actually call or email. Good sitters have happy hosts who'll vouch for them.
- 4.Written agreement
Terms, dates, responsibilities, payment, cancellation policy. Not just a WhatsApp chat. A document you both sign. See our housesitting agreement guide or download our free housesitting agreement template.
- 5.Video call first
Before committing. Discuss the pets, the home, the expectations. Red flags often appear in conversation.
Where Verified Sitters Fit In
This is the problem directories like ours exist to solve. Not a booking platform – just a way to find sitters whose experience has been verified through their actual platform data. See how our curated directory works. Every sitter has 20+ reviews from recognised platforms. You can see their history, then contact them directly.
We're not the only option. Word of mouth works. Repeat bookings with sitters you've already tried work. The point is: don't skip verification just because you're going direct. The extra effort protects both sides.
The bottom line
Finding a housesitter directly can be excellent – more choice, no fees, real relationships. But it only works if you can verify experience properly. That's where curation matters. Work with sitters whose track record is proven, and direct arrangements become the best of both worlds.