On TrustedHouseSitters. com you can search based on sitters that don’t require payment and others that do. Although the majority will house sit free of charge in return for a free retreat. This provides a win-win for both parties and as no money is changing hands then it is seem more as someone helping you out, so they are not there to do a job but do of course have a responsibility to care for your home and pets.
Many house sitting agencies arrange services for the mutual benefit of the person watching the house and the house owners. They do not ask for extra compensation beyond the house and utilities. For example, if you plan to leave for a long period of time, then utilities could be paid in exchange for housing and simple house chores.
Taking care of a pet should be seen as 2 jobs. Pets are often much happier staying at home and being cared for by someone they know. Settle on a fair daily wage for watching pets, or a few hundred dollars for watching over weeks or months. Intensive cleaning of the house or grounds should be considered as a job. While routine cleaning is usual with any house guest, if you have hired a house sitter to live in and maintain a vacation home and they have to deep clean or stock the kitchen regularly for guests, then they should be paid an hourly wage for that time. Fixing up the house should be considered an hourly job, unless you are giving someone a place to rent for a long period of time.
