It was spring 2019. Our low-season rental contract was nearing an end and our UK house sale had stalled again. We were on the verge of abandoning the Portuguese dream when a friend suggested pet sitting.
Free accommodation all summer in return for caring for some cute animals? It sounded too good to be true. We joined Mind My House and were offered the only sits we applied for: two months looking after cats, a pool and garden in Andalusia and six weeks on an Alentejan farm. Pet sitting got us out of a tight spot; no matter that we worked tirelessly.
Fast forward to 2025. With six cats and no family here, we now need pet sitters ourselves. So what’s involved?
Trust
Pet sits, home sits and even house swaps rely on one thing above all else: trust. When you think about it, you’re trusting a stranger with a lot – your home, your beloved pets and your privacy.
They will be investing emotionally and financially in their trip to the Algarve.
The right fit
Some people ask friends to stay; however, if you prefer a more formal arrangement, there are websites which specialise in pet/home sitting. Mind My House is free to those seeking a sitter. Trusted Housesitters offers annual plans ranging from $139 to $269. Both sites invite reviews and provide checklists and advice for owners and sitters.
Living in the Algarve certainly helps. Our advertisements always attract interest, although it probably helps that we only have cats.
We mostly choose pet sitters who are already in Portugal, have firm travel plans which include the country, i.e. flights booked, or are a short flight away.
Be clear
Whichever platform you use, your advertisement should be comprehensive and honest. Clarify exactly what is expected from both sides.
Do you need someone to be home the majority of the time – or just around to feed your pets? Digital nomads might be the better option for the former; retirees may want to be out exploring.
What type of accommodation are you offering? Are you providing a car? Or are there good public transport options?
Transport is actually a biggie. We’ve had applicants asking us to cover their flight costs and/or pick them up from the airport (45 minutes away).
List each animal’s needs (feeding, medication, behaviour issues) and share photographs.
The ‘interview’
Once we’ve made our shortlist, we arrange to talk to them in a video call. We’re looking for someone who is reliable, competent and trustworthy. Experience helps, but it’s someone’s love of animals which matters most.
Recently, we’ve noticed the emergence of a new breed of ‘professional sitters’ who view pet sitting as an affordable way of travelling the world. They come with great references but can have an extensive list of requirements, e.g. minimum bed size, pool, use of a car, etc. You may feel – as we have – that you are the ones being interviewed!
The handover
While the handover can feel awkward, we’ve found two nights works best. That second day means you don’t need to bombard someone with information – and gives them an opportunity to relax around your pets.
We invite them to join us for dinner, while recognising that travel is tiring and they may prefer privacy. Flexibility is key.
If your pet sitter has no transport, offer to take them shopping. Go through written instructions and provide contact numbers, i.e. neighbours, friends, vet, emergency healthcare, etc.
The sit
Hopefully, any concerns will disappear when your pet sitter arrives. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy your holiday. Make it clear you’re available if they have more questions or there is an emergency, but resist the urge for continual contact.
Afterwards
Unless your pet sitters are dreadful, resist leaving a bad review. It works both ways and people have different expectations and standards. Breakages happen and items get mislaid. Coming home to happy cats is the purr-fect end to a relaxing holiday.
