5 tips to write a great house-sitting listing (and find the right sitter)

A good house-sitting match starts with a good listing.

You're not just asking someone to feed your pets or water your plants — you're opening the door to your home and entrusting a part of your life to someone new. And that begins with how you present your home, your animals, and your expectations.

Here are five simple ways to write a house-sitting listing that’s clear, honest, and inviting — the kind that makes the right sitter feel like they’ve found their perfect place.

1. Begin with a warm and human introduction

The first few lines of your listing set the tone. Rather than diving straight into logistics, start with a few personal words about you, your home, and your pets.

What kind of environment do you live in? What’s the energy in your household? What are you hoping for in this exchange?

For example:

• “We’re a quiet couple living in a small village in the Alps, with two affectionate cats who love company.”
• “Our dog Max is part of the family — he’s getting older and prefers calm, gentle company these days.”

Think of it as the first step in a conversation — a chance to make someone feel welcome before they even write to you.

2. Describe your pets like only you can

Your pets are the heart of this experience — and probably the reason you’re here. Help sitters get to know them by sharing not just their needs, but their personalities too.

Include details like:

• Their names, breeds, and ages
• What they enjoy (or dislike)
• Daily routines: meals, walks, medication, bedtime habits
• Any quirks or special care instructions

The more clearly you describe your pets, the more likely you are to find someone who genuinely enjoys their company and feels confident caring for them.

3. Show what your home is like — simply and honestly

You don’t need to oversell your home — just paint a clear picture of where the sitter will be staying. Think of what you’d want to know if you were on the other side.

Mention:

• The type of home and location (city, countryside, remote, quiet, lively…)
• Key features: Wi-Fi, kitchen setup, workspace, garden or terrace
• Public transport access or nearby amenities
• Anything unique or important to know

Some people love rural areas, others prefer to be close to shops. Clear information helps the right sitter find you — and reduces the chances of mismatched expectations.

4. Be clear about what you need from your sitter

Being open and transparent about your expectations isn’t a burden — it’s a gift. It builds trust and sets the sitter up for success.

Share what matters to you:

• Pet care routines (walks, feeding times, vet protocols)
• Whether the pets can be left alone — and for how long
• House rules (e.g. no smoking, no guests, room access)
• Any extras like plant care or mail collection

The goal isn’t to make the job sound easy — it’s to be clear about what it really involves. That way, the person who applies will be someone who’s truly comfortable with what’s needed.

5. Add a few natural, welcoming photos

Photos make your listing come to life. They help sitters imagine themselves in your space, caring for your animals and feeling at home.

Include:

• A few clear photos of your pets — ideally in their usual environment
• The living space, especially where the sitter will sleep or spend time
• Outdoor areas or views, if relevant

No need for perfect staging — real, cozy images work best. A sun-drenched cat nap, a kitchen ready for coffee, a view from the garden… just enough to say: "This is us. You’re welcome here."

In a nutshell…

Your listing is more than a set of instructions — it’s the beginning of a shared experience. A few thoughtful words can make all the difference, opening the door to a sitter who truly fits your home, your animals, and your way of life.

At Nomador, we believe trust grows through clarity, kindness, and mutual respect. So take a moment to review your listing — and let it reflect not just what you need, but also who you are.

Your next great sitter might just be one heartfelt listing away!