How to Become a House Sitter in France: The Complete Beginner's Guide

House sitting involves looking after a home and its pets while the owners are away, by staying on-site. It's a structured exchange activity between individuals that attracts more and more people in France: students, retirees, remote workers, animal lovers.

This guide explains step by step how to become a house sitter on Guardiens, what is expected of you, and how to land your first assignment.

What is a house sitter?

A house sitter is a trusted person who stays in an owner's home to look after their house and pets during their absence. Unlike a kennel, the pet remains in its familiar environment, maintaining its routine, and the house is occupied, which brings peace of mind to everyone.

The exchange does not involve monetary payment between individuals: free accommodation is the natural counterpart for the service rendered.

Step 1: Create your guardian profile

On Guardiens, registration is free today, and no end date has been set. When you register, choose the “guardian” role. You will then access the dedicated space.

For an owner to contact you, your profile must be at least 60% complete:

• A clear photo of you (face visible, no sunglasses)
• An honest introduction: who you are, why you house-sit, what you enjoy
• Your date of birth and location
• Your experience with animals (species, duration, context)
• Your availability

The more precise your profile is, the more likely you are to be chosen. An empty or vague profile does not inspire confidence.

Step 3: Land your first assignment

This is the step that worries beginners the most. Here are the strategies that truly work:

Apply quickly and effectively. Assignments are often taken within a few hours. Activate alerts by zone (up to three geographical areas) to be notified as soon as an ad matches your criteria.

Personalize each message. A generic copy-paste is a disqualifier. Mention the pet's name, reference a detail from the ad, and explain in two sentences why you are the right person for that specific assignment.

Accept short assignments initially. A weekend or three days are enough to get your first review. With two or three positive reviews, your response rate will double.

Propose a video call. Owners are always hesitant before the first meeting. A fifteen-minute call can resolve 90% of their doubts.

Take on small mutual aid tasks. On Guardiens, mutual aid (walks, visits, emergency help) remains free and unlimited. It's an excellent way to meet owners in your local area and build a local reputation without long-term commitment.

How long until you can live off house sitting?

Let's be clear: house sitting is not a remunerated activity in France. You are not paid in money, you save on accommodation costs. For a digital nomad, a remote worker, or someone in a life transition, this can represent several hundred euros of savings per month.

Generally, expect:

• 1 to 3 months to secure your first assignment
• 6 months to build a solid reputation (Super Guardian status)
• 1 year to have a continuously full calendar if you are mobile

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need insurance to be a house sitter?

Your personal liability insurance (included in most home insurance policies) covers you in most cases. Check the conditions with your insurer and report the activity if it becomes regular.

Is house sitting declared for tax purposes?

No, as long as the exchange remains a reciprocal service without financial compensation between individuals. If you charge for your services, that is a different activity (professional pet sitter) that falls under the micro-entrepreneur status.

How many assignments can one do per year?

There's no limit. Some guardiens take on assignments all year round, others do a few per season. It's up to you to define your rhythm.

Can one be a house sitter and an owner at the same time?

Yes. On Guardiens, you can activate both spaces from your account. The owner space remains free, without limits.