Glenn Bauer on His New Book “Housesitters Unleashed — How To Housesit Like a Pro”

“My main motivation was to help improve the quality and professionalism of housesitting. There are so many capable, caring people offering this service, but the standards and expectations aren’t always clear. I wanted to bring structure to that, to share the systems, checklists, and mindset that make a sitter truly reliable and trusted. Interestingly, as I wrote the book, I found the process gave me a deeper understanding of my own approach. Things I’d been doing instinctively for years suddenly made sense; I could see more clearly why they worked. Writing it helped crystallise the principles behind what we do every day and that clarity, I hope, will help others approach housesitting with greater confidence and care.”

“That housesitting isn’t just about the transaction. It’s about stepping into someone’s world, caring for their animals, and safeguarding their home with integrity. It’s part hospitality, part animal whisperer, part operations manager. Whether you’re twenty-something with a laptop or newly retired and seeking purpose, it’s a lifestyle rooted in responsibility and reward.”

“Professionalism is in the details. It’s turning up early, asking the right questions, keeping pets calm, and leaving the home exactly as you found it, sometimes tidier. It’s also about security awareness, discretion, and data privacy. Many homeowners entrust us with alarm codes, key safes, and confidential routines. Respecting that trust is at the heart of what we do.”

“They’ll find toolkits, literally. Packing lists, emergency scripts, checklists, and emergency protocols. But also mindset guidance: how to stay calm when things go wrong, how to communicate clearly, and how to market yourself as a sitter worth re-booking. It’s a blend of practical how-to and professional ethos.”

“It’s written from lived experience and grounded in professionalism. There’s no fluff, no Instagram gloss, just hard-earned lessons, a little humour, and above all, practical guidence. It’s also a bridge between sitters and homeowners. Even property owners who’ve never considered a sitter will understand what makes a great one after reading.”

“Buy Housesitters Unleashed! Haha! No, to be serious, start small. Offer to sit for friends or neighbours to gain references. Be reliable, communicate clearly, and treat every assignment like an interview for the next one. And don’t underestimate the value of preparation; from knowing where to find the stop-cock to reading pet body language.”