Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for House Sitter Roles – 2025

Preparing for a house sitter job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your skills, reliability, and experience in taking care of people's homes. Whether you're applying for a role as a full-time house sitter, a part-time pet sitter, or a vacation sitter, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your previous house sitting experience.
  Answer: I have been a house sitter for the past 5 years, primarily for friends and family. I have also completed several house sitting assignments through online platforms such as Rover and Care.com.
• 2. What attracted you to the house sitting profession?
  Answer: I have always enjoyed taking care of homes and find it fulfilling to help others feel at ease while they are away. It also allows me to travel and experience different neighborhoods and cultures.
• 3. How do you handle unexpected situations while house sitting?
  Answer: I stay calm and assess the situation. If necessary, I reach out to the homeowner for guidance. If it's an emergency, I contact the appropriate authorities and keep the homeowner informed.
• 4. How do you prioritize your tasks while house sitting?
  Answer: I make a list of tasks and prioritize based on their urgency and importance. I also communicate with the homeowner to make sure their priorities are addressed first.
• 5. How do you handle conflicting instructions from homeowners?
  Answer: I respectfully communicate with the homeowner to clarify their expectations and come to a compromise if needed. If it goes against my values or beliefs, I will decline the house sitting assignment.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell me about a time when you had to handle an emergency while house sitting.
  Answer: Last year, while house sitting for a family, a water pipe burst in the basement. I quickly shut off the main water valve, called a plumber, and kept the homeowners updated. I also contacted their insurance company and took pictures for documentation.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you noticed something amiss while house sitting and how did you handle it?
  Answer: During a house sitting assignment, I noticed a strange odor coming from the kitchen sink. After investigating, I discovered that a pipe was leaking. I immediately contacted the homeowner and arranged for a plumber to fix the issue while they were away.
• 8. How have you handled a difficult homeowner in the past?
  Answer: I had a homeowner who was very particular about their plants and pets and gave me a long list of instructions and rules to follow. I listened attentively, asked for clarification when needed, and followed their instructions to the letter. I also sent them updates and pictures regularly to ease their worries.
• 9. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a homesick pet while house sitting.
  Answer: I was house sitting for a couple who had to travel for a month and had a very anxious dog. I made sure to give the dog extra attention and followed the owner's routine for walks and playtime. I also kept the dog's favorite toys and blankets nearby for comfort.
• 10. Have you ever encountered a security issue while house sitting? How did you handle it?
  Answer: While house sitting for a client, I noticed that their front door did not lock properly. I immediately contacted the homeowner and made arrangements for a locksmith to fix the issue. I also stayed at the house for extra security until it was resolved.

Situational Questions

• 11. If you noticed a major maintenance issue in the house, but the homeowner did not mention it before leaving, what would you do?
  Answer: I would first communicate with the homeowner about the issue and ask for their permission to handle it. If it was an urgent matter, I would take care of it immediately to avoid further damage. If not, I would wait for their instructions or find a professional to address the issue.
• 12. Imagine you are pet-sitting for a homeowner who forgot to mention that their dog needs medication every day. How would you handle this situation?
  Answer: I would first contact the homeowner to confirm the dosage and instructions for the medication. If I am unable to reach them, I would contact their regular veterinarian for advice. I would also monitor the dog's behavior and notify the homeowner of any concerns.
• 13. What would you do if the homeowner's alarm system suddenly goes off while you are house sitting?
  Answer: I would immediately contact the homeowner to confirm if they have any instructions on how to shut off the alarm. If they are unreachable, I would contact their security company for assistance.
• 14. How would you handle a power outage while house sitting for a client with a small baby?
  Answer: I would immediately check for any safety concerns and make sure the baby is comfortable. If possible, I would switch to a generator or find a nearby hotel or friend's house to stay until the power is restored. I would also keep the homeowners updated and follow their instructions.
• 15. If you noticed a water leak in the kitchen while house sitting and cannot reach the homeowner, how would you handle it?
  Answer: I would first try to locate and shut off the main water valve to prevent further damage. If I am unable to do so, I would contact the homeowner and ask for their permission to call a plumber. It is important to communicate and seek permission before hiring any professionals on the homeowner's behalf.

Technical Questions

• 16. What steps do you take to secure a house before leaving after a house sitting assignment?
  Answer: I make sure all doors and windows are locked, turn off lights and appliances, set the alarm system if available, and leave a note for the homeowner regarding any important information or issues that arose during their absence.
• 17. How do you maintain a house's cleanliness and order while house sitting?
  Answer: I follow a cleaning schedule that includes basic day-to-day tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and doing dishes. I also make sure to keep the house organized and tidy, and I am quick to clean up any messes that occur.
• 18. Can you give an example of a time when you had to perform a minor repair while house sitting?
  Answer: During a house sitting assignment, the toilet in the guest bathroom was leaking. I shut off the water and took apart the toilet tank to find and replace the broken part. I also made sure to clean up any water that had leaked.
• 19. What safety precautions do you take while house sitting?
  Answer: Before the homeowner leaves, I make sure to familiarize myself with any alarm systems, security codes, and emergency contact information. I also do a thorough check of all locks and make sure all windows and doors are secure.
• 20. Can you explain your experience with managing household budgets and expenses while house sitting?
  Answer: I am very diligent with keeping track of expenses and can provide a detailed budget report to the homeowner upon their return. I also have experience managing household expenses and can handle any unexpected costs that may arise during the house sitting period.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 21. How do you ensure that the homeowner's privacy and belongings are respected while house sitting?
  Answer: I treat the homeowner's property as if it were my own and make sure to respect their privacy at all times. I also ask for their permission before using any personal items or inviting guests over.
• 22. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a cultural misunderstanding while house sitting?
  Answer: While house sitting for a family from a different culture, I noticed a few practices that were unfamiliar to me. I asked questions to understand their customs and made sure to respect their beliefs and values during my stay.
• 23. How would you handle conflicts or disagreements with a homeowner while house sitting?
  Answer: I would calmly communicate with the homeowner to address any conflicts and try to come to a mutual understanding. I believe in respectful and open communication to reach a solution.
• 24. How do you handle cultural differences in pet care while house sitting in different countries?
  Answer: I research the cultural attitudes towards pets and proper pet care in the particular country beforehand. I also make sure to ask for specific instructions from the homeowner on their pet's care and follow any local laws and regulations.
• 25. How do you adapt to different living environments while house sitting for a client?
  Answer: I am adaptable and can comfortably live in a variety of environments. However, I make sure to communicate with the homeowner about any specific needs or preferences they may have to make my stay more comfortable.