Visiting the Caribbean, with its beautiful turquoise waters, vibrant landscapes, and sun-kissed shores feels like a dream to most. But what if we told you there’s a way to experience these islands not as a fleeting visitor but as a temporary local, with the warmth of a home and the companionship of furry friends? Welcome to the life of house sitting in the Caribbean—a journey my partner and I embarked on, finding ourselves in the Caribbean islands of Grenada, Barbados, and the US Virgin Islands, without the cost of traditional accommodations.
What is House Sitting?
House sitting, in essence, is an exchange of trust. Homeowners leave their home and beloved pets in your care, whether its a few weeks or months, granting you free accommodation (and usually use of a vehicle) in return. It’s a simple concept with profound implications for how we travel and connect with our destinations. Our journey through Trusted Housesitters opened the door to international house sitting, where we were able to slow travel through the Caribbean, and see each country, from a different point of view.
Why Trusted Housesitters?
We have used Trusted Housesitters for over 5 years now, and have found it as an easy to navigate, well thought out platform for connecting house owners with house sitters. Both parties commit to an annual subscription, selecting from a variety of plans tailored to their needs. Much like Airbnb, after each of the house sitting assignments, both the homeowner and sitter have the opportunity to leave reviews. This feature fosters transparency and builds confidence, allowing users to make informed decisions based on past experiences.
- Global Reach: While its network spans the globe, Trusted Housesitters allow you to zoom into desired locations, whether you want to house sit in the United States, New Zealand, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and more.
- Built on Trust: The platform emphasizes verification and reviews, ensuring that both sitters and homeowners can engage with confidence. Home owners and house sitters are rated out of 5 stars on a range of factors.
- Community and Support: For standard and premium plans, you can get free, unlimited advice from veterinary experts available 24/7. The platform enhances communication by facilitating direct chats between sitters and homeowners and organizes sits into an easy-to-follow schedule, with useful tips for every step of your house sitting journey.
How to become a House Sitter in the Caribbean
Registering on Trusted Housesitters is as easy and straight forward. Here’s how to begin:
- Create a Compelling Profile: Your profile is your CV. It’s where you share your love for pets, your experiences, and why you’re the perfect sitter. We included photos of our previous sits, testimonials, and a glimpse into our travel-loving souls, ensuring homeowners could feel our passion and reliability.
- Search with Purpose: The platform’s robust search features allowed us to tailor our search for Caribbean houses, filtering by dates, locations, and types of pets. This focus led us to our dream sits, from beachfront homes in Barbados to cliffside homes in the Virgin Islands and boutique bungalows in Grenada.
- Apply with Heart: When we found sits that resonated with us, we applied with a personalized message that reflected our genuine interest and how we could contribute to the homeowners’ peace of mind. Each application was a promise of care and adventure.
Why Choose House Sitting in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean, with its gin-clear waters, warm climate, and welcoming communities, makes for an idyllic house sitting destination. Each island offers its own unique charm, however, like any paradise, it comes with its own set of considerations. But what is it like to live in the Caribbean? Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of choosing the Caribbean for your next house sitting / pet sitting adventure.
Pros:
- Stunning Natural Beauty: House sitting here means your backyard could be a world-class beach or a hidden tropical garden.
- Warm Climate Year-Round: The Caribbean’s warm weather is perfect for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor living at its finest.
- Cultural Richness: Each island’s unique blend of cultures offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
- Community and Lifestyle: The Caribbean lifestyle is all about taking it easy and enjoying the moment.
- Diverse Experiences: From snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and fish, to hiking to lush jungle waterfalls, house sitting in the Caribbean offers a wealth of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Cons:
- Island Time: The relaxed pace of life can be a challenge at times. Things may not happen as quickly or efficiently as you’re used to, which can be an adjustment for those on a tight schedule.
- Weather Extremes: While the climate is generally a plus, the Caribbean is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly from June to November. This requires vigilance in preparation and awareness and good communication with home owners.
- Remote Locations: Some house sits may be off the beaten path, offering incredible privacy and tranquility but also posing challenges for transportation and access to amenities.
- Cost of Living: Depending on the island, the cost of groceries and fuel can be high due to importation costs. Planning and budgeting become crucial, especially for longer stays.
- Infrastructure Variability: The quality of infrastructure, including internet reliability, can vary greatly from one location to another, which might affect those planning to work remotely or needing consistent connectivity.
Our Caribbean House Sitting Highlights
- Grenada: We were lucky enough to do multiple sits in Grenada, with some being return sits over multiple years. We cared for some beautiful dogs and cats in some incredible places, from lush tropical resorts, to beach side villas. These furry friends were our guides on adventures through rainforests, lazy beach days under the sun, and swimming in crystal-clear waters, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in Grenada’s natural wonders.
- Barbados: The vibrant energy of Barbados captured our hearts, with its bustling streets, rich rum heritage, and stunning coastal views. Our house sitting assignment here blessed us with the care of two endearing cats, set against the backdrop of a stunning home with panoramic views of the ocean. The experience was a beautiful blend of relaxation and exploration, embodying the spirited lifestyle of Barbados.
- US Virgin Islands: Every morning greeted us with breathtaking views of the British Virgin Islands and the pristine waters surrounding St. John. Doing multi-year sits for two lovable dogs led us on countless walks along some of the most idyllic beaches in the Caribbean. These moments not only allowed us to bond with the amazing Boca and Tuna dog, but also to soak in the unparalleled beauty of the US Virgin Islands, making this one of our favourite luxury house sitting jobs.
Making the Most of Your House Sitting Experience
- Be Proactive: Check listings daily and apply quickly. The early bird does indeed catch, the beachfront home.
- Communicate: Keep the homeowners updated with photos and messages. This builds trust and can lead to more sitting opportunities.
- Embrace Local Life: Use your house sit as an opportunity to dive into the local culture. Attend community events, try local cuisines, and make friends.
Interested in having us House Sit for you in the Caribbean?
If you’re planning a getaway or a visit home, and need someone to care for your home and pets in the Caribbean, we’re here to help. Our extensive experience across Grenada, Barbados, and the US Virgin Islands makes us the perfect candidates to ensure your home is in safe hands.
Feel the peace of mind on your travels knowing your home and furry friends are cared for. Contact us if you need a reliable house and pet sitter in the Caribbean!
Aaron is one of the co-founders of The Dharma Trails. His background in marine eco tourism and writing have blended together to create the eco travel platform read by users around the world.
