Steven Sits | Pet & Home Sitting

Not a platform. A person.

It started in Portland, Oregon, USA. I ran a home-based dog boarding business on Rover—for several years and was the highest-rated sitter in my zip code. Concierge-level care. Daily photos. Proper meet-and-greets. Flexible late-night pickups when flights ran late.

Then I left the US and spent the better part of a decade traveling the world as a nomad. House sitting became one of my favorite parts of nomad life—real neighborhoods, real routines, real connection with animals. 30+ sits across North America, Central America, South America, and Europe. Always five stars.

I'm based in Carcavelos now. The Cascais–Lisbon corridor is home. And I'm offering private sitting services directly—no platform, no middleman, just a straightforward arrangement with someone who has been doing this seriously for a long time.

I'm also the founder of digital serenity—a digital life coach consultancy for expats in Portugal. If you're part of the expat community on the linha, there's a good chance we're only a degree or two apart.

The Simple Sit System

Overnight

The Pet Sit

€45/night

Your pets keep their exact routines. I'm home most of the time.

2-night minimum · dogs, cats & more · 1–2 pets same rate

Add-ons: 3rd pet or more +€10/night · weekly rate available for longer stays

Overnight

The House Sit

€38/night

Traveling but no animals at home? I still stay. Your plants get watered, your mail collected, your home stays lived-in and secure. Same attentiveness—just quieter.

2-night minimum · no pets required

Add-ons: weekly rate available for extended stays

Visit

The Proper Visit

€35/visit

Not your typical 20-minute pee break. I arrive, spend real time—a proper walk if that's what your dog wants, full feeding, genuine play, and a real photo update when I leave.

2 hours · dogs, cats & more

Add-ons: extra hour +€15 · visit bundles available at a reduced rate (ask about 3- and 6-packs)

Visit

The Half-Day

€55/visit

A full morning or afternoon with your pet. Perfect for longer day trips, a busy workday, or any time you need someone to genuinely be there for an extended stretch.

4 hours · dogs, cats & more

Add-ons: extra hour +€15 · recurring weekly arrangements available

All rates are confirmed before anything is booked. Special requirements, 3+ pets, extended stays, or anything outside the above—just ask. No surprises, ever.

A note on your home. Before a decade of sitting, I spent years in the construction defect claims industry. I know how buildings work—structurally and mechanically. After six years living in Portugal, I understand local apartments and homes specifically. If a pipe drips, a breaker trips, or something looks off while you're away, I know exactly what to do and who to call.

Let's start.

Message me on WhatsApp

Tell me your dates, your pets, and roughly where you are. I respond quickly—usually same day.

Short discovery call

We talk for 15–20 minutes. I want to understand your pets, their routines, any quirks or needs. You get to ask me anything. No commitment yet.

Meet & greet in person

For all overnight bookings—with animals or without—I come to your home first. We meet, I get the lay of the land, and we both make sure it's a good fit. Non-negotiable.

We agree to the details. You travel carefree.

Rates confirmed, care notes shared. You go—and I take it from there, with regular photo updates throughout.

Common questions.

What animals do you sit for?

Dogs and cats, mostly—but I've also sat for rabbits, fish, birds, chickens, goats, and a llama. If you have something out of the ordinary, just ask. I'm not easily rattled.

Is the meet & greet really always free?

Always. For overnight sits, a meet & greet isn't just free—it's required. I come to your home, meet your animals, learn the routines, and we get to decide together if it's a good fit. No commitment, no pressure.

Do you have a 2-night minimum for all overnight sits?

Yes, for both The Pet Sit and The House Sit. It's the minimum that makes sense for everyone—it takes one night just to settle into the home and get to know the animals properly. If you only need one night, feel free to reach out and we can talk through it.

How will I get updates while I'm away?

Daily photos via WhatsApp—always. You'll know your pets are fine without having to ask. If anything at all is worth flagging, I'll tell you right away.

What if my pet needs veterinary care while I'm away?

I'll contact you immediately and follow your instructions. Before every sit, we go over your preferred vet and any emergency procedures—so if something does happen, we're not figuring it out on the fly. I've been in this situation before and I know how to handle it calmly.

Do I need to book through a platform like TrustedHousesitters or Rover?

No. This is direct—no platform, no commission, no middleman. You contact me, we have a call, we agree the details, and that's it. Everything I've built on platforms simply shows you my track record. The actual arrangement is between us.

Can you handle medication or special health needs?

Often yes. We cover this in detail during the discovery call. I've administered daily medications, managed anxiety protocols, handled post-surgical care, and worked with senior animals. If your pet has specific needs, tell me—I'll be honest about whether I'm the right fit.

They stay
home

Not a platform. A person.