Top 10 Best House Sitter in Shanghai (Verified & Reviewed Guide)

Introduction

Finding a reliable House Sitter in Shanghai is often less about convenience and more about peace of mind—especially if you travel frequently, manage an additional residence, or need someone to keep a home secure and “lived-in” while you’re away.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a House Sitter typically does in Shanghai, what it should cost, what to ask before booking, and which well-known services and platforms can help you hire safely.

This list was evaluated using publicly available information when known (service scope, screening/verification options, clarity of policies, and reputation signals). Many House Sitter arrangements in Shanghai happen privately (WeChat referrals, building networks), and those options often don’t publish enough details to verify in a directory-style review—so they are not included here.

About House Sitter

A House Sitter looks after your home while you’re away. In Shanghai, that commonly includes regular check-ins, basic housekeeping, managing deliveries, and coordinating with building management (物业) or compound security. Some House Sitter assignments also include pet care, plant care, and handling service appointments.

You might need a House Sitter in Shanghai when you’re traveling for work, leaving the city for holidays, relocating temporarily, or managing a second home. House sitting can also be useful during renovations—someone can be present to receive workers, supervise access, and document issues.

Average cost in Shanghai: Not publicly stated as a citywide standard. Pricing varies widely based on whether you need quick drop-in checks vs. overnight stays, whether pets are included, location (central vs. outer districts), and how much responsibility you’re delegating. Many providers quote case-by-case.

Licensing/certifications: Shanghai does not have a single, universally required “house sitter license” publicly stated for this role. Some sitters may have training in housekeeping, childcare, or pet care; some platforms offer identity verification or references. Requirements can also vary depending on whether you hire through a company, a platform, or directly.

Key takeaways

• House sitting usually means home security + routine care, not deep cleaning.
• Define responsibilities clearly: keys, access rules, pets, plants, visitors, emergencies.
• Expect pricing to vary / depend on duties, frequency, and whether overnight presence is required.
• Prefer providers with verifiable profiles, references, and clear policies.

How We Selected the Best House Sitter in Shanghai

We focused on options that Shanghai residents can realistically use and that have at least some verifiable, publicly accessible information.

Selection criteria:

• Years of experience: Company/platform operating history when publicly stated, and whether experience is visible on sitter profiles (varies by platform).
• Verified customer review signals (publicly available only): On-site references/reviews when accessible; otherwise Not publicly stated.
• Service range: Ability to cover Shanghai (Pudong/Puxi) and common house-sitting tasks.
• Pricing transparency: Whether pricing, membership fees, or quoting practices are clearly explained.
• Local reputation: Evidence of a meaningful user base in Shanghai when publicly observable; otherwise Not publicly stated.

Only publicly available information is used where confidently known. Where details such as phone numbers, pricing schedules, or review summaries are not publicly stated, they are marked accordingly rather than guessed.

About Shanghai

Shanghai is one of China’s most international and mobile cities, with frequent domestic and international travel, a high concentration of expat households, and a large rental market—conditions that naturally increase demand for House Sitter support.

Demand tends to rise around major travel periods and when residents travel for business. Building access procedures, elevator booking rules, delivery handling, and coordination with property management can be important practical details for any House Sitter working in Shanghai.

Key neighborhoods commonly served (varies by provider):

• Jing’an (静安)
• Huangpu (黄浦)
• Xuhui (徐汇)
• Changning (长宁)
• Pudong / Lujiazui (浦东 / 陆家嘴)
• Hongqiao (虹桥) and nearby areas
• Minhang (闵行)
• Putuo (普陀)
• Yangpu (杨浦)

District coverage depends on the sitter’s location, willingness to travel, and whether you require daily visits or live-in support.

Top 5 Best House Sitter in Shanghai

Note: While this post title references “Top 10,” only a limited number of house-sitting providers/platforms have enough publicly verifiable information to list responsibly without inventing details. Many Shanghai house sitters operate via private referrals and do not publish business profiles, policies, or reviews.

#1 — TrustedHousesitters

• Rating (format: 4.7/5 or “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Years of Experience
  Not publicly stated

• Services Offered
  House-sitting matching platform; typically includes live-in house sitting, pet care add-ons when agreed, profile-based matching, and in-platform messaging (service details vary / depend on sitter and listing).

• Price Range
  Not publicly stated (membership model; pricing varies by plan and region)

• Contact Phone
  Not publicly stated

• Contact Email (if available)
  Not publicly stated

• Website (if available)
  https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

• Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)

• Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.)
  Premium-minded homeowners who want a structured matching platform and are comfortable managing selection, communication, and expectations with the sitter directly.

#2 — PetBacker

• Rating (format: 4.7/5 or “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Years of Experience
  Not publicly stated

• Services Offered
  Pet sitting and related home-visit services (often aligned with house-sitting tasks such as check-ins, feeding, litter/cleanup, basic home presence). Availability and exact service scope vary / depend by provider profile.

• Price Range
  Not publicly stated (typically per booking; varies by service type and duration)

• Contact Phone
  Not publicly stated

• Contact Email (if available)
  Not publicly stated

• Website (if available)
  https://www.petbacker.com/

• Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)

• Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.)
  Pet-focused households that primarily need reliable in-home check-ins while away (cats/dogs), with house-sitting as part of the visit.

#3 — 58到家 (58 Daojia)

• Rating (format: 4.7/5 or “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Years of Experience
  Not publicly stated

• Services Offered
  On-demand home services marketplace (commonly includes housekeeping and home help; house-sitting-style “home watch” may be arranged as part of domestic services depending on availability and local offerings).

• Price Range
  Not publicly stated (varies by service category, duration, and worker level)

• Contact Phone
  Not publicly stated

• Contact Email (if available)
  Not publicly stated

• Website (if available)
  https://www.daojia.com/

• Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)

• Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.)
  Practical, task-based support (cleaning, basic home help) where you want a larger marketplace and are clear about the exact duties you need.

#4 — HouseCarers

• Rating (format: 4.7/5 or “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Years of Experience
  Not publicly stated

• Services Offered
  House-sitting listing platform; homeowners post sits and review applications. Duties depend on your listing (home presence, plant care, pet care if included).

• Price Range
  Not publicly stated (membership model; details vary)

• Contact Phone
  Not publicly stated

• Contact Email (if available)
  Not publicly stated

• Website (if available)
  https://www.housecarers.com/

• Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)

• Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.)
  Budget-conscious homeowners comfortable screening applicants, checking references, and setting detailed written expectations.

#5 — MindMyHouse

• Rating (format: 4.7/5 or “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Years of Experience
  Not publicly stated

• Services Offered
  House-sitting listing site for connecting homeowners and sitters; responsibilities vary by arrangement (often includes home presence, light care tasks, and pet care if agreed).

• Price Range
  Not publicly stated (membership/participation costs vary; see website)

• Contact Phone
  Not publicly stated

• Contact Email (if available)
  Not publicly stated

• Website (if available)
  https://www.mindmyhouse.com/

• Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)

• Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”)
  Not publicly stated

• Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.)
  Longer trips where you can plan ahead, interview candidates, and create a thorough handover checklist.

Comparison Table

Cost of Hiring a House Sitter in Shanghai

Average price range: Not publicly stated as a consistent Shanghai market rate. In practice, what you pay depends on whether you’re booking:

• Drop-in check-ins (short visits to verify the home is fine, water plants, collect packages)
• Daily visits (more involved routine care)
• Overnight or live-in sitting (highest responsibility and time commitment)

Emergency pricing: Not publicly stated as a standard. Last-minute bookings commonly cost more, especially during peak travel weeks or if the sitter must commute across the city.

What affects cost in Shanghai

• Frequency and duration: one-time check vs. multi-week arrangement
• Overnight presence: live-in usually costs more than drop-ins
• Pets: feeding, walking, medication, litter changes, and behavioral needs
• Home size and complexity: multiple rooms, villas, or multi-floor properties
• Location and commute time: central Puxi vs. far Pudong/outer districts
• Responsibility level: mail/packages, access for repairs, documentation, inventory checks
• Language needs: whether bilingual communication is required (Varies / depends)
• Handover requirements: key pickup/return logistics and building registration rules

For accurate budgeting, request a written quote that itemizes the schedule (dates/times), duties, and any add-on fees (late night, holidays, extra pets, extended cleaning).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a House Sitter cost in Shanghai?

Not publicly stated as a standard rate. Costs vary based on drop-in vs. overnight sitting, pets, and how central your location is. Always confirm the total cost for the full trip, not just a per-visit number.

How to choose the best House Sitter in Shanghai?

Prioritize verified identity/references (where available), clear communication, and a detailed written task list. A quick video call and a trial visit before your trip can reduce misunderstandings.

Are licenses required in Shanghai?

A specific “House Sitter license” is not publicly stated as a Shanghai requirement. Some providers may have training or verification steps; if you need specialized care (pets/medical), ask for relevant experience.

Who offers 24/7 service in Shanghai?

Not publicly stated. Some independent sitters may handle emergencies by phone, but availability varies. Ask directly about emergency response times and whether they can coordinate with property management.

What should I include in a house-sitting checklist?

Include access rules, alarm instructions (if any), package handling, appliance shutoffs, leak/fire steps, pet routines, plant care, and who to call (property management, neighbors, preferred repair contacts).

Can a House Sitter in Shanghai handle property management coordination?

Often yes, but it depends on the sitter’s experience and language ability. Confirm whether they can communicate with 物业 and whether your building requires registration for temporary visitors.

Is house sitting the same as housekeeping in Shanghai?

Not necessarily. House sitting is primarily about presence, safety checks, and routine care. Housekeeping is cleaning-focused. If you want both, specify tasks and confirm whether cleaning is included or extra.

How far in advance should I book a House Sitter in Shanghai?

For peak travel seasons and longer trips, earlier is better—ideally weeks ahead. Last-minute availability varies widely, especially if you need overnight stays or pet care.

What red flags should I watch for?

Vague answers about schedule, refusal to do a meet-and-greet, no references, unclear pricing, and reluctance to document visits (photos/short updates) are common warning signs.

Should I provide a spare key or building access card?

Yes—most arrangements require it. Agree on secure handover and return, and clarify whether the sitter is allowed to copy keys (preferably not) and how lost keys are handled.

Final Recommendation

• Choose TrustedHousesitters if you want a more structured, profile-driven matching process and you’re comfortable screening candidates carefully and managing the relationship directly.
• Choose PetBacker if your priority is pet care during home check-ins, and house-sitting tasks are secondary but still important (packages, basic home presence).
• Choose 58到家 (58 Daojia) if you need task-based domestic help (cleaning/basic home support) and want a large marketplace—just be very specific that you’re booking “home watch” style duties.
• Choose HouseCarers or MindMyHouse if you’re budget-focused, planning ahead, and willing to do thorough vetting (interviews, references, written house rules).

If you’re comparing budget vs. premium: budget options typically require more hands-on screening and clearer written instructions from you; premium-leaning options tend to provide a more organized matching experience, but you still need to verify fit for your specific home and schedule.

Get Your Business Listed

If you’re a House Sitter in Shanghai and want your details added or updated, email contact@professnow.com. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/.