Richmond residents looking for a safer way to leave their homes and pets while travelling are being encouraged to consider an increasingly popular alternative to kennels, catteries and empty properties through HouseSit Match, an international house sitting platform connecting homeowners with verified sitters.

Founded more than a decade ago by entrepreneur Lamia Walker, HouseSit Match allows homeowners to find checked and trusted sitters who can stay in their property while they are away, looking after pets, gardens and the home itself in exchange for free accommodation.

Speaking to Nub News, Lamia explained how the idea for the business first began after discussing a friend's experience house sitting in Australia.

She said: "While talking to my friend the penny dropped. She had been house sitting and had saved a year's rent in the centre of Perth, Western Australia, which is quite a saving.

"She said she wanted to start an agency and we decided to start an online business together. That was over 10 years ago."

While the business now operates internationally, with listings mainly across the UK and Europe, Lamia says the service is becoming increasingly attractive for homeowners across London boroughs including Richmond.

The concept of free exchange housesitting is simple: homeowners receive free home and pet care, while house sitters get accommodation at no cost.

Lamia said: "We facilitate a free exchange between home and pet owners who are looking for their property and pet care and the sitters who want to discover new locations.

"They're willing to give their time for free and ask for free accommodation in exchange. So that's the deal and we facilitate it."

Beyond pet care, Lamia says one of the biggest benefits for homeowners is peace of mind.

She explained: "I have house sitters come and stay in my own home when I'm away because the home is vulnerable.

"We live in a nice neighbourhood but even so, homes are burgled all the time, especially during holidays. If your lawn is uncut and mail gets stacked up, that's the first sign that no one is home."

She added that the service is particularly beneficial for pets, allowing animals to remain in familiar surroundings avoiding the disruption of kennels or boarding services.

"If you have pets, it means your pet can stay at home, they're not disturbed, their routines can be maintained and there's less anxiety because they're in a familiar place."

One concern many homeowners may have is allowing strangers into their home, but Lamia says security is a major priority for the company.

HouseSit Match operates a three-stage verification process, including identity verification, fraud checks and additional ID checks before members can fully access the platform.

"Because I use house sitters in my own home, I'm particularly sensitive to security and checking for ID verification.

"We do that in three ways. Two happen automatically without you even noticing, and then members complete a voluntary ID check where they provide identification and a live photograph.

"Once that's done, verified status is displayed on their profile so people know they've been through those checks," she added.

Membership starts from £89 per year, with no additional transaction fees, allowing homeowners to arrange unlimited house sits during the subscription period.

Lamia says the registration process itself is straightforward and can be completed within minutes.

"It can all be done within ten minutes. A few photos of yourself, a description of your home and some basic details and that's it.

"We don't reveal exact addresses or personal contact details, so security remains protected throughout the process."

The platform currently offers opportunities ranging from London flats with cats to longer-term international stays, including homes in Spain and other European destinations.

The founder says the service has also become attractive to remote workers and digital nomads.

She said: "You can work remotely, as I do when I travel and house sit.

"As long as there's Wi-Fi, which is usually detailed in the home description, you can work from pretty much anywhere."

What Lamia believes separates HouseSit Match from larger competitors, however, is the personal support offered to members.

She said: "The most important thing is that it's a free exchange of services between checked, trusted members.

"Unlike some bigger competitors, you always have me and my team at the end of the line.

"It's not a faceless organisation. We're a human, family-owned business and we run it as a boutique business where we try and match people so we find suitable members for each other."

For Richmond residents planning summer holidays while worrying about home security or pet care, HouseSit Match could offer a modern alternative to traditional options.

To find out more visit HouseSit Match's website here.

HouseSit Match is a sponsor of Richmond Nub News, without our sponsors, our Richmond online newspaper would not be possible. Thank you.