Mental Post-Its

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Tag Archives: Kristi Porter


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A Pet Parent’s Guide to Hosting House Sitters You Trust

If the idea of inviting a stranger into your home to watch your pets makes your palms sweat, you are not weird. You are normal.

At the time of this writing, I have been pet sitting full-time for three and a half years through TrustedHousesitters, and a member of their community since 2017. In that time, I have stayed in all kinds of homes, in all kinds of places, with all kinds of pets, and I have seen what helps nervous pet parents relax and what makes everyone more anxious than they need to be.

Use my Referral Code to save 25% off of the first year for your TrustedHousesitters subscription! https://bit.ly/THSkristi

Does this sound familiar?

A lot of my friends love the idea of house sitters, right up until they remember it involves a stranger sleeping in their house and snuggling their pets. If that is you, this post is for you.

Think of this as a simple “before, during, and after” guide so you can feel better about your decision and actually enjoy your time away.

Before the Pet Sit: Creating Your Profile and Setting Expectations

My biggest piece of advice: Treat your listing like a sales page

Your profile is not just a form to get through. You are “selling” three things to potential sitters: your home, your location, and your pets. The more clearly you describe each, the more likely you are to attract people who are genuinely excited to be there.

Photos matter just as much as words. Include plenty of photos that show:

  • The bedroom and bathroom they will use.
  • The kitchen and any shared living spaces.
  • The yard or outdoor space.
  • Clear, well‑lit photos of each pet where you can see their faces and personality.

As a full‑time sitter, if I open a listing and see two vague sentences and one blurry photo, I do not give it a second look. I just keep scrolling. Good sitters want to know what they are walking into, so details and photos are your friend.

In your introduction, consider including:

  • A short intro about you, your pets, and why you are using house sitting instead of traditional boarding.
  • Something personal like hobbies or interests.
  • If it is true, a note that friends or family have watched your pets before, or that a friend referred you to the platform, especially if you do not have reviews yet.

In TrustedHousesitters, your “Home and Location” section is key, in my opinion. I think these are great additions:

  • The type of home and the size of the bed in the room they will use.
  • Which spaces they will have access to, like “full access to the first floor and laundry room upstairs.”
  • Parking details and how close you are to grocery stores, trails, restaurants, and local attractions.
  • The distance to any “headline” city (for example, “45 minutes to Nashville”) plus what is fun about your actual town, so it feels like a charming small‑town bonus, not a consolation prize.
  • Access to airports or main roads, depending on how people may arrive.
  • A clear note if there is no nearby public transit and they will need their own car. (Some hosts let sitters use their cars. This is a matter of personal preference. I’m currently writing this post from Alaska and the hosts are letting me use their car due to the remote setting.)

I would really beef up this section and spend time on it.

Also, be clear about boundaries, including locked rooms.

This is your home and your pets. You are allowed to be as picky as you want. Clear boundaries help the right sitters feel more comfortable, not less.

Just like an Airbnb, you are welcome to lock doors to any rooms you do not want the sitter in. That might be a home office, storage room, guest room, or the closet where you keep holiday decorations and the mysterious box of old cables. If locking a couple of doors helps you relax, do it. Sitters are not offended; they usually appreciate knowing exactly what is and is not for their use.

In your listing and welcome information, spell out:

  • Which rooms and spaces are for the sitter’s use.
  • Any rooms that are off‑limits or that you keep locked.
  • House rules like no meat in the house for vegan hosts, no parties, or no overnight guests.
  • Noise expectations and any quirks like thin walls, early‑rising neighbors, or fussy HOA rules.

Being honest here helps filter in people who respect your space and are happy with what you are offering.

And, of course, your pets—let’s not forget your pets. Talk about how cute and amazing they are, their preferences, and why someone would love hanging out with them.

Create a detailed welcome guide

Do not rely on one conversation to transfer everything they need to know. People are busy, sitters are in a brand‑new environment, and details are easy to forget. Your welcome guide is essentially the “owner’s manual” for your home and pets.

Many services have templates, but helpful sections to include:

House basics.

  • Wifi details.
  • Trash and recycling days and where bins go.
  • How to work the thermostat and any quirky appliances.
  • Where you keep cleaning supplies, extra towels, and linens.

Pet care.

  • Daily routines and feeding schedules.
  • Walking routes and how often they go out.
  • Any behavioral quirks or triggers, like fear of thunderstorms or reactivity on leash.
  • Medications, dosages, and exactly how and when to give them.
  • Your vet and preferred emergency vet, with phone numbers and addresses.

Safety and logistics.

  • How to use keys, locks, and any alarm system.
  • What counts as an “emergency” for you and when you want a phone call versus a message.
  • Trusted neighbors’ names and numbers, if applicable.

Plants.

  • Personally, I’m far more intimidated by watching people’s plants than I am their pets. Plants can’t tell you when they’re hungry. And the way you water your ficus isn’t the same way someone else does. Write out your care and preferences.

Yes, it will feel like you are writing a tiny novel about your pets, house, and plants. But your sitter will love you for it, and you will get fewer “Wait, how do I…?” questions when you are already in vacation mode.

During the Pet Sit: Sitter Arrival, Routines, and Communication

Interview like you are hiring a nanny for your pet.

Especially if you are new to the service or platform, treat this like hiring a babysitter or nanny, not just clicking “accept.” Whenever possible, schedule a video call so you can see each other’s faces and pick up on tone and body language. You want to get a good feel for this person.

When you chat, do not be afraid to ask about specific things in their profile or application that caught your eye. If they mentioned they “love senior dogs” or “work nights,” ask what that actually looks like in real life. You are not being nosy, you are making sure your pets’ normal routine works with their normal routine.

Good questions to ask:

  • About them.
  • What do you do when you are not house sitting?
  • Why do you enjoy house and pet sitting?
  • What kinds of homes or environments you feel most comfortable in?

About their experience:

  • What kinds of pets and breeds you have cared for before?
  • How do you handle it if a pet seems sick or “off”?
  • Have you ever had a sit go wrong and what you did in that situation?

About their daily rhythm:

  • How much time you expect to be out of the house on a typical day.
  • Whether you are working remotely during the sit.
  • How you feel about early mornings or late‑night routines.

If you are retired or work from home and your pet is used to someone being around a lot, mention that in your listing and on the call. It helps you find sitters whose lifestyle is a closer match and better for your pet. (This is also helpful to include upfront in your listing if it’s really important to you.)

Also, let them know roughly how far away you will be and how reachable you will be. For example, “We will be on the West Coast, but I will check messages every few hours,” or “We will be in Europe, so there is a time difference, but I will check in daily.” That sets expectations around response times and reassures them they are not alone if something comes up.

IMPORTANT: If it does not feel right after the interview, trust your gut and do not select the person. You are not obligated to say yes to anyone. It is better to wait for a better fit than spend your entire trip worrying.

Decide how much interaction you want around arrival.

Hosts vary widely in how much in‑person interaction they want with sitters, and that is completely fine. You get to decide what works for you.

You might:

  • Keep it minimal—Do a video call in advance and then arrange key handover without meeting in person. This can suit very private or introverted hosts, especially for shorter sits.
  • Aim for a quick overlap—Have the sitter arrive a little early on departure day for a short tour and to meet the pets.
  • Go for a longer handoff—Invite the sitter to come the evening before, share dinner, walk through routines together, and have plenty of time for questions.

All of these options are valid. The important thing is to decide your comfort level ahead of time and communicate it clearly in your messages.

Set communication expectations from the start.

Communication preferences are very individual, but the key is to agree on them before the sit begins. Some pet parents want daily photos and updates. Others prefer to hear from their sitter every few days unless something is wrong. There is no right or wrong, but there are mismatched expectations.

Consider sharing how often you would like updates:

  • Daily updates and photos.
  • Every few days.
  • Only if something is wrong or the sitter has a question.

Your preferred channel.

  • Messages through the platform.
  • Text.
  • WhatsApp or similar.

On my longer sits, I usually start with daily updates and photos for the first week so everyone feels comfortable. Once we are in a good rhythm and nothing unusual is going on, I naturally space updates out to every other day and then every few days. You can ask your sitter to follow a similar pattern, or set whatever schedule will help you relax.

Ask your sitter what they prefer as well, and agree on a plan that works for both of you.

Gifts and little touches that make sitters feel welcome.

Because these stays are usually an exchange and not a paid job, at least with TrustedHousesitters, many hosts like to leave a small “welcome” or “thank‑you” for their sitters while they are there. It is never required, but it is nice and appreciated.

Ideas you might consider:

  • A handwritten note and some local treats.
  • A small gift card to a nearby coffee shop or bakery.
  • A bottle of wine or their favorite type of snack, if you know it or want to ask.
  • A few groceries in the fridge so they are not arriving to a totally empty kitchen.
  • A dinner with them on the night of their arrival

You do not need to go overboard. The message is simply, “We are glad you are here and we appreciate you being with our pets.”

After the Pet Sit: Reviews, Gratitude, and Getting Ready for Next Time

Leave a thoughtful review to support your sitter and the community.

Reviews are not just a nice‑to‑have. They are how you help future pet parents make good decisions and how you support sitters who cared well for your animals and home. They are the trust‑building layer that keeps communities like this working.

Try to write more than a quick “Thanks!” and two sentences. A detailed, honest review helps your sitter get future opportunities and gives other pet parents real information to work with. You might mention:

  • What your pets were like when you returned.
  • How the house looked and whether they left it clean and tidy.
  • Anything they did that went above and beyond, like extra cleaning, thoughtful gestures, or special care for your pets.

Future‑you, nervously reading reviews at midnight before your next trip, will thank you for this level of detail.

Say thank you in a way that fits you.

If you left a small gift at the start, you may feel complete here. If not, a simple “thank you” message after you return can go a long way, especially if you mention specific things they did well.

If you want to take it a step further, you might:

  • Offer to be a reference for them if other hosts have questions.
  • Invite them back for a future sit if it was a great match.

Refine your listing for next time

Each sit will teach you something about what you care about, what you forgot to mention, or what you want to change. Instead of seeing that as a problem, treat it as useful feedback.

After a sit, ask yourself:

  • Did anything confuse the sitter that you could clarify in your listing or welcome guide?
  • Were there boundaries you wish you had set earlier, like locking a room or limiting certain spaces?
  • Did your communication schedule feel right, or would you adjust it next time?

A few tweaks after each sit will make your profile stronger, your expectations clearer, and your future sits smoother.

Life with pets, people, and packed suitcases

Living this way has been one of the greatest joys of my life so far. Getting to know new people, falling for their pets, and calling lots of different places “home” for a little while at a time has been amazing.

I hope this guide makes the idea of welcoming a house sitter feel a little less scary and a lot more doable, so you and your pets can enjoy the benefits, too. And who knows—maybe one day I will be the sitter snuggling your furry family members while you are off on your next adventure.

Use my Referral Code to save 25% off of the first year for your TrustedHousesitters subscription!
https://bit.ly/THSkristi


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My 2025 Reading List

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love tracking what I read each year as a reference for myself and others.

These posts are part personal record, part recommendation list, and part gentle nudge—for me and for you—that learning doesn’t have to stop when school does.​

My 2025 reading list reflects the kind of year it was: a mix of business and finance books to support my transition back to full-time self-employment, faith-focused themes to anchor me, and some just-for-fun reads to balance things out.

This year, there was a lot more fiction in the mix because my girlfriends in Nashville started a book club. I tend to gravitate toward books that help me grow, stretch, and see the world a little differently, so I usually lean much heavily toward non-fiction, but it was a way to stay engaged with them while traveling, so that’s a bonus.

Below you’ll find the full list of what I read in 2025, with links if you want to check any of them out for yourself.

What should I add to my list for 2026?

________________________________________________________________________

Need more reading suggestions?

2021 and 2022 Reading Lists

2020 Reading List

2019 Reading List

2018 Reading List

2017 Reading List

2016 Reading List

2015 Reading List

2014 Reading List

2013 Reading List

2012 Reading List

2011 Reading List


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My 2025 Word for the Year Recap

Me (in the circle) at the Charlottetown harbor of Prince Edward Island, June 2025

SIGNIFY was more than my word for 2025; it was both a business name and a compass, reminding me to “make known” what matters most and to live like my life and work are truly important.

Why “Signify” Mattered

Signify has always meant “to make known,” “to be important,” and “to be a symbol of,” which is exactly why I chose it for my business in the first place.

This year, it also became a filter, asking me: Does this choice signify what I value, and is it pointing me toward the life I really want to build?

Work That Signified

My biggest goal for 2025 was returning to full-time self-employment, while shifting my role with Vector Global Logistics to a non-salaried relationship that lent itself to more boundaries.

That change freed up energy to focus on growing Signify again, especially supporting the people and causes that have always been at the heart of my work. I brought on several new clients—including a long-time friend—and it felt incredibly fulfilling to help them succeed in fresh, meaningful ways.

Stepping Into Impact

For the past 18 months or so, I have worked closely with a business coach who helped me prepare mentally and practically for this transition. That preparation made it possible to pivot my services from marketing (a skill I’m grateful for, but not my deepest passion) into Fractional Chief Impact Officer work.

“Fractional” is essentially the newest term for a dedicated contractor who is part of the team but outside the company, bringing specialized expertise to multiple clients. A Chief Impact Officer focuses on the social and environmental impact of an organization, paying attention to both internal and external stakeholders, which is a role I explain more on my company site and now fully inhabit with Vector as well.

Stepping out of Chief Marketing Officer into Fractional Chief Impact Officer at Vector has allowed me to concentrate on the things that light me up—our B Corp Certification, Logistics With Purpose®, charitable giving, emergency response, and other impact-driven projects.

Travel That Meant Something

Travel looked different under the banner of SIGNIFY. After two years of criss-crossing the country, I knew my body—and my chronic health—needed a gentler pace, so I prioritized pet sits of at least three weeks, ideally four or more. That slower rhythm worked beautifully.

I spent over three months in Eastern Canada, where my best friend Heather joined me on Prince Edward Island so we could live out our Anne of Green Gables dreams, and Newfoundland quickly became a new favorite, especially seeing the icebergs up close.

Another large chunk of the year was spent in New England, which continues to charm me with its quaint towns, colonial names, and chilly weather that I truly don’t mind.

There is already exciting travel on the books for 2026, but that story will have to wait. (Follow me on Instagram to see where I go!)

Learning, Community, and Faith

Learning-wise, 2025 was a year of money, finance, and investing—three words that once felt far outside my comfort zone. Near the end of 2024, I read Rich Dad Poor Dad at my coach’s suggestion, and one idea hit hard: I needed to learn how to steward money myself rather than depending entirely on others for financial security.

That insight nudged me into a Dow Janes course, drawn in by their emphasis on values-driven investing, and from there I kept following a trail of resources that helped me feel more informed and empowered. I still have a long road ahead, especially when it comes to long-term planning, but it was a significant step forward.

On the community side, my girlfriends in the Nashville area started a book club. Even though I couldn’t be there in person, I read along from afar and joined the conversation by text. I didn’t always love their picks, but the shared experience helped us stay connected across the miles.

And, spiritually, SIGNIFY called me to my faith in small but meaningful ways. One was that I was able to visit The Ark Encounter on my travels north. That helped me set a great tone for the year. It is an incredible place, and super helpful to visualize things I’ve read in the Bible. Another simple shift was investing in the Abide app, listening to scripture and stories as I fell asleep.

Over time, I’ve learned that simple, consistent practices often carry the most weight, and I tried to let that truth signify my priorities across different parts of my life.

Five Resources to Find Your Word

Read for your own Word of the Year? Here are five resources to help you find it:


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My India Trip Q&A

India mapSince I announced a few weeks ago that I was headed to India this summer, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about the trip and my fundraising efforts. So, I thought I’d take the opportunity to answer a few of them here for you now.

Q: When are you going?

A: We’re going in July! We have tentative dates, but may change them based on the cost of airfare. We’ll try to go when it’s most economical during the month. And we’re planning on staying for about two weeks.

Q: Who are you going with?

A: I’m headed there with two friends. This first is Katrell, who founded the organization we’ll primarily be visiting in Darjeeling, which provides education for at-risk girls in India so they may pursue secondary and university learning. The second is Stephanie who is a friend that also works for Katrell.

Q. Where did you meet the women you’re traveling with?

A. I’ve known both of them since 2012. We met when I was volunteering with the Georgia Chapter of Not For Sale.

Q. How are you connected to the organization?

A. Katrell owns a tea shop in Downtown Atlanta, and the proceeds benefit the scholarship program. I loved the shop and the work she was doing, so I have volunteered my time with her by consulting on her marketing and communications for both projects. I have also attended her monthly fundraising dinners several times, and made sure a lot of my friends knew what she was up to—and where they can get a good cup of tea.

Q. How did the India trip come up?

A. Ever since we met and I fell in love with what Katrell was doing, she’s told me I needed to come with her on this trip. She goes usually twice a year for about a month each time, and I have stalked her every time she’s made the journey. She does a great job documenting it! Now the timing has finally worked out for Stephanie and I to accompany her. And I’m so excited to be going with someone who knows their way around!

Q. What will you guys be doing on the trip?

A. The details are still being worked out right now, but we do have a loose itinerary. We’ll stay with the 11 scholars at their center in Darjeeling and spend time with them, helping however we can and learning their individual stories. We’ll also explore the cities of Kolkata and Darjeeling, and possibly Mumbai or wherever we fly into. Additionally, we plan to visit the tea plantation in Darjeeling where Katrell sources her tea. I’m also thrilled that we’ll be connecting with local orgs that are fighting various forms human and labor trafficking in India to learn from their work. And, of course, we plan on having a lot of fun!

Q. Why do you want to go on the trip?

A. This trip is an opportunity for me to better myself, and in turn, the world around me. It is a chance for me to learn more about issues that I’m extremely interested in and passionate about, such as human trafficking, slavery, women’s rights and girls’ education. If you’ve read even just a few posts on this blog, you know those are common threads. They have deeply wrapped themselves around my heart. I read a lot about these issues, watch movies, do some volunteering and attend events, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me to see it up-close on the other side of the world in a place where it is more common and exposed. According to the Global Slavery Index, India has more slaves than any other country. So, I’m extremely curious to witness the climate that facilitates such an atrocity. I’m ready to meet these people and share their stories with you. And I know it will give me renewed vigor in my local work.

Q. Is this a mission trip?

A. This is a question I get from friends and family in the Church. It is a trip with a mission for sure, but not one like most of you are used to seeing. It is not affiliated with a church or religious organization.

Q. Why are you fundraising for this trip?

A. No one has actually asked me this, but I thought I’d address it as it is a natural question. I actually really struggled with the decision to fundraise. But then I reflected on a few past conversations and here’s where I landed. Predominantly, while this is going to be a fun and amazing trip, it is not a sight-seeing tourist vacation. I very much see it as a humanitarian trip. I will primarily be there to learn and bring those lessons back home with me. If you know me personally, you know I am a natural evangelist for things that I care deeply about. So, this trip will live beyond me. I will find ways to use what I learn, and I will share that knowledge with others whether in the other nonprofits with which I volunteer, my church who will be sending missionaries to live in India next year, articles I write, events I attend or ways yet to be discovered. And the second reason is more simple. In talking with friends in the past about this trip, several of them told me that if I was ever able to go, they would help sponsor me.

Q. How will your funding be used?

A. I’m trying to raise $3,000. Approximately two-thirds of that is just for the airfare. The rest will be food, lodging and transportation within the country. And if I’m able to raise any additional funding, I will happily give that to the scholarship program and their great work.

Q. What if you don’t reach your fundraising goal?

A. Anything that I do not raise, I will pay for out-of-pocket. It will be a bigger strain on my finances than I’d like, but again, I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Q. How can I help?

A. There are three primary ways I’d love your help. The first is, of course, that I’m fundraising for this trip. Any amount you can contribute would be helpful to me. The second way to help is to let me know if you have suggestions and/or contacts for organizations in the areas that we’ll be in. We have a few in mind, but we’re certainly open to ideas! And the third way is to pray for our journey. Though it is not a traditional “mission trip,” prayers for safe travel, making connections, building relationships and more are always appreciated. I’ll never turn down a prayer.

Did I miss any of your questions? If so, just ask! And thanks so much for your time and interest in my trip! To donate or read more about it, you can visit my fundraising page.

 

**Unfortunately, donations made for this trip are not tax-deductible. I realize that may impact your ability to give, and I still deeply appreciate any consideration. Also, please know that Indiegogo Life, where my fundraiser page is located, charges no fees for its service, therefore all donations will go directly to me outside of your standard credit card fees which are typically around 3%.**

 


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Fun Facts: Tidbits You May Not Know About Me

ThinkstockPhotos-172588224So, if you’ve just started reading this blog recently, you may not know much about me. But I’d like to rectify that now. Here are a few things that might interest you . . .

  1. Language I most want to learn: Spanish. I’ve forgotten most of what I know, but honestly, I’d love to be multilingual in just about anything.
  2. Show I most enjoy binge-watching: Alias
  3. Place I’d most like to travel: Spain
  4. Food I crave most: Appetizers. I love making meals out of an assortment of appetizers.
  5. Pinterest board I use the most: Hair, BY FAR. I’ll never get around to making all those recipes.
  6. Favorite ice cream: Trader Joe’s Coffee Bean OR Bruster’s Key Lime Pie
  7. Biggest fear: Failure
  8. Thing I’m most thankful for: Salvation, followed by grace
  9. Strength I love the most: Faith (second would be independence)
  10. Place I’d most like to live: Probably California, but I’d also love to live somewhere in Europe for at least a year.
  11. Favorite Atlanta eateries: Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party, di Paolo, Figo, Alon’s, ONE. midtown kitchen, and sooooo many others
  12. Favorite piece of furniture: I have a loveseat made from two movie theater seats. I used to frequent this theater in college so it’s tied to good memories—plus, it has cup holders!
  13. An ability I’m proud of: I’m really good at picking the kind of friends everyone should want and have.
  14. Something I’m not good at and don’t like: Cooking. Despite my best efforts, I’ve yet to rectify this.
  15. A goal I had for this year: Donate hair—just did it!
  16. Biggest pet peeves: Unaware people with strollers and also listening to people eat
  17. A piece of advice I’d give to anyone: You aren’t in control.
  18. A few of my favorite books: Bible, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, Experiencing God, Visioneering, Harry Potter series, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, and TONS more!
  19. Something I love right now: doTerra essential oils
  20. Most interesting previous job: I reviewed restaurants for a short time in a local, Atlanta publication. The publication is no longer in business, but I’m fairly certain that isn’t my fault.

And here are a few other things I posted previously. Now you know a bit more about me. Tell me something about you!

 

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