For many farmers, homesteaders, and animal lovers, one of the biggest challenges before a trip — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long vacation — is figuring out who will care for your animals and your farm while you’re away. For many, the answer is simple: a farm sitter.

Farm sitters go beyond traditional pet sitters. They are caregivers who understand the routines, skills, and daily responsibilities required to keep farm animals happy, healthy, and safe. If you’ve ever wondered how to find reliable help and what you can expect, this guide has you covered.

What Is a Farm Sitter?

A farm sitter is someone hired to look after farm animals and take care of daily chores while the owner is away. Unlike a typical pet sitter — who might care mainly for cats or dogs — a farm sitter has experience or comfort with a wide range of animals such as chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, and more. They ensure animals are fed and watered, shelter is secure, and other tasks like collecting eggs or cleaning stalls are completed.

Farm sitters can be professional sitters, local farmhands, or experienced volunteers — but the common thread is trust and competence with animal care and farm tasks.

Why Hiring a Farm Sitter Near You Matters

Hiring a farm sitter offers several key advantages:

1. Animals Stay in Their Environment

Animals are creatures of routine. Instead of being moved or stressed by boarding or new surroundings, they stay in their familiar environment, cared for by someone who follows your instructions.

2. Continuity of Care

Feeding, watering, cleaning, and health monitoring happen on their usual schedule. This is especially important for animals with specific dietary or medical needs.

3. Peace of Mind

Knowing a competent person is taking care of your farm lets you relax and enjoy your time away without worrying about whether the animals are okay.

4. Property and Routine Maintenance

Farm sitters often do more than just tend animals. They can check fences, monitor pasture conditions, collect eggs, and make sure waterers and feeders are functioning — all critical to keeping your farm running smoothly.

Services Farm Sitters Provide

Farm sitting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the sitter’s skills and what you need, services can include:

Daily Visits

Sitters come once or twice a day to feed, water, clean up, and check animal health. This works well for short trips or smaller farms.

Live-In or Overnight Care

For larger farms, animals with special needs, or longer absences, some sitters stay on the property to provide round-the-clock care.

Emergency or On-Call Visits

If unexpected situations arise (like storms or medical issues), some sitters can be available on short notice.

Specialty Tasks

Experienced sitters might collect and store eggs, help with milking, administer medications, turn livestock out to pasture, or perform light maintenance tasks under your instructions.

Home and Property Checks

In addition to animal care, sitters can handle things like checking buildings, caring for pets, or basic home-security tasks while you’re away.

How to Find Farm Sitters Near You

Finding the right farm sitter takes effort. Here are the most effective ways to locate trustworthy help:

1. Ask Local Farmers and Neighbors

Your local farming community is one of the best resources for referrals. Other farmers can recommend sitters they’ve used before.

2. Visit Feed and Livestock Stores

Many farm sitters advertise services on bulletin boards at feed stores and supply shops. These places attract people connected to the farming world.

3. Network Through Your Vet

Veterinarians and livestock techs often know experienced caretakers and may have suggestions for reliable farm sitters in your area.

4. Search Online Platforms

There are online communities and directories where farm sitters list their services. Sites like TrustedHousesitters have dedicated listings for farm sitters who care for farmyard animals.

5. Local Community Groups

Social media groups focused on local farming, homesteading, or animal rescue can be great places to find sitters and get recommendations from other owners.

6. Try Farm-Sitter Specific Sites

Certain web platforms focus on livestock and farm services, connecting owners with sitters who have relevant experience. Always vet experience and references before hiring.

Interviewing and Vetting Candidates

Once you have a shortlist, take these steps before hiring:

✔ Conduct an Interview

Ask about their experience with specific animals on your farm. A good farm sitter should be familiar with your animals’ needs and routines.

✔ Check References

Ask for references from previous clients and follow up. Hearing about past performance gives insight into reliability and quality of care.

✔ Do a Trial Run

If possible, ask the sitter to come while you’re still at home so they can learn routines and you can observe how they handle tasks.

✔ Provide a Clear Checklist

Create a detailed list of daily chores, feeding schedules, emergency contacts, and special instructions. This ensures your sitter knows exactly what to do.

✔ Clarify Responsibilities and Pay

Discuss payment rates, expectations, and any additional responsibilities before they begin — clarity prevents misunderstandings later.

How Much Do Farm Sitters Cost?

Costs vary based on experience, location, and duties. As a general benchmark (based on similar services in other countries):

• Basic full-day care: Around $75–$100 (or equivalent) per day.

• Additional chores or more complex duties: Extra charges may apply for tasks like deep cleaning, milking, or handling large animals.

Since farm-sitting rates aren’t universal, be sure to ask for quotes and compare several candidates before deciding.

Preparing Your Farm for a Sitter

To support your sitter’s success:

Create a Comprehensive Information Pack

Include feeding schedules, animal quirks, medical instructions, vet contacts, and emergency plans.

 Label Everything Clearly

Feeders, equipment, tools, and medication containers should all be clearly labeled with instructions.

 Show Them Around

If you can, bring your sitter on a walkthrough so they understand the layout, where equipment is stored, and how to handle common tasks.

 Leave Backup Contacts

Include the contact of someone local who can help if the sitter has questions or emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Finding reliable farm sitters near you isn’t just about keeping animals fed — it’s about maintaining routines, ensuring safety, and protecting your investment. With thoughtful vetting, clear expectations, and good communication, a great farm sitter can become a trusted part of your farm’s lifecycle, giving you peace of mind every time you head out of town.