Some people who used the Trusted Housesitters platform to house-sit abroad say they were fingerprinted, photographed and turned away by border security agents for not having valid work visas. They're now worried about how that could affect future trips to the U.S.Beverly Dunn was denied entry at the Ottawa airport by U.S. border officers after they said her plans to house-sit in Florida was considered to be 'work.
The company is a pet-sitting subscription service that connects homeowners to house-sitters around the world. While users pay the company a membership fee, homeowners and house-sitters don't exchange money. According to transcripts of the screening, the agent told Dunn that day she's "receiving a benefit in exchange for service" — which doesn't have to be monetary.This withdrawal document from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shows Dunn's fingerprints, photograph and the reason she was refused entry on Dec. 21, 2023.
While she feels Trusted Housesitters should be held accountable, she also regrets not doing deeper research before becoming a member. "One border guard was absolutely ADAMANT we were stealing U.S. citizens' jobs," she wrote to CBC News, adding that they were denied entry.McConachie said the letter Trusted Housesitters provides "has zero legal teeth" and feels the company "does mislead about the ease of doing international house-sits."
She called it "irresponsible" that Trusted Housesitters was "downplaying" immigration-related roadblocks, adding she's seen dozens post similar stories online.She's suggested a more transparent banner on the company's website that outlines real risks and visa requirements for places like the U.S., but says Trusted Housesitters has been slow to make changes. She said the company'sTrusted Housesitters is headquartered in Brighton and Hove, U.K., where Coun.