House and Dog Sitting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - June-August 2026

About this assignment

Responsible sitters, preferably a couple, good with dogs, and keen to experience all that Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian lifestyle have to offer. Preferable too, to be contactable via e-mail or Whatsapp so that we can keep in touch during their stay.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Looking after our house and dog - Caro, an elderly Alsatian-type mongrel who is very friendly and placid. And have a fun time whilst you're here !

What are the good features of the property and location

The house is in Niteroi, across the bay from Rio. Niteroi is way safer than Rio, but close enough to make all the sites of Rio within reach.

Fabulous location and standard of accommodation, with all creature comforts and great view of the bay. In a very safe location and within walking distance of local amenities and transport. Just 400 meters from the beach, with a supermarket, pharmacy and lots of bars and restaurants.

Niteroi itself is something of a dormitory city and doesn't have the range of facilities and culture that Rio can offer. In addition to the good range of local restaurants, other local beaches are just a bus ride away, and Niteroi now has two arts cinemas showing current or recent releases (usually sub-titled).

Weather in Rio/Niteroi is good most of the year. Although a maritime climate, and thus less predictable, most of the year has equitable temperatures for Europeans and North Americans - but January and February can be hot and sticky. The Rio winter (June - August) is like a British summer, weather wise. It never gets cold - indeed, the house has no heating, only air conditioning.

The house has lots of space; 4 bedrooms; 6 bathrooms; a separate granny extension; a large kitchen that suits those who like to cook; two terraces with fabulous views over the bay; gas barbecue; and a comfortable lounge with satellite TV and all the streaming services. There's fast internet throughout the house. A gardener comes once a week and a cleaner one day a week.

We have also a number of local friends and neighbours, including an on-call vet, that speak English, and who are at hand to help should you need any help, and to step in should it be needed.

We have also prepared a comprehensive house guide, to help you settle in.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

The house is on a hillside and there are around 50 steps from the street to the house - but there is now an elevator from street to house. Moving around the property, you don't need to be a mountain goat, but you do need to be mobile.

Speaking a little Portuguese or Spanish helps, but these days lots of people get by on English alone.

Living costs (food, transport, eating out) are low because the Brazilian currency is currently weak.

Niteroi, and especially the district around the house, is safe - we usually walk to places nearby such as the shops, restaurants and beaches, and have never had a problem. The house itself has security cameras and other precautions, and so security at home is not an issue. When travelling further afield, especially on the Rio side of the bay, standard precautions (no bling, don't dress and act like a gringo tourist, don't wander into dodgy areas etc) will help reduce the risk - remember, millions of Cariocas (Rio residents) go about their business every day, carrying iPhones, laptops, wallets etc and do not have problems.

Being the tropics, mosquitoes are an ever-present risk, but the usual precautions will serve you well; the house has many features to limit exposure (including nets on windows, beds etc).

Although we have a car, we ask house sitters not to use it – driving in Rio and Niteroi is tricky and not for the faint-hearted: it would be easy to get into difficulties, especially if you do not speak Portuguese (for example, there's a minority of drivers without licences or insurance). Instead, there is good public transport, making all local amenities and Rio highlights within easy reach. Uber is also widely available, reliable and cheap in both Rio and Niteroi. And local amenities are within walking distance.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

Enlarge map