The first time I heard about pet-sitting websites was in 2014. I remember saying, Really? You can stay at someone’s place for free in exchange for looking after their homes, pets, and plants? Are there people traveling the world this way? Wooooooowwwww.
I love pets, cats in particular. I’ve been a house + pet+ plant sitter for over 10 years for family, friends, and colleagues. Moreover, traveling is one of the things I love the most and I am a big fan of slow travel. Pet-sitting got me so intrigued that I decided to give it a try. After fantasizing for several years, my wish came true!
Pet-sitting: some info and tips to get started
- Several house-sitting websites offer yearly memberships. Here you can find a nice review of the best ones in 2024. The idea behind all of them remains the same, to look after homes and pets when owners are away in exchange for free accommodation.
- Prices vary a bit but I think it is worth it. The costs are considerably small, considering you could book multiple trips each year for roughly the price of one single night in a hotel or Airbnb.
- After some research, I went for Trusted Housesitters, the largest and most well-known international house-sitting website.
- Signing up is very simple. What is key is to create a profile that showcases extremely well your pet-sitting experience, your love for pets, and why you would make a great fit.
- After creating your profile, you can apply for destinations that align with your availability and preferences. In my case, I aim to take after cats. Also, as I don’t have a driving license, I look for houses reachable by public transport.
- In general, if the owners like your application, they will invite you to have a phone or video call to get to know each other and choose among potential sitters. For example, I applied several times before I got my first invite to have a phone call. Often, the owners wrote back saying they liked my application but preferred another applicant. I believe the lack of reviews contributed to that. Therefore, to increase your chances of being invited for a video call, use all the available resources to give the homeowners the best impression of you, even without reviews. This includes adding lovely pictures of you with pets, obtaining great external references (Trusted Housesitters allows you to upload up to three), and linking your LinkedIn and Airbnb profiles. By doing this, you can present a comprehensive and appealing profile that stands out to pet-owners.
- Although it can be challenging to start without any references, you are likely to be invited to a video call if you write a strong application. For instance, in my case, I explained that my lack of reviews was because I was a relatively new member. Furthermore, I suggested the owners check my Airbnb profile, which shows I am a responsible and tidy guest. Additionally, I offered to contact my external references if they wanted to. Consequently, it took some time, but it finally worked out.
My experience: why I like it so much
There are several reasons why I find pet-sitting so special. First and foremost, this alternative allows me to spend time cuddling with adorable cats. I try to build a bond with them, understanding their personalities and needs, and ensuring they feel loved and secure. Since moving to Sweden, I haven’t been lucky in finding pet-friendly places to rent, and I miss having pets so much! By the way, did you know that pets can have a significant impact on our health? Research shows that cuddling pets triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. This is yet another reason why pet-sitting is such a rewarding experience for me.
Secondly, pet-sitting allows me to discover places I might not have visited otherwise. This unique way of traveling immerses me in the local culture in a way traditional tourism rarely does. I love exploring nearby neighborhoods, finding hidden gems, and frequenting local coffee shops. Each pet-sitting becomes an opportunity to experience the daily life of a new place, making each trip both an adventure and a cultural enrichment.
Finally, pet-sitting fosters unique connections with the owners. I fully understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with caring for these furry family members, and I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me. This trust motivates me to provide the best care possible, making every pet-sitting experience rewarding and fulfilling.
Did you know about this way of traveling? Have you tried it? Or maybe you will consider giving it a try after reading this post? Let me know in the comments!
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