Have you ever dreamt of traveling the world without breaking the bank? Imagine staying in beautiful homes, exploring new places, and spending your days with furry friends. This dream can become a reality with pet sitting! As a seasoned Pet Sitter, I’ve discovered the incredible rewards of this unique lifestyle, and I’m excited to share my experiences and insights with you.
My journey into the world of pet sitting began unexpectedly. Before embarking on a four-week European vacation, my hosts jokingly warned me about their dog’s peculiar habit of scavenging for discarded cigarette butts and other questionable items. This lighthearted warning turned out to be a valuable heads-up, setting the stage for my pet-sitting adventures. During our daily walks in their Santa Cruz neighborhood, I was extra vigilant. After all, my 22 five-star pet sitting reviews were not earned by being careless.
One afternoon, as we were about to cross a street, the dog swiftly snatched something off the ground. “Drop it!” I commanded. She crunched down, releasing puffs of white powder from her mouth, before spitting out a small foil packet. Panic surged through me. My leisurely walk was instantly replaced with a frantic race against time to the emergency vet. We dashed back home, where I grabbed rubber gloves and cautiously opened the crumpled packet. Relief washed over me as I deciphered the words: “Non-dairy creamer.” A close call!
As a full-time traveling house and pet sitter, I’ve had the pleasure of caring for a diverse array of animals: 18 dogs, 14 cats, several thriving gardens, three hermit crabs, two turtles, and even a sourdough starter. My travels have taken me over 6,000 miles along the West Coast, from the sunny vineyards of San Luis Obispo, California, to the rugged coastline of San Juan Island, Washington, and through 23 charming towns in between. While I usually prefer longer pet-sitting assignments of a few weeks or more, I’m always open to shorter stays for the right opportunity. One unforgettable short sit was at a breathtaking seaside home perched on a cliff overlooking Agate Passage on Bainbridge Island, Washington. My responsibility? Caring for Salem, a dignified 17-year-old black Maine Coon cat who mostly graced me with his regal indifference.
My wanderlust ignited early in life. My father’s trip to Hawaii when I was six years old sparked a lifelong desire to explore. Later, at 15, he encouraged my high school trip to the then Soviet Union. In my twenties, I embraced the freedom of the open road, traveling across the US in a Volkswagen bus for three months, discovering countless national parks. My thirties saw me leading teenagers on academic adventures through Italy and Greece. As a single, empty-nester embracing remote work, I finally had the time and flexibility to travel again, but budget was a concern.
Discovering house and pet sitting as a way to exchange my care for accommodation was a revelation. After researching various platforms, I decided to invest in a basic annual membership with TrustedHousesitters, a global community connecting pet owners and pet sitters. Within days, I secured my first weekend pet-sitting assignment, caring for two cats in a charming coastal town a short ferry ride from Seattle. After a virtual meet-and-greet with the homeowners, I was set. I arrived after they had departed for their trip, ready for my first pet-sitting experience.
While that initial sit was satisfactory, it wasn’t exceptional. The cats were easygoing, and the garden was beautiful, but the house felt a bit neglected, and the guest room wasn’t very welcoming. Since then, I’ve become more selective, focusing on properties with ample photos and glowing reviews from previous pet sitters. I also make sure to ask detailed questions during introductory video calls to ensure a good fit for both myself and the pets.
As a freelance writer working remotely, pet sitting became the perfect way to combine my profession with my passion for travel. I spent the following months exploring the scenic Puget Sound area on short sits, building my reputation through positive reviews from happy pet parents, and honing my packing and organizational skills.
The more time I spent traveling, the harder it became to justify paying nearly $2,500 a month for rent back home. When I unexpectedly lost my job, the decision became clear. I gave up my apartment, put my belongings in storage, and embraced full-time pet sitting.
In the past year, I’ve saved approximately $30,000 in rent while enjoying stays in luxurious waterfront homes that would otherwise be beyond my reach. I’ve strolled along private beaches, cooked in gourmet kitchens, relaxed in outdoor hot tubs, enjoyed Swedish saunas, and politely ignored the presence of in-home gyms. Comparable accommodations booked through platforms like Airbnb would likely have cost upwards of $70,000. Instead, by offering my services as a pet sitter, these incredible experiences have cost me nothing in accommodation expenses.
Of course, my annual expenses aren’t zero. I typically cover my own food and personal care items, and I’ve spent around $2,300 on bridge stays—hotels or short-term rentals—in between pet-sitting assignments during the past year. However, my overall spending is significantly less than it used to be, and I’m experiencing so much more of the world.
But the financial savings are just one aspect of the appeal. Since becoming a pet sitter, I’ve also connected with countless kind, interesting, and creative individuals. I’ve met weavers, writers, musicians, painters, tile artists, and many more, often retirees who are embracing adventurous aging while exploring the Mediterranean or cycling through the French countryside.
One couple, who have become dear friends, welcomed me to a pet sit with refreshing negronis and a delicious traditional Japanese hot pot dinner. They thoughtfully selected several bottles of wine for me from their personal cellar and greeted me with lovely gifts upon their return. I’ve pet-sat for them twice now, and their energetic cattle dog, Wasabi, is a wonderful companion who happily naps beside me while I work, until it’s time for our shared outdoor adventures and games of fetch. I’m looking forward to my third visit to their stunning home overlooking the Salish Sea on Lummi Island, Washington.
The least glamorous aspect of pet sitting is undoubtedly the end-of-sit cleaning. As a perfectionist dedicated to earning five-star reviews, I’ve learned the importance of allocating ample time to restore the home to at least the condition I found it, if not better.
Once, during a 10-day sit with an adorable West Highland white terrier who politely rang a bell when he needed to go outside, I was nearing the end of my cleaning routine. I had already clocked 10,000 steps that morning. The homeowners weren’t expected back for at least another hour, so I changed into leggings and a sports bra to finish vacuuming. Just then, I heard the terrier barking—something he hadn’t done once during my entire stay. I quickly went downstairs and walked right into the homeowners, whom I had never met in person before. Awkward! In my subsequent embarrassment, I managed to accidentally take their mail key with me and had to FedEx it back the following week.
Despite the occasional awkward moment, the advantages of the pet-sitting lifestyle far outweigh the disadvantages for me. The luxurious homes, the significantly reduced cost of living, and the constant stream of new experiences are all fantastic benefits. But ultimately, what makes pet sitting so rewarding is the deep satisfaction of building trust with animals, ensuring they avoid stressful kennels, and providing pet owners with genuine peace of mind while they are away. Pet sitting may not be for everyone, but for me, the opportunity to travel extensively while providing a service I truly believe in is a dream come true.
Could Pet Sitting Be Your Perfect Path to Travel and Animal Companionship?
If you love animals and have a desire to travel, pet sitting could be the ideal opportunity for you. It’s a fantastic way to see the world, save money, and experience the unique joy of caring for pets in comfortable home environments. Whether you’re looking for a career change, a way to travel on a budget, or simply a fulfilling way to spend your free time, exploring the world of pet sitting is definitely worth considering. Start your adventure today and discover the wonderful world of pet sitting!
