Savvy Traveler Tip: Who’s Taking Care of Fido While Traveling? Conundrum Solved!

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Last summer, I faced a dilemma—I wanted to extend a trip in Europe to escape the Arizona heat for an extra week without the steep price tag of boarding my dog and paying for lodging. I’m lucky to have a wonderful neighborhood pet caretaker, but asking them to care for my pup and stay at my house that long felt like too big of an ask.

Enter Pet Sitting!

I’d heard about a couple who spent three weeks living in Wales for free in exchange for watching someone’s pets. It sounded too good to be true—but it turns out, it’s absolutely a thing.

Where to Start?

There are several reputable pet-sitting platforms out there that connect pet owners with travelers who are happy to exchange pet care for free accommodations. I came across a blog that compared the various services and found it super helpful in choosing the one that was right for me.

I ultimately went with TrustedHousesitters.com, a platform known for its thorough background checks and professional approach. They do charge an annual fee, but once you're a member, you can apply for (or host) as many sits as you like at no additional cost. Both sitters and homeowners are reviewed after each stay, using a five-star rating system, which helps maintain a high level of trust.

Our First Experience - A Sit in England  

Our first experience was in the charming English countryside, where we spent nine relaxing days looking after a sweet cocker spaniel. Adorable foxes, rambling English gardens, endless walking paths, and exploring the area in the nice, cool weather—what a unique and rewarding way to travel.

This Year: Sitters for Our Dog

Fast forward to this year—we flipped the roles and invited sitters into our home to care for our dog while we explored Vietnam. Honestly, I think they loved our dog more than we do. They treated our home with great care, sent us regular updates, at no extra expense to us.

Should You Try It? 

Whether you’re looking to travel the world as a guest while caring for animals (think dogs, cats, fish, rabbit, reptiles - you name it, and you choose!) or you want peace of mind knowing your own pet is loved and your home is secure while you’re away—a pet-sitting platform might be the perfect solution.

Explore the world. Love some pets. Everybody wins!

Location: Arizona, USA

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