When I travel, I try to pet every dog I see in the streets. I need to pet every dog I see, more accurately. So it would be ideal if I could even more deeply combine my love of travel with my love of animals.
It is possible, in fact, by becoming a petsitter while you travel. Among the platforms that offer this possibility is Trusted Housesitters.
Sign up on their website ($129 for standard membership) and you’ll have access to people around the world looking for someone to sit their house and their pet. It’s the largest database of house/petsitting services on the web. A free place to stay (they’ve recently added a 9 pounds per sit fee for both sitters and sittees), and all the petting you can provide.
As a long-time petsitter, I know there are pitfalls to the process. You could wind up with a dog who’s hostile or pulls on the leash, a cat who hides and you’ll never see. One person who left a very thorough review of housesitters said the owner sent friends and family over periodically to check up on the sitter and the pet.
The key to a successful sit is thoroughly vetting (so to speak) the client. Read the reviews; according to Jane, the review system on the site is set up to allow for more honest feedback about the experience. Arrange a video chat. Ask for references – if you see a dog is “energetic” for instance, the dog might be too much for an elderly person to manage. Ask if any medication is required. If there is a backup if the sit just doesn’t work out.
The majority of reviews are excellent. And you’ll have an extra adventure on your adventure.
