I started house and pet sitting thinking it would be a great way to visit one or two cities a year. It didn’t start that slowly for me. I couldn’t believe how many opportunities were available in so many countries around the world. One thing you must know, house and pet sitting is not a free vacation. Yes, the accommodations are free, and I used to do all my house sits for free in exchange for the accommodations, using the website Trusted House Sitters.
The Responsibilities
There are several responsibilities involved in house and pet sitting and every sit can be dramatically different. Unlike being on vacation, I have to be up to keep the same schedule the pets are used to. If they are fed at 6 am and go for an hour walk at 6:30 am, then I need to be up and do the same. If they need to be fed and walked three times I day, I must do that. Some homeowners don’t want the pets left alone for longer than three or four hours. This does not leave a lot of time for sightseeing or exploring the area.
Additionally, mail needs to be collected and plants watered. Gardening and cutting the grass may be required if the owner is gone longer than a week. Minor maintenance and repairs in home may also need to be done. These are just a few of the things that need to be discussed prior to any agreement.
There are even more responsibilities when the pets have medical conditions. I had one house sit with four cats. Each of the cats needed between 1 and 3 different pills two times a day. One also needed insulin injections every twelve hours, 6 am and 6 pm. I had a weekly spreadsheet to follow so I didn’t make any mistakes.
The Advantages
Like I mentioned, house and pet sitting has brought me through 6 countries. They have been in Spain, England, Scotland, Switzerland, Sweden, and Ireland. My house sits have ranged from 1 – 6 weeks in length. I now won’t accept a house sit under two weeks. With the responsibilities involved and writing I need to do for work, less time is not long enough for me to discover and enjoy the destination.
Not having to pay for accommodations creates an opportunity to travel a lot more. Not only do I save on accommodations, I also save a lot more with having a kitchen full of every cooking gadget I need to make great meals at the home. House sitting has also brought me to cities I wouldn’t have gone to. I have met amazing people that are now my friends. Because I have traveled extensively to take care of peoples pet’s I recently became known as The Jet Setter Pet Sitter.
House and Pet Sitting Opportunities
There are hundreds, potentially thousands of house and pet sitting opportunities around the world at any given time. They can range from a few days to several months. Some of the homeowners want a single person, some want a couple, and others are willing to accept families. So, there is something available for everyone.
Where would you travel to if you didn’t have to pay for accommodations? How many cities or places would you go to if you didn’t have to pay for accommodation? Now you know you can and have no reason not to start traveling. Open your mind, broaden your horizons, and travel to new destinations.
London England