Travel on a Budget Pet-sitting
Explore the World on a Budget: The Rise of Pet-Sitting Travel
The cost of travel can be a major obstacle, especially as inflation and the post-pandemic travel surge drive prices higher. But savvy globetrotters are finding innovative ways to minimize expenses, and one increasingly popular option is using pet- and house-sitting platforms. These websites connect homeowners who need their homes and beloved pets cared for while they're away with travellers seeking budget-friendly accommodations. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved!
This trend is rapidly gaining traction. Angela Laws, who works for the popular home- and pet-sitting site TrustedHousesitters (THS), reports a remarkable increase in sits over the past year – a 55% jump in the UK and a staggering 69% in the US. With Airbnbs becoming more expensive and hotels adding frustrating extra fees, it's easy to understand the appeal. Plus, many homeowners struggle to afford vacations amidst rising costs, making pet-sitting exchanges an attractive solution.
I've personally discovered the benefits of house- and pet-sitting over the past year. Though I'm not always the most budget-conscious traveller, I've enjoyed several stays in other people's homes throughout the US, saving money on accommodations while getting to know their furry companions. Last year, a solo weekend getaway to a charming New Jersey beach town included boardwalk strolls, local shopping, and even a fun date. Just last month, I took my daughter to vibrant Brooklyn, New York, where we bonded with a sweet senior dog and enjoyed a hilarious comedy show. Now, I'm eagerly searching for my third trip – this time, I'm hoping to explore the artsy mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina. I even dream of bigger adventures: visiting Hawaii in the near future and eventually taking my kids on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy.
For me, using a house-sitting platform translates to significant savings, especially as a single parent. While travel inevitably has some associated costs for transportation, food, and activities, eliminating the price of lodging makes a huge difference.
You can find several websites offering annual memberships for prospective sitters at varying costs. For example, MindMyHouse charges $29 (£23) per year, House Carers costs $50 (£39), and THS has an annual fee of $129 (£102.25). Some sites are free for homeowners. Given the potential to book multiple trips throughout the year for the cost of a single night at a budget hotel, these fees are a small investment. THS is particularly noteworthy because homeowners can't charge additional fees or deposits on their platform. Creating a profile is easy – simply highlight your experience and why you'd be an excellent sitter, and start browsing destinations that fit your schedule.
So far, I've focused on caring for animals and homes located within driving distance from my home to avoid the expense of flights. And indeed, Laws confirms that most arrangements (72%) are domestic. However, many adventurous travellers use house- and pet-sitting to explore destinations across the globe
Beyond Budget Travel: The Experiences of a Seasoned Pet-Sitter
Sharyn Nilsen, an Australian expat who spends much of her time in Vietnam, has been relying on house- and pet-sitting for her full-time travel lifestyle for an incredible 18 years. She believes this approach allows her and her husband, Tim, to "venture further and stay within our budget."
The Nilsens' commitment to this unique way of travelling has taken them to over 140 countries and territories. "Just last year, we enjoyed sits in vibrant cities like Mumbai, London, Paris, and Zurich, along with charming towns such as Oxford and Rye," Sharyn shares. "The other day, I calculated that we've spent 770 nights house-sitting in the last seven years – and remember, two of those years were limited due to the pandemic."
This lifestyle suits the Nilsens so perfectly that they no longer maintain a permanent residence in Vietnam. Instead, they opt to rent a furnished place whenever they return for visits. "House-sitting is incredibly sustainable," Nilsen explains, emphasizing the reason they continue to embrace this travel method. Now, the seasoned explorers help others embark on similar journeys through their aptly named website, Catch Our Travel Bug, which offers valuable tips and advice for aspiring house-sitters.
"I've encouraged countless newbies to explore this fantastic lifestyle," Sharyn says. However, she cautions that house- and pet-sitting shouldn't be mistaken for a completely carefree holiday. Each sit comes with responsibilities, which can include everything from walking dogs and feeding chickens to caring for larger animals like horses or even reptiles. Some sits involve administering medications to pets. Travellers who aren't prepared to handle these duties might find this way of travel unsuitable. Additionally, the requirement to care for pets could feel too restrictive for those who enjoy spontaneous nights out or extended day trips away from the home.
For Nilsen, though, there's no other way she'd rather see the world. It's less about quick getaways and more about a deeply immersive way of travel – slow travel at its best. She envisions visiting 160, perhaps even 170, countries within the next five years.
Laws, from TrustedHousesitters, also sees the special value in this unconventional travel method. She believes it fosters "genuine and unique" connections – not just with the animals but with the homeowners who entrust their beloved pets and homes to sitters. While it's a significant responsibility, it's based on a foundation of trust. And when it comes to house-sitting, trust seems to flow both ways.
Building Trust and Responsibility: The House-Sitter's Perspective
While the financial and travel benefits are significant, house- and pet-sitting also involves a unique sense of responsibility and trust-building. For those considering this way of travel, it's essential to understand the expectations and potential challenges involved.
"The most important things for any aspiring house-sitter are reliability and clear communication," emphasizes Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters. "Before any sit, there's always a chance to chat with homeowners, either via a messaging platform or a video call. This allows both parties to get a better sense of each other and ensure it's a good fit."
During these conversations, it's vital to be upfront about your comfort level with specific pet-related tasks and limitations. Can you walk large or energetic dogs? Are you comfortable with less common pets? Are there any pet medications or special needs you're not equipped to manage? Openness and honesty are key to establishing a positive relationship and avoiding unpleasant surprises for both you and the homeowners.
Experience certainly helps, but it's not the only deciding factor. Even if you've never owned a pet yourself, a genuine love for animals and a willingness to take direction are essential. Many homeowners provide detailed instructions and are happy to answer questions throughout the sit, making it easier for those new to pet care. If you do have prior experience with animals, be sure to highlight this on your sitter profile. References from pet-related jobs or volunteer work can also boost your credibility.
Beyond caring for pets, house-sitting often involves tending to the home itself. This might include basic chores like watering plants, taking out the rubbish, and keeping the space tidy. However, some homeowners have more specific needs, like gardening, pool maintenance, or managing livestock. It's crucial to discuss these responsibilities in advance to determine whether you're comfortable with the workload.
Finally, respect for the homeowner's property is paramount. Most sits go smoothly, but accidents can happen, even to experienced sitters. If something breaks or a pet has a mishap, inform the homeowner promptly. Most importantly, approach the entire experience with a sense of responsibility and care, as if you were staying in the home of a close friend or family member.
"House-sitting isn't just about scoring a free place to stay, it's about offering a valuable service," emphasizes Sharyn Nilsen. "Homeowners are putting a great deal of trust in you, so it's important to demonstrate respect and reliability every step of the way."
Is House- and Pet-Sitting Right for You?
While this unique approach to travel offers numerous benefits, it's important to honestly assess whether it aligns with your personality, needs, and travel goals. Here are some key questions to consider:
Are you a genuine animal lover? While every sit is different, caring for pets will be central to most experiences. If you're not comfortable with animals, find yourself easily stressed by animal care, or have specific pet allergies, this way of travel might not be a good match.
Can you handle responsibility and adapt to new routines? House-sitting means caring for someone else's beloved home and pets. It requires following instructions, adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, and potentially handling unforeseen issues. Consider your level of adaptability and how comfortable you are taking on these responsibilities.
Are you flexible and open to uncertainty? Despite careful planning, things might not always go according to schedule. Delays in your travel to the sit, a sudden pet illness, or an unexpected home maintenance issue can arise. If rigid schedules and predictability are essential to your travels, house-sitting might present some challenges.
Do you enjoy a slower travel pace? House-sitting encourages a more immersive form of travel where you experience a location from a local's perspective. If you're the type who likes to pack your itinerary with sightseeing or prefers the flexibility of a hotel, this type of accommodation might feel too limiting.
Of course, there are ways to tailor house-sitting to different travel styles. Sharyn Nilsen, for example, uses sits as a home base while exploring surrounding areas. If you prefer a mix of exploration and relaxation, finding sits in locations with good transport links can be a smart strategy.
Choosing sits that offer shorter stays, especially when starting out, is an excellent way to test the waters without a long-term commitment. As you gain experience and a network of positive reviews on your profile, securing longer stays and more desirable locations becomes easier.
The Rewards Outweigh the Challenges
For many passionate travellers, the unique experiences, financial savings, and genuine connections they make through house-sitting vastly outweigh the potential drawbacks. It's a travel style that fosters empathy, responsibility, and a deep appreciation for different corners of the globe. If you share a love of animals, relish the chance to embrace local life, and enjoy the opportunity to offset travel costs, house- and pet-sitting might just be your perfect travel solution.
Getting Started: Tips for Your House-Sitting Journey
If you're intrigued by the idea of exploring the world through house- and pet-sitting, here's how to get started:
Choose the right platform: Research various house-sitting websites to find one that aligns with your budget and travel preferences. Consider factors like membership fees, the range of available sits, the user-friendliness of the interface, and the level of support offered by the platform. Popular options include TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse, House Carers, and Nomador.
Craft a compelling profile: Your profile is your introduction to potential homeowners. Include photos of yourself (and your travel companions, if applicable), highlight your relevant experience with animals and any home care skills, and provide references or testimonials from previous sits, pet-related jobs, or volunteer work. Use clear, concise language and express your enthusiasm for house-sitting.
Search strategically: Browsing available sits can be exciting, but it's important to be realistic about your capabilities and preferences. Filter your search based on location, dates, types of pets, and specific responsibilities to find listings that match your profile and interests.
Communicate effectively: When you find a sit that piques your interest, send a personalized and well-written message to the homeowner. Explain why you're a good fit, highlight any particularly relevant experience, and ask thoughtful questions about their expectations. Be prepared to have a video call as part of the selection process.
Secure and build reputation: Once you land your first sit, prioritize delivering an exceptional experience. Follow the homeowner's instructions carefully, communicate regularly, and send plenty of photos or updates to offer peace of mind. After completing the sit, ask the homeowners if they'd be willing to provide a positive reference or review on your profile, which will make you a more attractive candidate for future sits.
Beyond the Basics
Here are a few additional tips to enhance your house- and pet-sitting journey:
Start local: Begin by searching for sits near your home to gain experience and build your profile before venturing further afield.
Offer flexibility: Being open to different destinations, dates, or even types of pets can increase your chances of finding the perfect sit.
Be insured: Consider additional travel insurance for added peace of mind. Some house-sitting platforms also offer insurance plans tailored for sitters.
Respect cultural differences: When travelling internationally, research the local customs and etiquette to ensure you're a respectful guest.
House- and pet-sitting offers a fulfilling and budget-friendly way to experience the world. By embracing a sense of responsibility, communicating clearly, and demonstrating your love for animals, you can transform your travel dreams into reality. So, if you're ready to start exploring, sign up, create your profile, and embark on a new adventure!
