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What do you enjoy most about pet sitting?

KW avatar for TrustedHousesitters blog writer Kate Waddon
Kate Waddon
21 December 20216 min read
Woman hugging a cat

Travel, super-comfy accommodation, and of course, the best (furry) company: what’s not to love about pet sitting? Looking after a house and pet can be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience new places, while hanging out with some super-cute new friends.

There’s so much to enjoy about this wonderful role, which many of our sitters describe as a real vocation. We take a look at their favourite things about pet sitting, and if you’re wondering how to be a dog sitter, we’ll talk about that, too.

Making new animal friends

This has to be the number one reason for pet sitting: the pet or pets themselves. It’s always fun to meet new animal friends, and when you pet sit, you really get the chance to know them properly.

There are many reasons why people chose to pet sit, and quite often, it’s that people can’t have pets “in real life”. It could be that their job or location makes it tricky to keep a dog, or they house-share with a friend who has cat allergies. Pet sitting is a brilliant way to experience the joy of having a pet, without actually having a pet.

And that moment, when you realise that your new companion likes and trusts you – well, that’s just one of the most awesome things about pet sitting.

Meeting new human friends, too!

As well as meeting four-pawed friends, you’ll also meet some lovely new humans. A good sitter has to be able to communicate well with people as well as their pets, and a positive relationship between the owner and the sitter makes for an all-round great experience.

A big part of how to be a pet sitter involves keeping in touch with the owners, and this can result in a great online friendship. When everyone gets on well, repeat assignments are much more likely, which is great news for everyone.

Becoming part of the local community

As a house and pet sitter, you’re not simply a tourist. You’re moving into the owner’s home and their community, and the owners may even introduce you to friends and neighbours before they leave - connecting and sharing is a good way to make new buddies. 

Your new canine friend may come with a ready-made social life: regular walk meet-ups, agility classes, puppy training, even doggie yoga… Embracing your companion’s usual agenda will help you meet new people, which is especially helpful if you’re on a longer sitting assignment.

Find out more about engaging with the locals in our article. 

Travelling to new destinations

Along with caring for fantastic pets and meeting new people, travelling to different destinations is a big benefit of pet sitting. 

You can stay in fantastic cities and countries without having to pay for expensive accommodation, and for many of our sitters, it’s the best opportunity they’ve had to see more of the world. 

Of course, there’s no pressure to be intrepid. Some sitters choose places they know well, or towns that are fairly close to home. With so many assignments available, our sitters will always find the spot that suits them.

Discovering unexpected places

House sitting takes you away from the tourist trail. You may have the fabulous experience of staying in a place you’ve not really heard of, and discovering all its delights for yourself.

As we mentioned earlier, sitters have the advantage of instantly being part of the community or neighbourhood. This leads to finding out about the best-kept-secret restaurants, the hidden beaches, the fantastic little deli… Living like a local always reaps rewards when it comes to travel.

It’s great for physical and mental health

We all know the health benefits of spending time with pets. Dogs motivate us to get up and out into the fresh air every day, and a house sit with an energetic dog will involve plenty of exercise!

If you’re caring for a cat, you may not be going for long walks every day (although some cats have surprised our sitters by walking on a cat harness…) but there are still health benefits. Curling up with a purring cat on your lap is one of the most relaxing ways to end a day.

Having company when you’re away

And leading on from this, pet sitting means that you’re not travelling alone. If you like the idea of freedom but are a bit worried about the lack of company, a friendly pet is the ideal compromise. They won’t argue with you about where to go for lunch or what museum to visit, but they will be there to greet you when you get back. Perfect.

The simple, affectionate company of an animal can make all the difference to your stay.  After a day seeing the sights, you’ll have a friendly companion to come home to.

Staying in a home, not a hotel

Aside from the costs of conventional accommodation, staying in a real home can feel much more appealing. There are those welcome everyday comforts and a lot more space, and there’s a good chance that a pet-friendly home will have a garden you can use.

A house sit makes a longer stay away from home far more affordable, and not just because of the accommodation saving. You’ll be able to cook for yourself and do the laundry at home. If you have a car, you’ll have somewhere to park it (and maybe even wash it!). 

It’s a flexible way to travel

House and pet sitting can be a much more flexible way to travel than a conventional vacation. If you normally work from home, it’s pretty easy to pack up your laptop and set yourself up elsewhere. Pet sitters can enjoy a change of scene without having to lose out on income.

Being able to continue working may not sound like a top-ten enjoyment to some people, and of course, a house and pet sit can be taken as a break from the day job. However, if you’re looking for a longer stay away, or you’re self-employed and don’t get any holiday pay, easy access to a desk and wifi is a real benefit.

Meeting different kinds of animals

Usually, owners and sitters are matched by a shared love of a particular animal. If you were wondering how to be a dog sitter, previous experience of living or working with dogs is an essential criteria for most pooch parents.

This doesn’t mean you won’t get to meet a new type of dog, however. If you've previously owned laid-back Labradors, you’ll have a lot of fun with a lively Springer Spaniel. Hanging out with different breeds is one of the things our dog sitters really enjoy, and who knows, you may find the perfect breed for you when it’s time to find your own pup.

The same goes for cats, who all have such different purrsonalities. Prepare to be busy if you’re caring for a kitten! Sometimes, there may be a household with various pets, so as well as looking after the pup, you’re also in charge of the hamster.

How can I become a pet sitter?

If you’ve read this and think, “I want to be a dog sitter!”, that’s fantastic! Read our web page about how house and pet sitting works, and see if this sounds like something you want to do. If it is, we hope you’ll be able to join our pack of pet sitters. 

Both potential owners and sitters become members of our TrustedHousesitters community, a membership service that lets you search for assignments, and pet owners search for people like you! All our sitters are verified, which means we ask for certain checks and documentation before taking you on board.

We’d also suggest you take a look at our blog and read some first-hand accounts of pet sitting. Find out about Autumn, who’s been pet sitting for three years, or read Naama and Julie’s house and pet sitting stories.

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