After their children moved to San Francisco - a city already close to their heart - Susan and her partner began looking for creative ways to spend more time there. They were hoping to spend multiple weeks in the city to be with their kids and experience San Francisco life like true locals.
A friend of Susan’s told her about TrustedHousesitters after she’d found a pet sitter for her cat through the platform. And so, when Susan’s own beloved dog sadly passed away a few months later, it seemed like the perfect time to try pet sitting herself. After joining TrustedHousesitters, Susan soon secured her first pet sit in San Francisco - caring for YinYang, a five-year-old Australian Shepherd - while spending time with her kids.
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“We signed up to TrustedHousesitters, and life has opened up in so many wonderful ways that match our values and our style of travel.”
“Golden Gate Park was a 30-minute walk away from YinYang’s home in NoPa. Buses go by many hours of the day, and 100+ restaurants, shops, and bars are within a 10-minute stroll in every direction. We loved it!”
Susan and her family exploring San Francisco
House sitting didn’t only give Susan a new furry friend and a chance to spend time with her children - it also helped her live like a true local in San Francisco.
“We made a ton of connections and friendships.”
She and her partner met people from all over the city and discovered local spots for grocery shopping, errands, and evenings out. All because they had the opportunity to stay in a real home and neighborhood, and discover the city with a pup by their side.
“We now know people, neighborhoods, and hidden gems that we never would’ve found without TrustedHousesitters.”
Core memories with YinYang
Susan made daily trips to local stores like Rainbow Grocery and Green Earth Natural Foods, got to know the staff, and met locals by walking YinYang in the same parks again and again. He even came with her to the Divisadero Art Walk, which was booming with musicians, art, and good food.
“YinYang is full of fun, so we meet a lot more people than we ever would on our own! And we go on adventures to places we never would’ve found without him.”
Besides the friendly locals, Susan loves the hidden gems and amazing hikes San Francisco has to offer. She recommends Crissy Field for a walk along the bay and a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you walk to the end, you’ll find the Warming Hut Park Store, where you can treat yourself to a popsicle and maybe even find a little gift for a loved one.
“Sometimes there’s fog, sometimes the sun is setting, but there are kids, dogs, runners, and sometimes swimmers and boaters. It’s a great place.”
Fort Funston is another great spot that never makes it into the tourist guidebooks, says Susan. It’s an amazing hike for anyone who loves the beach and hills.
“It’s such a wild and creative spot. Without a dog, we likely would’ve never been introduced to it.”
Susan with her husband, daughter, and YinYang
And as if that wasn’t enough, Susan has a whole list of other recommendations for walks in San Francisco. She says Land’s End is a classic San Francisco hike, and the Lyon Street Steps offer stunning views of the bay. Buena Vista Park, Twin Peaks, Bernal Heights Park, John McLaren Park, and Glen Canyon Park are also high on her list.
“House sitting has made it possible for us to go and just 'live' in San Francisco.”
San Francisco is a city filled with hidden corners, most of which “traditional” tourists never find. House and pet sitting allows Susan and her husband to stay longer, explore local neighborhoods, and spend quality time with their kids.
“It’s a cool city with great food, good culture, history, vibes, and our kids! We could have never stayed in San Francisco for weeks at a time if we had to pay for a hotel.”
The couple had always been on the lookout for alternative ways to travel. Susan explains they enjoy living in a real home with a kitchen, a living room, and an outdoor space for reading and relaxing. They love being where the locals are. And as pet sitters, they have YinYang to show them around, which helped them connect with the community.
“Being close to the real community, meeting people, and seeing how people really live, has always been a priority for us in our travels.”
And since they first met adorable YinYang, they’ve sat for him eight more times, spending six to eight weeks with him each year over the past three years.
“He’s the best. He cries when we arrive and stands up (politely) to lick our cheeks and welcome us back to San Francisco.”
Quality time with YinYang
It’s safe to say that pet sitting has changed Susan’s life and the way she travels. Susan and her partner signed up for TrustedHousesitters with an open mind, and never looked back. Now they can call San Francisco their second home, the locals their neighbors, and YinYang their best furry friend.
“We truly feel like San Francisco is our second home.”
“And taking care of YinYang gives our days focus and purpose beyond just visiting our kids. If you love pets and see them as a plus on your travels, this is for you!”
Explore even more hidden gems in San Francisco (and beyond) with the Hidden Corners Index. A collection of local spots, hand-picked by members.
