As someone who has always grown up with pets in the family, I know how stressful and challenging it can be to make travel plans. Whether it’s for work or leisure, it is tough to leave pets behind and not worry about their wellbeing. My dog gives me those sad puppy dog eyes when I drop her off at daycare for a few hours, so the thought of leaving her in a kennel for a week or more can deter me from making any long term travel plans.

A lot of my friends have mentioned they would love to have a pet, but they travel too much and would feel guilty boarding them or paying high rates for a sitter every time they go away somewhere. Enter, TrustedHousesitters. I was so happy to come across this company because I have always said there needs to be an alternative option to kennels or boarding when pet owners travel.

What is TrustedHousesitters?

TrustedHousesitters is a platform that connects pet owners and sitters by exchanging home and pet care for a place to stay. Travelers and pet lovers are able to explore destinations in over 130 countries via pet sitting, while pet owners can do the same knowing a trusted sitter is at home taking care of their pets.

TrustedHousesitters is the world’s largest house and pet sitting community. Cities have hundreds of pet and house sitters (I believe the platform just reached over 75,000 users!), so you know there will be a plethora of options when it comes down to making travel plans. All members pay just £89 (roughly $117USD) annually and can enjoy unlimited sits at no extra cost. This means that you could make your money back in one weekend trip away when you factor in what it would cost to pay sitters or board or kennel your pet. The same is true as a sitter, as you’d save money on accommodation costs in exchange for house and pet sitting.

This exchange is truly a win-win for both parties, as pet owners are able to travel knowing their pets are comfortable and safe with a pet-lover in familiar surroundings. Pet sitters experience what life is like in new cities and immerse themselves in local experiences hotels can’t offer.

My dog can be anxious in unfamiliar territory, so the ability to have her stay home and keep to her daily routine is very important to me. It is so nice to know that with TrustedHousesitters, where she eats, sleeps and walks will remain unchanged when I travel.

I know it’s in the name, but can I trust TrustedHousesitters with my pets?

This is probably the number one hesitation for pet owners when they go to make travel plans. How will I know my pet is in good hands and safe while I’m away? Pets are an integral part of the family, and leaving them behind can be nervewracking and stressful.

The best part about a TrustedHousesitters membership is that there are thousands of reviewed and verified sitters, a $1million Insurance Backed Guarantee and 24/7 Veterinary and Membership Services phone lines. Before you make any decisions, you can browse the profile of potential sitters, and read the reviews of previous travelers. All pet sitters are verified with a reference.

Before you confirm a pet sitter, you can sit down on a video call and get to know the person behind the profile, allowing you peace of mind. I find a face to face conversation is the best way to learn more about a person, and you can have a list of questions ready to help ease your mind.

Love pets and traveling? Sign up as a house sitter

If you are an avid traveler and pet lover, consider signing up to pet and house sit. This offers unique travel experiences as you’re able to immerse yourself in the neighborhood like a local. The house owners can provide recommendations and you’ll get an authentic look into life in the city you are visiting. You’ll be able to steer clear of any tourist traps and experience local favorites. This is a great way to travel on a budget without compromising the experience.

The cost of the annual membership will be made back in one night compared to staying in a hotel or BnB. I also love how environmentally-friendly this form of travel is, as you are not relying on the disposable resources hotel stays bring. If you’ve always wanted a pet, but aren’t able to have an animal of your own, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with a loving animal while exploring a new place. Explore all day, then cuddle up with a pet, watch Netflix and order in. Sounds pretty ideal to me.

Ready to Learn More?

Intrigued? Check out their website at TrustedHousesitters, or download their app in the Apple app store or Google Play to start browsing.  If you’re a pet owner and have been reluctant to leave behind your pets, take a few minutes and check out the website. They have great videos outlining how it works, and a great FAQ section. Avid traveler looking for a different way to discover new cities while avoiding the touristy side of things? Learn more about signing up as a trusted house sitter and tips for securing your first house sit.

As an avid traveler and pet owner, it is my pleasure to be sharing this platform with you. This post is sponsored by TrustedHousesitters. All of my opinions are my own, and I am thrilled to be able to showcase a new way of travel that serves both pet owners and lovers.

Please reach out to me with any questions!

Kaylee