Unexpected Benefits of Pet Sitting
I am finishing up my 26th pet sit. This week, I have been caring for 2 beautiful dogs in the heart of Scotland. And this pet sit is a beautiful example of the unexpected benefits of pet sitting. One of the most obvious benefits to pet sitting is that it is an affordable way to slow travel. Another benefit, the best in my opinion, is the companionship of animals. But an unexpected benefit is meeting truly wonderful, interesting people that you would never meet otherwise.
Olympia, Washington State
One of my first pet sits was in Olympia, Washington. It’s a beautiful little city with so much green space. I took care of Sky and Piper for 5 days while their humans went on an epic hike in the Cascades. I loved Sky and Piper and exploring Olympia’s woods with the dogs is still a vivid and fond memory. But my favorite part might have been my afternoon with Judy the day I arrived. A lot of pet parents like the sitter to arrive the day before they leave. They want the animals and pet sitter to get to know each other. I think they want reassurance that they have picked the right person. But it’s beneficial for all involved. For me, I like to see how they interact with the pets so I can try and replicate routines to keep the pets calm.
And sometimes, the pet parents are also wonderful people who want to show you around their town and act as a tour guide. Judy was a retired school teacher and her favorite field trip was taking her students to watch the salmon run at Tumwater Falls. And so after I met the doggos and we took them on a walk, I got to go on a field trip and see the epic salmon run up close. It was a great experience and I had such a wonderful time getting to know Judy. In fact, I still think of, and am inspired by, Judy and her husband Jeff every time I go for a hike. They were an incredibly active couple in their late 60s who still did epic overnight hikes. I hope I can continue to hike well into my 60s, just like them.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
I have had many other wonderful experiences meeting pet owners. I have 3 especially fond memories on Vancouver Island, which is one of my favorite places to visit. In Sooke, I have been a pet sitter for Bill and Don twice now. Both times, they welcomed me into their home the day before and they cooked me a lovely meal and we shared travel stories.
In Victoria, Carol and Paul did the same. They asked me to arrive the day before and I was treated to a gourmet meal and lively conversation. In fact, Carol and I truly connected and I have visited her twice now when pet sitting for others on the island. Their poodles, Piper and Merlin, were the easiest dogs I have ever cared for.
And then there was Michael and Rosalind in beautiful Brentwood Bay. Another generous and inspiring couple whom I was lucky enough to share a wonderful meal and great conversation. Rosalind was a fierce activist for indigenous rights on the island and Michael was an active member of Greenpeace. Both inspired me beyond words. They were in their late 70s, still active and always trying new things. Truly inspirational people and absolutely devoted to Kate and Gwen. Plus they had the most gorgeous house with incredible sunset views.
The Scottish Borders
And now, I have met Simon and Linda, a wonderful couple here in Scotland who showed me around Tweedale in the Scottish borders. We shared a few meals, great conversation and a dog walk before they left. They were also kind enough to let me use a bike so I could explore on my own. And I desperately hope I can come and care for their dogs in the future. I have fallen in love with Bracken and Amber. And this area of Scotland is quaint and quiet, with lovely scenery and friendly people.
And so, the most obvious benefits to pet sitting – free accommodations and the ability to explore a place ‘like a local’ – are not necessarily what stays in my mind. And definitely not my heart. It’s the pets and people you meet that stay with you.
Tips & Recommendations
There are so many reasons to choose carefully when applying for a pet sit. And a video interview is essential, in my opinion. Now some people may be interested in visiting a specific city or country but I truly hope anyone considering a pet sit knows it is important to also look at the suitability of the sit, both for your own sake and the pets. It is also really important if you are a remote worker that you ask the right questions and get a good sense of whether a pet sit is right for you, in terms of balancing pet care and your work.
Some questions to ask include how often the dogs need walking and how well they are trained for recall. Can the animals be left alone for more than 4 hours? Do they need to be in the same room as you when you are home? (This is not ideal if they bark and you teach online as I have learned from experience.) These are important questions, especially if you are wanting to explore or work remotely. And in my experience, pet care takes more time than people realize or expect, especially when the animals are new to you and you are in an unfamiliar house. I would also add that if the pet owners do work from home themselves or are retired, the pets are usually very used to a very specific schedule that you will need to adapt yourself to make things easier on all involved.
I love pet sitting and for the most part, I have had wonderful experiences and I have met truly kind, generous and interesting people. It has been a great joy and unexpected bonus to my nomad life. It is also a huge responsibility that I take seriously. And sometimes, it is definitely ‘work.’ Overall, the joys outweigh the challenges and if you truly love animals I highly recommend it as a unique and affordable way to slow travel.
Coming next week, a few more tips and some not so great stories 😉
If you are interested in becoming a pet sitter, please reach out with any questions. And please use my links for a discount to join Trusted Housesitters or Global Petsitters.
https://www.globalpetsitter.com/?ref=4FJHEUUX
