The life of an At Home Pet Sitter often comes with unexpected adventures and heartwarming connections, alongside the primary responsibility of caring for beloved animals. My journey into full-time house and pet sitting began with a memorable scare. Before my hosts embarked on a four-week European vacation, they gave me a crucial warning about their dog’s tendency to consume discarded items during walks. This put me on high alert during our daily strolls through their Santa Cruz neighborhood, determined to maintain my track record of 22 five-star pet sitting reviews. One afternoon, as we were about to cross the street, the dog quickly snatched something I couldn’t identify.
“Drop it!” I commanded, my heart pounding.
She chomped down, spewing white powder from both sides of her mouth before spitting a small, crushed foil packet onto the sidewalk. My initial panic quickly subsided as I managed to make out the words “Non-dairy creamer” on the packet. A huge wave of relief washed over me; what I feared would be an emergency vet visit turned out to be a harmless, if messy, snack. This anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of caring for pets in their own homes and the quick thinking required of a dedicated at home pet sitter.
As a full-time traveling house and pet sitter, I’ve had the privilege of caring for a diverse menagerie: 18 dogs, 14 cats, several gardens, three hermit crabs, two turtles, and even a sourdough starter, all predominantly without major incidents. My travels have spanned over 6,000 miles across the West Coast, from the scenic vineyards of San Luis Obispo, California, to the rugged coastline of San Juan Island, Washington, encompassing 23 towns along the way. While I generally prefer longer engagements lasting several weeks or more, I’ve occasionally accepted shorter stays for particularly appealing opportunities. A prime example was a two-night stay in a breathtaking seaside home perched above Agate Passage on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where my sole duty was to feed Salem, a 17-year-old black Maine coon cat who mostly kept to himself. The experience offered an incredible exchange: expert pet care for luxurious accommodations, a hallmark of being an at home pet sitter.
My passion for travel ignited early, sparked by a trip to Hawaii with my father at age six and later, a high school trip to the Soviet Union when I was fifteen. In my twenties, I explored the United States for three months in a Volkswagen bus, visiting numerous national parks. My thirties saw me leading teenagers on academic tours through Italy and Greece. Later, as a single mother and then an empty nester, working remotely, I found myself with the time and opportunity to travel extensively once more. However, the budget was a significant constraint. The average cost of pet ownership can be substantial, and traditional travel expenses can quickly add up, making house and pet sitting an attractive alternative.
Discovering the concept of house and pet sitting in exchange for free accommodations was a revelation. After researching various platforms, I chose to invest $135 in an annual basic membership with TrustedHousesitters, a global community boasting over 7,000 house and pet sitting opportunities. Within days, I secured my first weekend sit: caring for two cats in a charming seaside town a short drive and ferry ride from Seattle. Following a video call with the homeowners, everything was set, and I arrived after they had departed for their trip, ready to provide dedicated pet care.
That inaugural experience was acceptable, but not exceptional. The cats were easily managed, and the garden was beautiful, but the house felt a bit neglected, and the guest room lacked warmth. Since then, I’ve refined my approach, exclusively applying to properties with abundant photos and glowing reviews from previous sitters. I also make it a point to ask thorough questions during introductory video calls, ensuring a comfortable and professional experience for both myself and the pet owners. This meticulous approach is crucial for any aspiring at home pet sitter aiming for consistent positive experiences.
A thoughtful at-home pet sitter carefully observing a dog during a walk.
As a freelance writer, I spent the following months traveling around the Puget Sound on various short sits, steadily building my reputation through positive reviews from grateful pet owners. This period also honed my packing and organizational skills, essential for a nomadic lifestyle. The more time I spent away from my permanent residence, the harder it became to justify paying nearly $2,500 a month in rent. When I eventually lost my job, the decision was straightforward: I gave up my apartment, put my belongings into storage, and fully embraced the road. Becoming a full-time at home pet sitter dramatically altered my financial landscape and lifestyle.
In the year that followed, I saved nearly $30,000 in rent, enjoying stays in luxurious waterfront homes that would otherwise be far beyond my budget. These experiences have included leisurely strolls on private beaches, cooking in gourmet chef’s kitchens, relaxing in outdoor hot tubs, unwinding in Swedish saunas, and politely ignoring in-home gyms. Similar accommodations booked through platforms like Airbnb would likely have cost over $70,000, but as an at home pet sitter, my services provided access to them for free.
Of course, my annual expenses aren’t entirely zero. I cover my own food and toiletries, and over the past year, I’ve spent approximately $2,300 on “bridge stays”—hotels or Airbnbs—between pet sitting assignments. Despite these costs, I am spending significantly less than I used to, all while exploring numerous beautiful locations. This lifestyle offers a unique blend of financial freedom and travel for the dedicated at home pet sitter.
Beyond the financial advantages and stunning accommodations, the life of an at home pet sitter offers profound personal enrichment. I’ve encountered numerous kind and creative individuals: weavers, writers, musicians, painters, and tile artists. Many of these new acquaintances are retired, embracing adventurous aging by cruising the Mediterranean or cycling through the French countryside. This network of inspiring people is an invaluable benefit of the lifestyle.
One couple, who have since become good friends, welcomed me to a pet sit with fresh negronis and a traditional Japanese hot pot dinner. They also curated several bottles of wine from their personal cellar for me and returned with thoughtful gifts at the end of my stay. I’ve pet sat for them twice, and their energetic cattle dog, Wasabi, proved to be an excellent companion, napping nearby while I wrote for hours until it was time for us both to stretch our legs and play fetch outside. I’m looking forward to my third visit to their spectacular home overlooking the Salish Sea on Lummi Island, Washington, further solidifying the rewarding bonds formed through this unique profession. The value of an at home pet sitter extends beyond simply caring for pets; it’s about becoming a trusted part of a homeowner’s support system.
A pet owner receiving peace of mind from a trusted at-home pet sitter.
The Realities of Being an At Home Pet Sitter
While the perks are many, the role of an at home pet sitter isn’t without its less glamorous aspects. The end-of-sit cleaning is often the least glamorous part. As a perfectionist driven by the desire to earn five-star reviews, I’ve learned through experience to allocate ample time to restore the home to at least the condition I found it in, if not better. This commitment to thoroughness ensures both homeowner satisfaction and reinforces my reputation as a reliable at home pet sitter.
I vividly recall an incident at the conclusion of a 10-day sit with a charming West Highland white terrier who communicated his need to go outside by ringing a bell. That morning, I had already logged 10,000 steps during my cleaning efforts and was nearly finished vacuuming. With the homeowners not due back for at least another hour, I had stripped down to leggings and a sports bra to comfortably complete the final tasks. It was then that I heard the terrier barking – a sound he hadn’t made throughout my entire visit. Rushing downstairs, I found myself face-to-face with the homeowners, whom I had not met previously. It was an undeniably awkward encounter! In my embarrassment, I accidentally walked off with their mail key and had to FedEx it back the following week. Even the most seasoned at home pet sitter can have a comical mishap.
An at-home pet sitter enjoying playful interaction with a small dog.
Despite the occasional awkward moment or demanding cleaning session, the advantages of the house and pet sitting lifestyle significantly outweigh the drawbacks for me. The opportunity to live in luxurious homes, the substantial reduction in living costs, and the constant stream of new experiences are all incredibly rewarding. However, at its core, this lifestyle is truly about the immense satisfaction of building trust with animals, ensuring they avoid the stress of kennels, and providing their human companions with profound peace of mind while they are away. Being an at home pet sitter is not a path for everyone, but for me, the ability to travel extensively while offering a service I genuinely believe in is an absolute dream come true. For those considering providing such care, understanding the dog walking prices per hour or the estimated annual cost of owning a dog can offer valuable context for the service an at home pet sitter provides.
