Hello
We recently joined THS at the recommendation of someone in our neighborhood and on a home exchange platform we both are part of.
We just did a sit for 4 nights and at the same time, had a sitter at our house. We did phone chats on both ends. I am very excited about this opportunity. I am interested in possibly taking our dogs on sits with us if all agree and if the other dogs are social. Mine are. They are used to traveling in others homes or Airbnb and very trained
So far , I have had mostly ‘no’s’ but some maybes. I have a good review from a sit where they accompanied me.
3 Likes
Hi Kira here. I’ve been doing THS for close to 5 years now. Hard to believe and hard to stop!
This all started for me in May 2020 which was 5 months after the covid quarantine mandate. There I was living in Westlake Village, CA by myself in a house and in a town that I really did not want to be and then forced to stay in a quarantine. It was extremely lonely and secluding and as a highly social person it was very difficult.
I realize that Westlake Village is not a bad place to live at all. In fact many love it. But there I was, stuck in my house, by myself and thinking, “If I die here in this town, in this house, I am going to be REALLY UPSET”!
I decided to do something about it. I called my very dear girlfriend who is one of the top real estate agents in the country and asked her if she could help me rent out my house. I knew she was still making it happen even in the quarantine and was still selling multi-million-dollar homes. She said, “Kira, I don’t even deal with rentals, but I will do it for you” So we listed my house, I put all my things in storage, and I hit the road. That was in August of 2020.
I took a truck all the way up the California coastline and witnessed the spectacular beauty of northern California and stopped in Napa and Sonoma where another travel enthusiast girlfriend met me for a week. During one of the rare times the quarantine was lifted, we were able to visit wineries in Napa and Sonoma and paddle boarded for a day during a crystal-clear day and dined in lovely restaurants and felt like human beings again.
My Girlfriend had to return to LA and I went on to visit another girlfriend whom I grew up with and who still to this day is living in Northern California. She and I rode horses together when I was a child and even bought my first horse from her. We have known each other our whole lives. I pre-confirmed with her that I was welcome to come during covid times and she was delighted.
However, when I got there, she informed me her daughter had an emergency and had to come stay with her in her Northern California home for 2 weeks and would I do her the great big favor of going to her home in Maui to care for her house and cat there while her daughter visited?
Well as the dear friend that I am of course I would go to Maui for 2 weeks to take care of her little kitty and home! (winky emoji). She lived right on Front Street in Lahaina and not too far down the street from a house I lived in when I moved there during my 17-year-old surfer phase. Surfer phase meaning, I loved surfers. Not that I loved surfing!
When I returned my girlfriend picked me up from the airport. She should me a website called Trusted House Sitters and since I had shared my plans to travel and live in Airbnb for the next year, she suggested I add in these house sits since she knew how much I loved animals and loved travel.
That’s how all of this started and here I am going on 5 years of this lifestyle I find myself addicted and don’t really know how or even if I want to stop.
5 Likes
Hi,
I’m unsure how to start this, as I’m just putting my toe in the water!
However, as a long-term world traveller, I’ve been interested in spending more time living in communities rather than bustling around tourist traps, hotels and Airbnb’s. My professional background is in Social Work and Mental Health and my wife and I currently live in Melbourne, Australia where I teach retired and soon-to-be retired people Slow Travel strategies and techniques.
We are fit, active and in our mid 70’s. Since retiring in the early naughties, we have spent between 5-6 months each year travelling overseas and intend to continue slow travelling. We like to spend the Australian Summer in Australia and the European Summer in either Europe, the US or Canada. and although we haven’t done any sitting yet, our long-term preference is for long stays with or without pets during the European and American summer overseas.
I note that experienced sitters recommend getting some experience in short stays before taking on longer stays and we are therefore looking for short stays within Australia between late '25 and early '26 and longer stays in Europe and the Americas between April - October in 2026.
I would appreciate any constructive advice as to how we should proceed.
BlueJohn
6 Likes
Welcome @BlueJohn! You and your wife sound like perfect people for this gig!
You will learn more tips and tricks as you read the Forum.
There are lots of opportunities to sit typically June through August in the USA when children are out of school. Study the weather in various areas as it can be very hot and/or humid in certain areas, while it is perfect in others during these months.
Lots of owners do not post their sit dates until a month or two before they need someone, and that is frustrating for sitters who are trying to plan ahead for foreign travel.
It might be best simply to plan travel to a certain area, and then try to fill your calendar with sits in that area. Obviously, you would need a plan B for days when you cannot find a sit. Hopefully you can find one longer “anchor sit.”
“Saved searches” and “favorites” are helpful. Make sure you can get notifications on your cell phone.
Feel free to reach out to me if you plan to visit California or the Pacific NW (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia) if you have any questions! Pro tip: US summer is the perfect time to visit the Pacific NW! June through early October are glorious!
3 Likes
Hi, I’m Celina, I am a pet sitter on THS since March of 2024, so just past my year anniversary, and what an amazing year it’s been. I did get some great tips from the forum users on getting started. I sat locally in North Carolina, with great reviews and had planned on applying this Spring for European sits. Well after the presidential elections in November I decided to just get out of the US, despite it being winter.
I applied to sits in southern Spain and the UK, after only 7 local sits, and was fortunate enough to get a 3 week sit in Spain, and 6 weeks in England! I left on Dec. 16, 2024 and returned on March 4, 2025. I also had side trips. I took the Eurotrain from London to Paris for a couple days, and visited the Louvre, and took a Siene River tour. I ended my trip back in Malaga, Spain for a week, and took a bus tour and ferry to Morroco! THS has given me the best travel experiences of my life. I have met great new friends both 2 legged and 4, and plan to continue living a nomadic lifestyle as a petsitter, and solo traveler.
Hobbies, while traveling, hiking, walking tours, visiting local theatres, museums, attractions.
8 Likes
This is such a sweet pic @laurask - not sure if you’ve had any feedback on this thread but would definitely change this to your cover photo instead of the sofa. Will draw people in! Also, change the title to “Pubs, walks & chips with Monty the Moggie” or similar as sounds fun that way and everyone knows it’s a pet sit. Your welcome and info is great and warm, add how long Monty is fine on us own for as that’s helpful for sitters. If you then pause it, make the tweaks and relist then your sit will go to the top of the pile again 
#andallshouldbewell
3 Likes
Hi @SkippyK10W. Yes, it was both. I used to have a fear of heights, so it was momentous in many ways. I had conquered the dome one time earlier, and I couldn’t think of a better place to express our love.
I try to get back to Yosemite every few years if I can. I agree: It’s truly a special place. I have a friend who grew up in the Valley. I can only imagine what a special upbringing that was!
Hi All, I’m Louise and I’m new to this forum.
I retired from teaching.
Now that my family commitments have diminished also …I’m more free to roam…I have a Toyota coaster bus and me my 2 dogs and cat have traveled around and about in Australia for approx 5 months a year for the last 5 years. It’s now time I got back to Europe.
In 2016 I walked the Camino De Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port…I didn’t make it to Santiago, injured my leg enough…Iliotibial band…to put me off Camino for 6 weeks …undergoing physio etc
I am blessed to have family in Holland where I stayed during this time..
I manage to complete another week on the Camino before I had to fly out….
It was such a tremendous experience, now going back to go back to finish what I began…
I love all animals I have two dogs and a 13 yr old cat…that I will miss terribly.
As such I’m interested in finding 2-3 house sits in while I’m walking my way through Spain.
I wish to relax for 2-3 days in between stages…even a week…I’ll be missing my crew…so it will be just terrific to touch base and care for other peoples beloved furry ones.
So I’m putting it out there on this forum.
Last night I put up a request for a house sitter/s for my beloved furr beings and my home…
Blessed travel folks…we do need all the blessing we can get in these exceptionally troubled times; need to count ‘em, give ‘em and receive ‘em.
Burn Camino wherever your path leads you.
Louise
(Edited to comply with Forum Guidelines
2 Likes
Hello from Bend, Oregon! My name is Kat and I am the proud pet parent to Reggie, a 2yr old Blue Heeler/Border Collie mix. I am brand new to THS – I heard about this platform/service from a friend of mine who has had great experiences with amazing pet sitters. So, I figured it was a great option for upcoming trips when I can’t bring Reggie along.
I am an avid mountain biker, hiker, skier and paddleboarder… pretty much all things outdoors make me happy! 
I’m honestly having a bit of trouble finding a pet sitter for Reggie for a trip on 4/23-4/30. Someone suggested looking for local pet sitters in Bend/Sisters/La Pine area but I’m a little bit confused on how to go about doing that. If someone can shed some light on that it would be great.
So far, I’ve used the “find a pet sitter” option and catered my email invites to people who live somewhat close to Bend, figuring it would be an easier way to find someone. I’m hoping someone super local will be better able to make the dates for this upcoming trip.
Any help you all can provide is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Kat & Reggie
5 Likes
Hi Jenny and all on the thread.
My name is Julie and with my husband of 30+ years Dom, we’re about to hand our notice in at our jobs, rent out our house and have a “gap 6 months”.Something we didn’t do when we were younger. We hope to house/ pet sit our way around the U.K for that time. Our grown up children flew the nest a few years ago and we are ready for an adventure. We are experienced pet owners but haven’t had a pet at home since the children left. We’ve read lots of advice and we’re working on a bio giving lots of personal details. We’re both a bit nervous about such a big step and I guess I’m hoping someone on here will just tell us to go for it. One question I have is does it work out going from one sit straight to another and what do people do in-between sits?
6 Likes
New to all this. Live in Barrie Ontario Canada and have 5 dogs and 5 cats. Yes they all get along like siblings. Cats have their own bedroom and dogs are not allowed in. Animals are allowed to sleep everywhere and anywhere.
(Post edited by the Forum Team to comply with the Community Guidelines).
2 Likes
Hi,
I’m new to THS.
My name is Yvette and I’m married to Eric living primarily in Minnesota. We frequently visit family in Chicago, and St. Louis to see the grand baby especially now that I teach online and Eric is retired. I am scouting potential sabbatical sites where I can switch into writing mode.
We have experience pet sitting both dogs and cats and am open to exotics. One of our favorite clients is Bruno, whose parents left us in charge for their Vegas and Italy trips.
I’m currently sitting two kittens, Salt and Pepper, and loving their energy and cuddle factor while their parents are away on business.
I make a good sitter because I am tidy, like a good list, enjoy engaging with pets.
I’m open to any advice for beginners. Thank you for welcoming me into the community!
Ylp
(Post edited by the Forum Team to comply with the Terms of Service).
Hi all,
I’m new to TH and to this forum. I’m from the US but I live in Bologna, Italy. It was actually an animal communicator who recommended TH to me more than a year ago. I was in contact with her after my kitty companion Jessi passed away, to help me through that time of grieving. It has taken some time, but I now feel ready to venture out into the world. At the moment I have a specific trip planned with set dates to Florida (I bought the tickets), the first time I’ll be back in the US since I moved to Italy ten years ago. I’m going there for a very special retreat that has been at the top of my bucket list for almost two decades. I’m bringing Jessi, and Manny, who came before her, with me in spirit. I know they approve from wherever they are flying free! (:
Housesitting seems like a nice way to be away from home with the comforts and conveniences of a lovely home, and possibly the company of some sweet animal friends. I have a lot of love to give. I’m someone who has always been very mothering and protective with animals ever since I was a child. In my adult years, I grounded this devotion with all the practical aspects of caring for animals with special needs. When we truly adore them, we’ll do anything to keep them happy and healthy, won’t we? They do so much for us in return.
My hobbies include watercolor and singing. I’m also a writer, mostly short stories, that often feature animals. I’m a bit of a health nut and a reclusive environmentalist - if I can even say that - passionate about living in harmony with NATURE. My favorite foods are (organic) avocados, papayas, and watermelon…and chewy, crusty, sourdough bread. My favorite cuisine is Japanese, especially sushi, but I’m a vegetarian now so only veggie sushi. (;
I’m really good at helping even frightened animals feel safe to come out of their shells. I also read them pretty well, especially cats. There are many names for it, but I’ll just leave it at that. I think I’ve always been that way, it just took me a while to realize it was unusual.
I hope that’s a good start and not too much. I’d like to ask for some feedback on my profile, especially since my first application was quietly and quickly denied, in all fairness the HO was probably close to deciding before I applied.
I’m working on getting a third reference to boost my profile.
Any feedback you might have would be greatly appreciated. Just please go easy on me!
I hesitated to join the forum because I was concerned it would take a lot of my time and attention. I have a lot on my plate right now, so I probably can’t pour hours and hours into the forum the way I have been into the TH platform. But I figured it would be good to get advice from experienced members and learn from reading about other people’s experiences.
I have to be careful how much I read though, some of it is a little intimidating, like the camera in the bedroom, the cats peeing around the house and conflicts between HOs and sitters…whew!
And what is this enigmatic Welcome Guide that I’ve been seeing mentioned in the forum? I assume I’ll find out once I get accepted for a sit.
Thanks for your time and attention!
Stefania
3 Likes
A quick note from Nagy - Onwards adventures! 
Hello all you lovely forum members!
Most of you know me as a forum regular. However, today marks the final day of pet sitting for myself & my partner; after travelling Europe with pet sit exchanges for a few years now, we have a 1 way ticket booked for Australia and are ready for a new chapter of settling down. I’ll no longer be checking in as much on the forum, but I have really enjoyed
being an active member here while learning a lot from you all!
Thank you all for your encouragement & support with my listing guides & articles - being on the forum has made me realise more of my passion for writing, and who knows where it leads me one day! I do hope the articles continue to help HO’s with their listings! 
Thank you all and best wishes!
Nagy 
11 Likes
And I forgot to include a photo and the link to my TH profile so unless there’s a way for me to do that after posting the message, I’ll just put it here in the comments section.
(Member’s sitter profile is in their Forum profile)
2 Likes
You’ve been a wonderful contributor @Nagy26 and always offered very sound advice. You do have a passion for writing so keep doing it. We’ll miss your regular words of wisdom so do pop back occasionally.
As you enter your next phase in your lives, embrace your new life in Oz, although I think you’re Australian but your partner isn’t. Depending on where you’re going to be, I’d love to catch up with you should we be in the same place at the same time. All the very best to you.
6 Likes
what a beautiful photo! Hope you find the right sitter to meet your needs!
1 Like
Thank you, that’s very kind! All the best to you too, and it would definitely be amazing to catch up one day!
3 Likes
All the best in this new chapter. Thanks for your contributions I think we have all learned from them.
4 Likes
Hi everyone,
I’m new to Trusted Housitters but really impressed so far. I’m a pet parent of Gus a 1 year old border terrier based in the south of UK, in Wimborne, Dorset. I’m a papercutting artist and tutor and I love dog walking in the woods around glorious Dorset.
Kyleigh
5 Likes