TrustedHousesitters has opened the door to a whole new way of travel for me. Pet and house sitting lets me explore new places while staying in real homes—and spending time with animals I adore. But like anything, it comes with ups and downs. In this post, I’m sharing the best and worst parts of using TrustedHousesitters, based on my own experience.
Why I Chose TrustedHousesitters
After I retired and started traveling more, I quickly realized how expensive accommodations can be—especially for longer stays. I wanted a way to stretch my travel budget without giving up comfort or safety. That’s when I came across TrustedHousesitters.
At first, I was just curious. Could I really stay in someone’s home for free just by caring for their pets? It sounded too good to be true. But the more I looked into it, the more it felt like the perfect match for me.
I love animals, I’m organized, and I’m usually home a lot—which makes me a good fit for this kind of responsibility.
The Best Part of Pet and House Sitting
There are many reasons why I continue to use TrustedHousesitters, and for me, the best parts go far beyond saving money. Here are the highlights of what makes this experience so rewarding:
1. Living Like a Local
One of the biggest perks of pet and house sitting is staying in real neighborhoods. I’m not surrounded by tourists or hotel crowds. I get to shop at local stores, visit neighborhood parks, and enjoy the slower rhythm of everyday life in a new place.
2. Animal Companionship
This is truly what makes TrustedHousesitters special. Every pet I’ve cared for has brought warmth and comfort to my day. Whether it’s taking a dog for a walk or having a cat curl up next to me, their presence fills the house with life and joy—especially when I’m traveling solo.
3. Saving on More Than Just Rent
It’s not just about free housing. I also save on bills like Wi-Fi, electricity, and water. Many homeowners are generous and allow access to their spices, pantry items, and even fresh produce from the garden. Some leave behind extra snacks or meals too. These everyday savings add up quickly.
4. More Space and Comfort
Unlike hotel rooms or hostels, house sits usually come with full kitchens, laundry, private patios, and comfortable living spaces. It feels more like home—especially when I’m staying for a week or longer.
Having access to these things makes travel feel less exhausting and more grounded.
5. Meaningful Connections
Some homeowners have gone out of their way to welcome me—with kind notes, helpful tips, or even small gifts. Others have kept in touch after the sit was over. These small gestures often turn into warm memories and real connections I didn’t expect.
The Not-So-Great Moments
While I’ve had many great experiences, there are definitely some tough parts of pet and house sitting through TrustedHousesitters. Here are a few of the more challenging moments:
1. When Pet Sitting Isn’t So Simple
Not every pet is easy to care for. Some are anxious, reactive, or simply don’t listen. I’ve stayed with dogs that barked non-stop or pulled hard on the leash.
One time, a large dog I was walking suddenly got excited and barked at another dog. He lunged, and I lost my balance. I fell to the ground and walked away with a few scratches, but it reminded me how unpredictable pets can be.
You also have to be ready to spend a lot of time walking and entertaining the pets. They need exercise, attention, and stimulation—especially if they’re used to active routines. It’s a big part of the responsibility that comes with pet sitting.
2. Messy or Unclean Homes
I’ve stayed in some homes through TrustedHousesitters that felt cluttered, dusty, or poorly maintained. I found it hard to relax in those spaces.
As someone who values cleanliness and organization, I’ve had to adjust and make the space comfortable enough for my stay.
3. Limited Freedom to Explore
Another challenge is not being able to leave for long stretches. When I’m pet sitting, I rarely stay out more than a few hours. I worry about how the pets are doing, especially if they’re older or need extra care.
That means long hikes, full-day tours, or being gone all day just isn’t an option. If you’re considering TrustedHousesitters, this is something to keep in mind if you’re used to traveling with more freedom.
4. Cleaning Before You Leave
Leaving a clean home is expected, but sometimes it feels like a full day’s work. I always make sure the house is spotless—washing sheets, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, and tidying up. It’s part of the commitment, but it can be tiring, especially after a long sit.
5. Saying Goodbye
For me, the worst part of using TrustedHousesitters is saying goodbye to the pets. After spending days or even weeks together, they start to feel like your own. Parting ways can be surprisingly emotional. I’ve formed real bonds, and it’s never easy to walk away.
What I Wish I Knew Before Joining TrusteHousesitters
When I first joined TrustedHousesitters, I assumed pet and house sitting would be simple—watch the pets, stay for free, and enjoy a new place. But I quickly realized there’s more to it.
Each sit is different. Some pets need extra attention, and not every home looks as clean or cozy as the photos suggest. I’ve learned to ask more detailed questions before accepting a sit, especially about pet routines and cleaning expectations.
Reading reviews carefully is a must. I’ve learned to pay attention to what’s not being said, too. Little things often make a big difference in how enjoyable the experience is.
I also pack a few essentials—like toiletries, snacks, or extra cooking spices—just in case the home doesn’t have everything I need.
Most of all, I’ve learned to stay flexible. Flights get delayed. Plans change. And sometimes, a sit doesn’t go quite the way you imagined. Being able to adjust is part of what makes TrustedHousesitters work in the long run.
Is TrustedHousesitters Right for You?
TrustedHousesitters can be an amazing way to travel, save money, and spend time with pets—but it’s not for everyone.
If you love animals, don’t mind a little responsibility, and enjoy living like a local, pet and house sitting might be a perfect fit. It works best if you’re flexible, independent, and comfortable staying in someone else’s space.
But if you’re looking for total freedom while traveling or aren’t used to caring for pets, this lifestyle could feel limiting. You can’t come and go whenever you want, and plans often revolve around the pet’s needs.
In the end, TrustedHousesitters is a great option for people who want meaningful travel experiences without the high cost. It’s not a vacation—it’s a commitment. But if that idea excites you, it might be one of the best decisions you’ll make.
Final Thoughts on TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters has completely changed how I travel. I get to stay in real homes, care for sweet animals, and see new places in a more personal way.
There have been some challenges—messy homes, anxious pets, and hard goodbyes. But the best parts always outweigh the tough moments.
Pet and house sitting isn’t just about saving money. It’s about connection, care, and a slower, more meaningful way to travel.
If you’re flexible, responsible, and truly love animals, this lifestyle might be a great fit. TrustedHousesitters offers something different—something real. And for me, it’s been worth it.
