Mathew Prior, CEO at TrustedHousesitters
For pet parents who love to travel, finding someone to care for their precious companions while they’re away is a common concern. Enter TrustedHousesitters, a community marketplace matching owners seeking the best possible pet care with pet-loving sitters looking for an authentic travel experience.
With over 230,000 members across more than 140 countries, it’s a rapidly growing community that has already facilitated over 10 million nights of pet sitting. What’s more, a recent survey revealed that 97 per cent of their members say the site has improved their lives for the better. Now that barks volumes!
But enough with the facts and figures: let’s understand how a TrustedHousesitters membership works for both pet parents and pet sitters.
How does TrustedHousesitters work?
Owners and sitters can choose from one of three membership plans, paying a one-time annual fee that unlocks 365 days of unlimited access to worldwide sits or loving in-home pet care. Pet parents seeking a sitter can post their listing advertising their pet care needs, while sitters can apply for worldwide sits once their ID and background checks are approved.
Sitters and owners begin connecting through the site, then they’re encouraged to meet either virtually or in person. Once the sit is over, both sides can review one another via the platform. These reviews in turn help to build further trust across the community and help future sitters or pet parents find their perfect match.
Owners get peace of mind while on holiday, sitters get a unique travel experience, and (most importantly) pets get to stay happy and loved in their own routine, in their own home. It’s a win-win-win!
What’s in it for owners?
For pet parents, TrustedHousesitters answers a big question that often comes with arranging pet care: “How do I make sure my pet is happy while I’m away?” Pets are happiest at home – and vets agree. Finding a trusted in-home pet sitter means pets can stay in their own home, with familiar smells and surroundings, while receiving the best possible care.
Boarding facilities can be a stressful experience, particularly for pets who are elderly, rescued or have special needs. Not only can this cause additional mental and physical health problems for the pet, but it can also cause owners to continuously worry about their pet’s welfare while they’re away.
Boarding fees for dogs, cats and other types of pets can also be incredibly costly. But for just one annual fee, a TrustedHousesitters membership provides unlimited pet care for all your pets and all your trips away – with no additional costs for extra paws or high-need pets.
What’s in it for sitters?
Sitters can experience an authentic travel experience, staying in the owner’s home while they’re away. This provides the opportunity for them to live like a local and truly embed themselves within a community. It doesn’t contribute to over-tourism, making it an ethical way of travelling, as well as a unique adventure.
New relationships can blossom from contact with locals – whether it be from meeting fellow dog walkers in the park or befriending the neighbours. Now more than ever, pet sitting is focused on community and fostering new friendships.
Especially for those who look for long-term stays, it’s an easier way to integrate into a place where you can quickly become a familiar face. Stay in amazing homes around the world while enjoying the wonderful company of pets!
Keen to hear more? Watch the video above to learn more about TrustedHousesitters from its very own CEO and pet owner member, Mathew Prior, or find out more about how it works by clicking here.
