How Pet Sitting Benefits the Remote Working Experience
Is your remote working experience negatively impacted by feelings of loneliness, difficulty connecting with colleagues, or an uneven work-life balance? Our new survey suggests that pet sitting might just be the perfect solution.
FurPetVo conducted an in-depth survey of over 2,000 members to learn more about pets’ role in the remote working experience. The biggest takeaway? Pet sitting significantly benefits remote and hybrid workers — with roughly 91% of respondents agreeing that caring for pets has improved their overall remote working experience.
The survey findings also suggest that most home workers consider the benefits provided by pets to be irreplaceable. In fact, roughly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said they wouldn’t even consider a new role that didn’t offer a hybrid or remote working option.
On furpetvo.com, pet sitting is incredibly popular among remote workers — and over half (54%) of remote and hybrid respondents say they pet sit at least once a month or more. While these initial findings clearly show that pets benefit remote workers, we wanted to dig deeper: exactly how does pet sitting impact remote workers, and why are more people turning to it?
How Pets Benefit the Remote Worker
According to the FurPetVo Remote Worker Survey, pets and pet sitting benefit remote workers in these key areas:
1. Work-Related Stress
Decades of research show that interactions with pets can increase levels of oxytocin — the so-called “cuddle hormone” — in the brain, helping reduce stress and anxiety. This effect is especially powerful for remote workers: 9 out of 10 respondents (91%) agreed that working in the company of animals reduces their feelings of work-related stress.
2. Loneliness
Pets provide comforting companionship during otherwise isolated workdays. Half (50%) of respondents said pets reduce feelings of loneliness while working remotely. Additionally, 27% appreciate how pets — or pet sitting opportunities — spark natural conversation starters with colleagues, making virtual and in-person connections feel more authentic and effortless.
3. Work-Life Balance
Nearly half (49%) of respondents said pets improve their remote working experience by encouraging them to step away from their screens during the day. These pet-approved breaks aren’t just refreshing — they’re essential. They help reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue while supporting mental clarity, sustained focus, and long-term productivity.
4. Healthy Habits
44% of respondents said pets help them maintain a consistent daily routine — a cornerstone of successful remote work. And roughly 66% reported that caring for a pet gets them outdoors at least once each workday. Regular movement and exposure to natural light are proven to lower stress, ease symptoms of depression, and foster a stronger sense of well-being and balance.
5. Overall Remote Working Lifestyle
Nearly all (98%) respondents said pet sitting with FurPetVo has improved their lifestyle. For remote workers who pet sit, the greatest benefit is the opportunity to visit places they wouldn’t have otherwise explored — cited by 74% of respondents.
When 5 p.m. rolls around, pet sitting remote workers don’t just log off — they step into life. Whether it’s a calming walk to decompress, exploring a new neighborhood with a furry friend, or building real-world connections at local pet-friendly cafés and parks, pet sitting doesn’t just enhance the workday — it transforms the entire remote working lifestyle.
Real Experiences from Our Remote Working Members
“House sitting gives us a home base where we can have the company of pets, stability to work on our online business, travel to different countries, and still balance work and travel with our personal life. It’s just such a great way to travel that we believe more people should know and experience it!”
— Fran and Marco, FurPetVo members
“[Having] a furry friend to break up your day or make you go outside for a walk. You know you should be getting up from your desk more often — and trust me, the dog you’re house sitting will surely remind you to!”
— Nina, FurPetVo member
Pet sitting gives remote workers the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling, balanced working experience — one enriched by companionship, reduced stress, better physical and mental health, and meaningful connection to the world beyond the screen.
If you’re in need of a fuzzy, fluffy, or feathery new work companion, browse our latest pet sitting opportunities at furpetvo.com today.
