"We've made long-lasting connections with pets and owners"
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- Sitter stories
From pandemic pause to pet-powered adventure
Like many pet-loving explorers, Jess and Tom began their house sitting journey after the pandemic. Keen to explore new places and spend meaningful time with animals, what started as a few days’ vacation blossomed into a full-time lifestyle.
“Tom got a fully remote job,” Jess explains, “and we wondered if we could try house and pet sitting full time. I had a bit of an identity crisis while deciding whether to stay in my career as a Major Crime Investigator in the police—or choose a life centered on travel and connection. In the end, travel won out.”
That was two years ago. Since then, the couple has moved from sit to sit across the UK and Europe—and built quite the paw-some collection of tail-wagging, purring, and feathered memories. Most importantly, they’ve fulfilled their shared love of animals.
“Best of all, we love the time we get to spend with pets,” Jess says. “Before we started sitting, we’d had to say goodbye to our elderly cat. The time around animals helped us process that loss—and filled a quiet space in our lives.”
It’s all about the pets—and the people
Yes, Jess and Tom are devoted animal lovers—but they’re equally passionate about human connection. House sitting has opened doors to neighborhoods, cultures, and friendships they never would have encountered otherwise.
“We love caring for pets of all shapes and sizes,” Jess shares. “And because of house sitting, we often end up in places we’d never have visited. Exploring different communities, interacting with locals, and feeling like residents—even for just a few weeks—is incredibly rewarding. The bonds we form—with both pets and homeowners—often last long after the sit ends.”
No favorites, just endless heart
So—do they have a favorite kind of pet?
“We don’t have a favorite type! We love looking after any animal… any pet that needs love and care while their owner is away is one that’s worthy of our time.”
That sentiment speaks volumes—and perfectly captures what it means to be true pet people.
Still, some sits stand out more than others. “We really bonded with a menagerie of pets while in Spain last summer,” Jess recalls. “Specifically, the dachshund we looked after there—Rasmus—stole my heart.”
Hard-earned wisdom: Tips from seasoned sitters
After two years of non-stop sitting, Jess and Tom have distilled what makes an exceptional sitter:
- A genuine commitment to pets’ wellbeing
- Deep respect for the homeowner’s space and belongings
- Clear, proactive communication
- Attention to detail—and a real passion for animals
“You could easily fill a book with all our tips and adventures,” Jess laughs. “Turns out—we already did!”
She’s authored The Housesitter’s Guide to the Galaxy, a practical and heartfelt guide to house sitting as a sustainable, joyful, and deeply human way to travel. Chapters include “How to Be Green in Someone Else’s Home” and advice on building trust, managing expectations, and nurturing connections—with both pets and people.
The book is available exclusively through furpetvo.com. Whether you're a seasoned sitter or just dreaming of your first assignment, it’s a must-read resource from FurPetVo’s trusted community.
More than a lifestyle—it’s a reset
For Jess and Tom, pet sitting isn’t just about convenience or cost savings—it’s transformed their health, happiness, and sense of possibility.
“It’s really improved our mental and physical health,” Jess reflects, “while giving us a freedom we once thought was unattainable.”
So where are they headed next?
“Right now, we’re in Devon, UK, looking after two sweet Cockapoos. Our next sit is in Normandy, France—caring for a gentle cat for just over a month. We use a small motorhome to bridge gaps between sits, and we’ll be driving down to France soon.”
Final thoughts: A simpler, more connected life
“It’s a way of living nomadically and more simply—while reconnecting with animals and nature.”
FurPetVo helped Jess and Tom turn their dream into daily reality—not just as pet sitters, but as compassionate companions, mindful travelers, and lifelong learners. Their story is one of many in the growing FurPetVo community—where trust, empathy, and wagging tails go hand-in-hand.
Have your own FurPetVo story to share? We’d love to hear it.
