Caring for new fluffy friends: Paola's member story
Meet Paola — a remote veterinarian, lifelong animal lover, and dedicated FurPetVo member. Her deep passion for pets inspired her to build a career helping animals — and later, to combine that love with her desire to travel the world. Here, she shares how FurPetVo helped her turn two dreams into one joyful reality, introduces some of the furry friends she’s cared for, and offers practical advice for navigating unexpected moments on a sit.
A lifetime of love for animals
“Animals have always been my passion,” Paola says. “My happiest childhood memories are helping my grandpa feed the chickens and collect eggs — and the day I finally convinced my mom to bring home our first dog. There’s something truly special about the animal-human connection — hard to describe, yet deeply shared by so many. Animals are my ‘happy place,’ and I cherish their company and the joy of learning about them every day.”
From veterinary care to global pet sitting
Paola’s dedication led her to become a professional animal trainer and earn her veterinary degree — all driven by a dream of helping as many animals as possible. After years of hands-on clinical work, she sought a new chapter: one that balanced purpose, flexibility, and adventure.
“I found a remote veterinarian role with Hepper.com — a chance to support pet health through education while maintaining location freedom. That inspired me to explore pet sitting as the perfect way to merge travel with hands-on care. With FurPetVo, I could stay in cozy homes, build trust with pet parents, and still give my full attention to their beloved companions.”
Why FurPetVo Premium made all the difference
For Paola, choosing FurPetVo wasn’t just about finding sits — it was about peace of mind and meaningful perks. She opted for the Premium membership, which includes accident and third-party liability protection, house sit cancellation insurance, and two global airport lounge passes.
“I prefer pet sitting over hotels — there’s something uniquely rewarding about supporting fellow travelers while enjoying home comforts. And those airport lounge passes? A game-changer. Long layovers feel lighter when you have quiet space, snacks, and reliable Wi-Fi. Plus, the cost of lounge access alone often matches the price difference between Basic and Premium — add in comprehensive insurance, and it’s an easy decision.”
Veterinary expertise — a comfort for everyone
Paola’s background brings extra reassurance to pet parents, especially those whose animals require ongoing medical care.
“Pet parents with pets under treatment feel deeply grateful knowing a vet is caring for their furry family members while they’re away. And FurPetVo’s 24-hour Vet Advice Line is a standout feature — even though I haven’t needed to use it personally, I know it’s a huge comfort for sitters, pets, and owners alike.”
When plans change — and how FurPetVo helped
Even the most carefully planned sits can shift unexpectedly. Paola experienced this firsthand during a confirmed house sit in British Columbia, Canada — arranged to care for a sweet Bernadoodle while the owner visited her daughter.
“Everything was set: flight dates aligned, messages confirmed the night before, and we arrived full of excitement. But when we rang the doorbell, the owner appeared on the balcony looking unwell. ‘I messaged you earlier — I’m so sorry,’ she said. ‘I’m feeling very sick and need to see a doctor immediately.’”
Without local data, Paola hadn’t received the urgent message — a surprising twist after so much coordination. Still, she stayed calm and supportive.
“We offered help and wished her a speedy recovery. Then, we headed to a nearby café for Wi-Fi and contacted FurPetVo Member Support right away. Since no alternative listings were available, the Premium insurance quickly covered reimbursement for alternative accommodation — turning a stressful moment into a smooth resolution.”
Paola’s top tip for new sitters
- Always confirm communication preferences — ask pet parents to send urgent updates via call or text if email or app notifications might be delayed.
- Download offline maps and save key contacts — especially when traveling internationally without data.
- Trust your instincts and lean on FurPetVo support — their team responds quickly, and insurance is designed for real-life curveballs.
- Keep a small ‘sit kit’ ready — including treats, a portable pet brush, and printed emergency numbers for local vets.
For Paola, every sit is more than a booking — it’s a chance to deepen connections, share compassion, and honor the quiet, joyful bond between humans and animals. And with FurPetVo, she knows she’s never alone on the journey.
