How San Francisco became a second home: Susan’s story
After their children moved to San Francisco—a city already close to their heart—Susan and her partner began looking for creative ways to spend more time there. They hoped to stay for multiple weeks, enjoying quality time with their kids while experiencing life in the city like true locals.
A friend told Susan about FurPetVo after successfully finding a pet sitter for her cat through furpetvo.com. When Susan’s beloved dog passed away a few months later, it felt like the perfect moment to try pet sitting herself. After joining FurPetVo, she soon secured her first sit in San Francisco: caring for YinYang, a five-year-old Australian Shepherd—while also reconnecting with her children.
Living like a local
House sitting didn’t just give Susan a new furry friend and precious family time—it transformed how she experienced San Francisco.
“We made a ton of connections and friendships,” she says. She and her partner met neighbors across the city and discovered beloved local spots for grocery shopping, errands, and evenings out—all because they stayed in a real home, immersed in a neighborhood, with a pup by their side.
“We now know people, neighborhoods, and hidden gems that we never would’ve found without FurPetVo.”
Everyday adventures with YinYang
Susan made daily trips to neighborhood favorites like Rainbow Grocery and Green Earth Natural Foods, got to know the staff, and built community by walking YinYang through the same parks again and again. He even joined her at the Divisadero Art Walk—buzzing with musicians, street art, and delicious food.
“YinYang is full of fun, so we meet a lot more people than we ever would on our own! And we go on adventures to places we never would’ve found without him.”
Beyond friendly locals, Susan loves San Francisco’s lesser-known natural treasures. She recommends Crissy Field for bayfront walks and Golden Gate Bridge views. Walk to the end, and you’ll find the Warming Hut Park Store—perfect for a refreshing popsicle or a small gift for someone special.
“Sometimes there’s fog, sometimes the sun is setting—but there are always kids, dogs, runners, and sometimes swimmers and boaters. It’s a great place.”
Fort Funston is another favorite that rarely appears in tourist guides. “It’s an amazing hike for anyone who loves the beach and hills,” Susan says. “It’s such a wild and creative spot. Without a dog, we likely would’ve never been introduced to it.”
More walks, more wonder
Susan has a whole list of favorite San Francisco walks. Land’s End remains a classic, while the Lyon Street Steps offer breathtaking bay views. Buena Vista Park, Twin Peaks, Bernal Heights Park, John McLaren Park, and Glen Canyon Park are all high on her list.
“House sitting has made it possible for us to go and just ‘live’ in San Francisco.”
San Francisco is full of hidden corners most tourists never see. Through house and pet sitting, Susan and her husband stay longer, explore authentic neighborhoods, and enjoy meaningful time with their kids.
“It’s a cool city with great food, good culture, history, vibes, and our kids! We could have never stayed in San Francisco for weeks at a time if we had to pay for a hotel.”
The couple had long sought alternative travel experiences. Susan explains they love living in a real home—with a kitchen, living room, and outdoor space for reading and relaxing—and being where locals live. As pet sitters, YinYang became their guide, helping them connect deeply with the community.
“Being close to the real community, meeting people, and seeing how people really live, has always been a priority for us in our travels.”
Since first meeting YinYang, Susan and her partner have sat for him eight more times—spending six to eight weeks with him each year over the past three years.
“He’s the best. He cries when we arrive and stands up (politely) to lick our cheeks and welcome us back to San Francisco.”
A new way to travel—and a new home
Pet sitting has profoundly changed Susan’s life and approach to travel. She and her partner signed up for FurPetVo with an open mind—and never looked back.
Now, they can call San Francisco their second home, the locals their neighbors, and YinYang their dearest furry friend.
“We truly feel like San Francisco is our second home. And taking care of YinYang gives our days focus and purpose beyond just visiting our kids. If you love pets and see them as a plus on your travels, this is for you!”
