How pet sitting gave John and Barb the retirement of their dreams
Planning for retirement but looking for ways to fill it with something truly fulfilling? Meet John and Barb — a retired couple who traded slippers for suitcases, swapped routine for adventure, and discovered a joyful, cost-effective way to travel the world: pet sitting. With their FurPetVo membership, they’ve enjoyed comfortable stays in homes across the globe — all while caring for beloved pets.
A dream takes flight
“We started pet sitting in 2017. We had just retired, bought and remodelled our home, and one day John asked if I wanted to move overseas,” Barb recalls. “That was a bit drastic for me — so we compromised. We decided to rent out our home for a year and travel the world.”
From curiosity to commitment
Barb found FurPetVo and saw an opportunity to combine travel, purpose, and affordability. “I thought this would be a great way to travel,” she says. “We applied to several sits in different countries. The first host to accept us was in Edinburgh, Scotland — so off to Europe we went!”
They loved it so much that they spent the entire year abroad — completing 13 pet sits across Europe. Along the way, they met wonderful people, explored vibrant cities, and formed lasting bonds with pets and hosts alike. Back home in Asheville, NC, they continue the tradition — taking extended pet-sitting trips across the United States.
A standout sit in Munich
After more than 30 sits around the world, one experience stands out: a stay in Munich, Germany, with a gentle feline named Bear.
“We sat for a wonderful couple who had a kitty with hydrocephalus — sometimes called ‘water on the brain.’ Her name was Bear, and we instantly fell in love with her. She was so affectionate and sweet. She wobbled when she walked and sometimes fell over — but it didn’t slow her down! We held our breath every time she ran down the stairs, yet Bear was remarkably capable and confident. Her care was simple and joyful, and the home was beautiful. Our hosts, Anna and Mat, made us feel welcome from the moment Anna picked us up at the train station. We became friends — and still keep in touch. Mat even introduced us to Scottish whisky, which we’ll forever be grateful for!”
Why cats steal their hearts
When asked about their favorite pets to care for, John and Barb don’t hesitate: “We may have to say cats.”
“Not only does cat care give us more flexibility to explore the local area, their personalities are wonderfully unapologetic. You have to respect that. They’re who they are — no concessions for us. From the friendly, lap-seeking types to the shy, under-the-bed observers, cats are endlessly fascinating.”
What’s next for the duo?
Currently, John and Barb are planning their next chapter — a winter journey through the southern and southwestern United States. They’ve received invitations to return to previous hosts and are also lining up new sits in those regions.
And their final reflection? One that resonates deeply with anyone seeking meaning in retirement:
“We could not enjoy our travels as we do without FurPetVo. It has provided us with so many memorable experiences, taught us to be adaptable and embrace change, and given us the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and pets.”
