Julie and Jonathan’s UK Pet Sitting Adventures
Calling all pet lovers! Fancy cosying up with a cute kitty in Cornwall or bunny sitting in bonny Edinburgh? Or perhaps caring for Corgis in the heart of London is more your cup of tea? Either way, the UK is where it’s at this summer — and it could be your ticket to a truly unforgettable adventure.
To find out what it’s really like to go pet sitting in the UK, we sat down for a chat with Julie and Jonathan — two beloved members of the FurPetVo community, known online as @theglobalpetsitters. From medieval towns and Victorian beach resorts to rolling hills and, of course, afternoon tea, the UK offers rich holiday inspiration. In this story, we’re focusing on their British adventures — specifically in Dundee, Lyme Regis, and Malmesbury.
Scotland: A Beagle-Dachshund Cross Named Mabel
Back in 2020, Julie and Jonathan found an adorable Beagle-Dachshund cross named Mabel who needed loving care while her pet parents were away.
“Mabel is such an affectionate wee pooch and we all soon became very attached. She has such a great little personality — she loves fun outdoor games, but at home she loves a cuddle even when we’re working.”
The couple stayed in a spacious four-bedroom home in Dundee’s Tay Riverside area — Mabel’s cozy hangout. Exploring the Fife coast with her was pure joy: they crossed the stunning Tay Bridge multiple times to visit Elie Beach, the historic town of St Andrews, and Tentsmuir — a beautiful beachside pine forest covering around five square miles.
Mabel loved her long walks — happily trotting for miles by the sea and around town. She was the perfect travel companion: perched on Julie’s lap in the front seat during outings, soaking in the views, then fast asleep on the back seat on the way home.
Baxter Park, just a five-minute walk from their stay, was Mabel’s favourite local spot — where she met and played with other dogs. But the beaches remained her true love, especially her favourite game: sand digging.
Between enthusiastic digs and joyful sprints along the shore, Mabel was always up for adventure. Julie and Jonathan also loved exploring Dundee’s architectural gems — including the McManus Art Gallery and Museum and the V&A Dundee Design Museum.
“Our favourite part of Dundee was walking along the Tay riverside where HMS Unicorn — one of the oldest ships in the world — is docked.”
Malmesbury: A Quintessentially British House Sit
Next up: Malmesbury, a charming Wiltshire market town steeped in history — and home to another lively Mabel, a water-loving Labrador.
“This was a truly happy house sit for us. Living in Malmesbury was a delight — having the company of comical pooch Mabel was the icing on the cake. She was so full of life and happiness.”
Malmesbury’s high street is lined with attractive stone cottages and bustling with charm. At its north end stands the striking 15th-century Market Cross — surrounded by a vibrant Friday market selling artisan gifts and local goods. Just nearby lies the breathtaking 12th-century Malmesbury Abbey — home to King Athelstan’s tomb and considered one of England’s oldest religious sites. Visitors can stroll through the abbey grounds past the grave of Hannah Twynnoy, famously engraved as the first person killed by a tiger in Britain.
Sitting right next to the abbey is the Grade I listed Old Bell Hotel — rumoured to be England’s oldest hotel.
Mabel’s home was just a two-minute walk from buttercup- and clover-dotted fields leading down to the river — her absolute favourite place. There, she’d leap into the water after her ball with uncontainable joy.
“She loved her walks and never strayed far from us — her recall was amazing. We could take her anywhere, and she was super well behaved. As much as she loved her days out, she equally cherished her evening cuddle time.”
Julie and Jonathan often followed the peaceful riverside path, spotting herons gliding by and swans gliding gracefully across the water. With plenty of open green space, Mabel had endless room for ball-chasing between her splashy river play sessions.
Lyme Regis: Jurassic Coast Charm
For their final stop, Julie and Jonathan headed to Lyme Regis in Dorset — nestled at the heart of England’s famous Jurassic Coast. Despite the crystal-blue waters and fossil-rich cliffs, this coastal gem offered more than just geology: it delivered quiet coves, seaside strolls, and warm welcomes from locals — all while caring for yet another wonderful furry friend.
Whether you dream of seaside naps with a sleepy tabby, countryside hikes with a spirited terrier, or city adventures with a curious cat — FurPetVo makes it possible. Discover trusted pet sitters and house sits across the UK and beyond at furpetvo.com.
