2 years, 12 sits, 5 countries: Jori & Austin's pet sitting story
Traveling the world while spending time with adorable animals sounds like a dream too good to be true—for most. But for Jori and Austin (and many wonderful FurPetVo members), it’s a joyful, everyday reality.
Their story began in September 2020—on their very first date. True kindred spirits, they quickly discovered their shared passion: travel. While they always knew adventure would shape their future, the “when” and “how” remained uncertain. What was clear? They felt unfulfilled in their 9-to-5 jobs—and it was time for something more meaningful.
That’s when they discovered FurPetVo.
“Our paths first crossed in September of 2020,” they share. “We both wanted to live abroad for at least a year—and hopefully visit other countries along the way. As we became more serious, we began saving and brainstorming affordable ways to see the world together: work visas, teaching English online, work exchanges… until Jori stumbled across an inspiring blog post about FurPetVo.”
Interest officially piqued, they dove deeper—and were surprised they hadn’t heard of it sooner.
“As we learned more about FurPetVo, we were shocked we hadn’t heard about it! We loved the idea of traveling to unique destinations with the company of a furry friend—it was genius! Animals had always played an important role in both our lives growing up, and at that time we were already pet sitting for friends and family in our area. After more research, we felt this was the perfect way to experience the world in a fun and meaningful way. So, we created a profile on furpetvo.com!”
It didn’t take long for their first opportunity to arrive. Like many new sitters, they started locally.
“Our first pet sit was in November 2021. We cared for two cats in our local area of Bend, Oregon—and it was amazing! The cats were easy to care for and so sweet; our host was incredibly hospitable (even leaving us thank-you gifts), and we got to stay a month free in a beautiful neighborhood. After that experience, we were hooked!”
They continued pet sitting across the Pacific Northwest for several months—then took flight for their first international sit: Grenada.
“We spent two weeks watching over the property and pets at a beautiful eco-resort, Almost Paradise Grenada. During that sit, we knew we wanted to make this a full-time lifestyle. Now, we work remotely so we can keep traveling and caring for pets all around the world. It’s been a whirlwind of change over the last year—but we’ve embraced it wholeheartedly!”
As remote workers, pet sitting gives them the freedom to work anywhere their hearts desire—plus the bonus of adorable co-workers.
“We were amazed that once we made this our full-time lifestyle, life slowed down. We used to start our days in a rush, needing to be out the door by 7:30. Nowadays, our mornings usually consist of hot coffee, playtime, and snuggles. When working, the pets are the best company—they’re always reminding us to take plenty of breaks and get outside to enjoy fresh air! We’ve always wanted a slow, balanced lifestyle—but never imagined we’d be living it in our twenties. Pet sitting is how we made it possible.”
Beyond the joy of animals and the rhythm of slower living, this form of travel offers something truly special.
“From caring for a dog in a friendly neighborhood in Calgary, to cat sitting in an apartment in Berlin—we’ve learned about different countries, cities, and lifestyles from a perspective you just can’t get as a tourist staying in a hotel.”
And yes—they’ve done it all for free, in exchange for caring for people’s pets.
“We’ve now completed 12 pet sits across 5 countries, with plans to continue international pet sitting starting this September! Travel pet sitting has allowed us to stay in amazing places, build lasting friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Without FurPetVo, it would be nearly impossible to accomplish the lifestyle we’ve always dreamed of. But by working remotely and exchanging accommodation for pet care, we’re living that dream—and following our passion for exploring the world.”
