“FurPetVo is helping us live the dream!” — Julie & Jake’s inspiring story
Back in October 2022, Julie and Jake left the United States to begin a new chapter in Germany—traveling, exploring, and seeking adventure. Before moving from Tucson, Arizona, the couple had regularly fostered cats and dogs from their local shelter. While researching pet care opportunities abroad, they discovered FurPetVo—and it quickly transformed how they experienced life overseas.
“We moved with the goal of traveling and seeing the world,” they share. “After settling in, we scheduled a short trip to Hamburg in early December. We were only there for three days—but we quickly realized how fast travel expenses, especially lodging and dining, can add up. Suddenly, our dream of frequent, meaningful travel felt out of reach… until we found FurPetVo! We both love animals deeply, so FurPetVo offered the perfect way to align our passions—with no compromise.”
As lifelong animal lovers, Julie and Jake were also eager to build community while on the move. Meeting like-minded people—and their beloved pets—was at the top of their priority list.
“We thought our favorite part of travel pet sitting would be exploring new places—and that’s been incredible. But what’s truly surprised us is how much we’ve cherished connecting with people and their pets. We relocated to Germany knowing no one, without friends or family nearby. FurPetVo gave us an instant sense of belonging. Through sits, we’ve built genuine friendships with incredible pet owners—many of whom are expats themselves.”
“Pet owners have been so warm and welcoming—they’ve made Europe feel like home. And of course, we love meeting all the pets! After years of fostering in the U.S., coming home to quiet spaces felt strange. Caring for pets during sits has brought back that joyful, comforting rhythm—and introduced us to dozens of wonderful companions.”
What makes a great pet sitter?
According to Julie and Jake, passion for animals isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
- The pets come first. Great sitters genuinely want to spend time with, bond with, and care for animals—not just enjoy the travel perks.
- Trust matters deeply. Sitters are entrusted with someone’s home and their most cherished family members. Responsibility, honesty, and empathy are non-negotiable.
- Treat every home—and every pet—as your own. That mindset builds lasting trust and creates meaningful connections.
Their first sit—and forever favorite
While every sit holds special memories, Julie and Jake’s most unforgettable experience began on New Year’s Day 2023—in Amsterdam—with Cocopops, a gentle senior Burmese cat.
“The owners were incredibly welcoming—and warned us that Cocopops was shy and might take time to warm up. By day two, she was climbing into our laps and settling onto our chests like a baby. We formed such a tender bond that we’ll carry it with us always.”
“We couldn’t believe how wonderful the arrangement was—exchanging the pet care we already love doing for a beautiful place to stay in a vibrant city. That sit confirmed something vital: we didn’t need to give up our dream of frequent, immersive travel. In fact, it became more real than ever—living like a local, surrounded by warmth, pets, and purpose.”
Where to next?
A lot has changed since their first sit. Julie and Jake recently packed up and officially relocated from Braunschweig to Munich—a decision shaped by their experiences exploring the city through FurPetVo sits. During a May–June sit, they scouted apartments—and fell in love.
Their upcoming adventures include:
- Three weeks in Rome (July–August)
- Three weeks in Edinburgh (August–September)
If you’d like to follow their journey—and get inspired by real-life pet-sitting adventures—you can find them on Instagram and TikTok: @petsittersabroad.
