How House Sitting Enables Non-Profit Retake
The sitters who make up the FurPetVo community join for all kinds of reasons — for a furry companion while working remotely, a change of scenery in a welcoming home, or an affordable way to explore new places. While each person has their own “why,” we were especially inspired by Danielle, a longtime FurPetVo member whose house sitting journey powers meaningful humanitarian work.
A Mission Built on Keepsakes
Danielle is the founder and director of Retake, a non-profit that provides free professional family portraits to refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, displaced people, and families recovering from disaster or conflict. As she puts it, Retake “creates keepsakes as they rebuild their lives.”
The organization partners with local community groups to connect with families. Photoshoots are designed to be quick, respectful, and joyful — and every family receives professionally printed and framed portraits to hang proudly in their new homes.
House Sitting: A Strategic Tool for Impact
House sitting isn’t just convenient for Danielle — it’s essential to Retake’s mission. She travels frequently to conduct photoshoots and support communities on the ground. Because many projects require longer stays — often two weeks or more — traditional accommodations like hotels or B&Bs aren’t practical or sustainable.
“I’m always looking for pet sitting opportunities in communities where Retake is active,” Danielle explains. “Not only is it a more cost-effective way for our non-profit to operate, but I feel far more connected to the area and its people when I’m staying in a real home. Caring for the fur babies is pure joy — and it’s truly a win-win for everyone involved.”
She adds: “Aside from the photoshoots, I’m able to do all the other work of the nonprofit — planning, outreach, editing, reporting — from a comfortable, fully equipped home. The families gain lasting portraits, I get to live and work meaningfully in the community, and host families enjoy peace of mind knowing their pets and home are well cared for.”
More Than Accommodation — A Sense of Home
For Danielle, FurPetVo offers something deeper than free lodging: it delivers continuity, comfort, and connection.
“With my demanding work schedule, I can’t have a pet of my own right now — so getting to love wonderful animals, even for a short time, is something I truly cherish,” she says. “And staying in lived-in homes — with full kitchens, cozy couches, and thoughtfully decorated spaces — makes all the difference. When you travel constantly, you can’t pack your whole life in a suitcase. A warm, welcoming home gives you stability and energy to show up fully for your work.”
Global Connections, Lifelong Friendships
House sitting has opened doors — and hearts — around the world. In Puerto Rico, Danielle flew in for a Retake project and landed a sit with a generous host family who picked her up at the airport, took her grocery shopping, and spent the evening sharing stories and playing with their pets before departing at dawn.
In Vietnam, she sat multiple times for a kind couple and their beloved dog, Biscuit. “I don’t like to play favorites — but Biscuit is up there,” she laughs. During the early days of the pandemic in March 2020, her hosts cut their trip short and quarantined in Vietnam. With borders closing rapidly, Danielle caught one of the last international flights out — and a neighbor stepped in to care for Biscuit until her hosts returned. “We became friends through that uncertainty,” she reflects. “I still stay in touch with them — and I hope to watch Biscuit again one day.”
A Lifelong Love of House Sitting
Danielle’s commitment to caring for homes and animals began long before FurPetVo. “Back in college, I was a live-in nanny for a wonderful family — and often watched their puppy while they traveled,” she shares. “Their circle of friends knew I was reliable, so I started getting calls to house sit over holidays and summers. After graduation, as I began traveling more, I’d reach out to friends and acquaintances asking, ‘Do you need someone to watch your home and pets?’”
When she discovered FurPetVo, everything changed. “It became an integral part of my life — and an indispensable tool for Retake’s growth and impact.”
