How It All Began

On Becoming a Long-term Pet Care and House Sitter Through My Travels

I became a long-term pet care provider and house sitter while traveling. One of my first long-term house sits was in Puna on the Big Island of Hawaii where I volunteered at the Kalani Oceanside Retreat for 3 months. The community was quick to welcome me, and I made connections. It was a year later that I found myself back on the island doing a house sit for 6 months for someone I met there. Since home security was a major concern, I made sure that the house was safeguarded while enjoying all that Hawaii offers—stunning views, beaches, swimming with dolphins, and more. I will always cherish this house sit experience.

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Loving the idea of long-term pet sits, I sought other opportunities. This allowed me to travel and have diverse experiences. It gave me an opportunity to become a part of the community wherever I was, while caring for beloved pets.

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I secured a pet and house sit on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, for 4 dogs and a cat. Vieques is an island off of the main island of Puerto Rico. It was and still is a throwback in time. It has amazing beaches with an abundance of privacy. There are spectacular views while driving around this small island. Horses are roaming the streets. Mangoes are in abundance. Only minimal stores and services are available. You have to take a  beautiful hour-long ferry ride to the main island to get to more civilization. But the ferries were inconsistent. Roads were full of potholes. And there were lots of stray cats and dogs in need of food and care, which I supported the best I could. There were definitely challenges to this experience. I provided this 6-month pet and house sit during two separate times, despite the challenges. There is nothing like the simplicity of island living.

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During my second Vieques pet sit, I answered a request for help on the island’s Facebook page. Someone was trying to trap a stray dog for a couple who had left the island, but wanted to adopt the dog. I volunteered, and  ended up at the local Humane Society with the dog that needed  a vet visit. There I discovered that in order for the dog to fly out, he had to be crate trained. The owner of my pet sit knew this couple that wanted to adopt the dog and the situation. Suddenly, I was now the trainer. And a few weeks later, with much time, patience, and coaxing, the dog trusted me, got into the crate, and flew off to the North East. It was quite the challenge…quite the experience!

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From Vieques Island, I landed in May, Idaho, a ghost town in the mountains. The nearest town was 45 minutes away. I stayed at a unique home with stunning panoramic views, and cared for 7 beautiful cats. The solitude and the cats brought me such joy. A dog came later…as did an extended opportunity. For 2 years, I lived between this home and the family’s home in Boise, Idaho. I became the ‘on call’ pet sitter given they traveled for work often. When the family was in Boise, I was in May caring for their pets. And when I was in Boise, I was house sitting. I still refer to their pets as ‘ours’. They remain dear to my heart.

This eventually led to a 6-month yacht sit in St. Petersburg, FL. I quickly learned what was involved in caring for a yacht! Despite my inexperience, these Idaho clients trusted me to care for their yacht as I did their homes and pets.

I am always open to new experiences and the adventures that come with pet and house sitting, and I am looking forward to more explorations to come!

~Alane