“A massive network of amazing humans with a deep love for animals”

Our pets are family. Whether we welcome them into our homes as spritely youngsters or as mature animals in their Golden Years, we want to give them the best possible life. In return, they provide us with unconditional love and wonderful lifelong memories. 

Amy has been part of Team Trusted for almost a year and a half, and in that time she’s been able to provide a true home for her senior rescue Staffy, Abi. This includes welcoming sitters into her home for the first time and experiencing TrustedHousesitters firsthand. 

Sadly, Abi passed away in April this year, but Amy has kindly offered to share her story with us. As our Senior Product Designer, Amy is all too familiar with how the site and app works, but it wasn’t until she had Abi that she realized how life-changing it is for pet parents of recent rescues. 

Pets like Abi like the comforts of home best

Amy first met Abi in 2020 through a dog sitting site but was able to become her full-time pet parent in March 2023. Before that, Abi had been rescued from Hungary to start a new life in Brighton. She’d had a tough start to life, but that didn’t seem to affect her nature:

“Abi was the sweetest, most friendly girl who loved everyone. She was so good when we traveled together, whether by bus, train, or car. Because she loved meeting new people, she enjoyed going to pubs and cafes as much as I did.”

Having been a pet sitter for friends, family, and dog sitting sites, the shoe was now on the other paw for Amy. As it was just her and Abi, there came a time when Amy needed to be away from home and wasn’t able to take Abi with her:

“Abi was my best friend and I absolutely loved taking care of her, but sometimes it was difficult being a single owner when I had to leave Abi alone or with pet sitters, for other commitments.”

Luckily, TrustedHousesitters seemed like a good place to start

Although Abi was the most adaptable and well-behaved doggo, she was still a rescue - one with an unknown history who treasured the comforts of home:

“The first time I used TrustedHousesitters, I was initially worried about finding a sitter because I was posting my dates a week in advance of the sit and wasn’t sure I would get applications. But I was pleasantly surprised when I reached 5 applications within a couple of days and easily confirmed a great sitter after having a video call.”

As our Senior Product Designer, Amy knows a thing or two about the system anyway, so had a bit of a head start when it came to planning for her sitters. But, she knows where to go should she ever need some extra tips or advice:

“I’m lucky enough to work for the Product team so had a whole bunch of knowledge around me to help prepare and plan for my first sitter, but if I didn’t have that, the Community Forum would be a great place to get this info."

Ah, yes, our wonderful online community of pet people:

“On TrustedHousesitters you have access to a massive network of amazing humans with a deep love for animals and are willing to provide the care that our pets and homes deserve.” 

Despite a few hesitations, Abi’s first sit ended up going really well. Soon, Amy was comfortable enough to find a few more sitters over the next year. As a newbie to the site, she also sought out other new users to share the love:

“I have had three different sitters stay with Abi, and they were all great. They were all first-time solo sitters, so we sort of learned together! All sitters were really communicative about their travel plans beforehand and getting to Brighton, making sure they had plenty of time to avoid any knock-on delays to my plans. This really helped me feel at ease because I am a bit of a planner and like to know I won’t miss any flights!”

As well as being communicative before the sit, Amy’s sitters continue to keep her up to date on Abi’s progress each day:

“Abi absolutely loved having new friends to play and go for walks with, I was sent photo updates and was reassured by her looking happy and relaxed.”

Well, it sounds like it was a great solution for both Abi and Amy:

“TrustedHousesitters allowed me to go on holiday and enjoy breaks, whilst feeling a little less guilty about leaving Abi behind because I knew she would be happy in her home and her familiar environments.”

TrustedHousesitters gave Abi new lifelong happy memories

As a dedicated pet parent to a rescue, Amy certainly wasn’t without her hesitations before using the site:

“We love our pets so much and they really are our priority, so I understand it can be difficult trusting anyone with them.” 

Luckily, her experience as part of the Trusted Team helped her to take the plunge:

“Working for TrustedHousesitters filled me with even more confidence as it really embraces pets and I knew I would be supported. The remote-first approach is perfect for pet owners and everyone here just loves animals.”

And, as we said, this ended up being a great experience for sweet Abi, too:

“Abi loved spending time with new humans so I’m glad that using TrustedHousesitters allowed her to have more happy memories after her horrible start in life. Definitely give it a try if you are considering it, I wouldn’t use any other pet care solution now.”
Thank you for sharing your story, Amy. We want to dedicate this post to Abi’s memory and to Amy for giving her the beautiful home she always deserved.

Whether you’re planning to sit your own rescued pet or hoping for one to join your family, we have some special tips on caring for rescue pets. Every animal deserves the VIP life, but some need a little extra TLC!