2 years, 12 sits, 5 countries: Jori & Austin's pet sitting story

Travelling the world while spending time with adorable animals... it sounds like a dream too good to be true for most! But for Jori and Austin (and many more of our wonderful members), it's a reality they get to experience each and every day.

Picture the scene: the year was 2020, and Jori and Austin were on their very first date. True kindred spirits, it didn't take long for the conversation to turn to the couple's main shared passion: travel.

While they always knew travel would play a key role in their story, what wasn't quite clear was the 'when' or the 'how'. But one thing was for sure: feeling unfulfilled in their 9-5, they knew it was time for a change. That's when, somewhat fortuitously, they stumbled across TrustedHousesitters...

"Our paths first crossed in September of 2020. We both wanted to live abroad for at least a year, hopefully visiting other countries along the way. As we became more serious, we began saving and discussing ways that we could see the world together affordably.

We were considering work visas, teaching English online, and work exchanges. That was until Jori stumbled across an interesting blog post. In this post, the author was raving about a website called TrustedHousesitters..."

Interest officially piqued, Jori and Austin were keen to learn more...

"As we learned more about this website, 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 pet sitting for friends and family in our area so we had pet care experience already.

After more research, we felt that this was the perfect way for us to experience the world in a fun and unique way. So, we created a profile!"

And it didn't take long for Jori and Austin to find their first pet sit. Like many first-time sitters, they opted to stay local...

"Our first pet sit was in November of 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 very 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!"

"We continued to pet sit locally in the Pacific Northwest for a couple of months before we took off for our first international sit in Grenada! We spent two weeks watching over the property and pets at a beautiful eco-resort, Almost Paradise Grenada.

During that pet sit is when we knew we wanted to make this a full-time lifestyle. Now, we work remotely so that we can continue traveling and caring for pets all around the world. It’s been a whirlwind of change over the last year, but we have embraced the change wholeheartedly!"

Today: the Pacific Northwest. Tomorrow? The world! Jori and Austin were truly living their best digital nomad lives...

As remote workers, pet sitting gives Jori and Austin the freedom to work anywhere their hearts desire - along with the chance to meet cute new co-workers along the way!

"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 are always reminding us to take plenty of breaks and get outside to enjoy the fresh air! We have always wanted a slow and balanced lifestyle, but we never thought it’d be possible to be living it in our twenties. Pet sitting is how we were able to achieve it!"

"Beyond the amazing pets and the slow lifestyle, this form of travel is unlike any other out there. From caring for a dog in a friendly neighborhood in Calgary, to cat sitting in an apartment in Berlin; we’ve been able to learn about different countries, cities and lifestyles from a perspective that you just can’t get as a tourist staying in a hotel."

Not only have Jori and Austin had the freedom to travel with all the home comforts they could need, they've done it all for free, in exchange for caring for people's pets. Wait - whaaaat? Let them explain...

"We’ve now completed 12 pet sits in 5 countries, with plans to pet sit internationally for the foreseeable future starting in September!

Travel pet sitting has allowed us to stay in amazing places, while creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Without TrustedHousesitters, it would be nearly impossible to accomplish the lifestyle we have always dreamed of.

But by working remotely and exchanging accommodation for pet care, we can now live this lifestyle and follow our passion of traveling the world!"

With thanks to Jori and Austin for sharing their incredible pet sitting story with us! Find out more about Jori and Austin by visiting their website, or follow their travels around the world @nomadsandpawpads on Instagram and TikTok.

Fancy following in their footsteps?

Jori and Austin made their dreams a reality - and it's all thanks to pets! Find out how a TrustedHousesitters membership could open the door to fluffy new friends and unique homestays all around the world for you, too...