How house sitting enables non-profit, Retake

The sitters that make up our community are here for all kinds of reasons - for a (furry) buddy to keep them company while working, a change of scenery in a home unlike their own, or an affordable way to see more corners of the world than they thought possible. While each has their own ‘why’, our ears particularly perked up when we heard from our member Danielle, and what brought her to house sitting so regularly.

Danielle is the founder and director of non-profit Retake - an organization that offers free family photos and portraits to refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, displaced people and others surviving disasters or conflict. In Danielle’s words, Retake ‘creates keepsakes as they rebuild their lives’.

‘We partner with organizations on the ground to connect with families. Our photoshoots are quick and easy, and afterwards the families receive professionally printed and framed portraits to hang on their new walls.’

And Danielle’s house sitting ventures fit neatly into the puzzle - providing free accommodation and furry friends to keep her company, house sitting enables her to stay in communities for longer and work with more families than would ever be possible with hotels or b&bs.

‘I travel a lot to do these photoshoots and to work within communities. Because I want to be in a place for longer than a week, I am always looking for pet sitting opportunities in communities where we want to work. Not only is it a more cost-effective way for our non-profit to operate, but I always feel more connected to the area and the people as well [...] It is a joy for me to care for the fur babies, and it's a win-win for everyone involved.’

‘Aside from the photoshoots, I am able to do all the other work of the nonprofit from a home. It’s a win-win for everyone. The families have new photos, I am able to work there and be comfortable, and the host family has someone caring for their home and pets.’

And to no surprise, Danielle was house sitting when she shared her incredible story with us!

‘I am currently at a month-long sit in Tampa, Florida with a Chihuahua who has become my shadow! I wanted to be somewhere warm to chase away the winter blues, and this sit was perfect. Plus, I am able to do so much work here for Retake in that amount of time - if I can be somewhere for longer than one week, I am able to do so much more work in the community.’

So aside from providing convenient, long term places to stay to enable her work for Retake, Danielle told us that house sitting allows her a piece of home, away from home while she’s working across the globe.

‘There are so many pieces of pet sitting that are special and memorable. With my work schedule, I can’t have a pet of my own right now and getting to love some very cute fur babies, even for a short time, is something I cherish. Another component is that it’s really, really nice to stay in homes instead of hotels or bland rooms. When you travel a lot, you can’t bring all the comforts of a home with you, and having access to full kitchens and comfy couches and beautifully decorated rooms is so nice. It’s cozier and more welcoming to stay in lived-in homes than a rented room.’

And along with her amazing work across the States, house sitting has opened up the world for Danielle, giving her experiences she’ll never forget.

‘In Puerto Rico, I flew in to do work through my nonprofit, Retake, and was lucky enough to also find a pet sitting opportunity. The family knew I didn’t have a car and not only picked me up from the airport, but took me grocery shopping so I would be stocked and comfortable while they were gone! They didn’t leave until the crack of dawn the next morning, and we spent that night hanging out together, swapping travel stories, and playing with their pets together.'

‘In Vietnam, I was there for a long period of time and sat a couple of times for a sweet couple and their dog, Biscuit. I don’t like to play favorites, but Biscuit is up there. Sadly, the last time I sat for them was when Covid was becoming a scary reality in March 2020. The couple cut their trip in Australia short and had to quarantine for two weeks in Vietnam before they could get back to us. But I was on one of the last international flights out before the borders closed and couldn’t wait for their quarantine to end. It was a scary situation, but we had become friends and navigated it together. A neighbor of theirs was able to help watch Biscuit so I could fly back to America. I still keep in touch with that couple and still hope to watch Biscuit again one day!’ 

And last but by no means least, let’s hear a bit more from Danielle about her history with house sitting, long before TrustedHousesitters became a part of her life.

‘Back in the day, I was a live-in nanny in college for a wonderful family and would often watch their puppy throughout the year when they went on vacation. Their group of friends knew I did that and I would have offers to house sit on holidays and over summers. Once I graduated college and started traveling, I would reach out to people I knew and see if anyone was in need of my services!’

It seems that Danielle’s part in our community was meant to be, and we’re thrilled that her house sitting adventures enable such important work! 

To find out more about Retake and Danielle’s amazing work, check out her website, Facebook and Instagram.