How Digital Nomads Save Thousands with Pet Sitting in 2025
Ask any digital nomad what drains their wallet most, and you’ll hear it loud and clear: accommodation. Airbnb rentals, coliving spaces, even budget hostels rack up and can end up costing more than rent at home. It’s the single biggest expense on the road.
What if there was a way to live in epic places all around the world for free? Say hello to pet sitting for digital nomads, it’s a pretty nifty travel hack that trades animal and plant care for free accommodation. And 2025, more nomads than ever are using it to cut costs, slow travel the world, and feel more at home while they’re doing it. But if you think this sounds too good to be true, you’re not alone. I thought so too before my first digital nomad pet-sitting experience in Brighton UK, you can read about it here.
This guide covers the best platforms, what to expect, how to land your first pet sit, and why pet sitting may be a travel lifestyle hack worth jumping on.
Why Pet Sitting Works for Digital Nomads
Unlike standard house sitting, where you just keep a property safe, pet sitting adds companionship and is suprisingly much more accessible (there are so many options, you’ll be amazed).
Homeowners list their places because they want reliable care for their pets in the environment they’re most comfortable in. It’s often much more stressful for animals to be moved to a ‘pet hotel’ or to stay at a friend’s place. Surveys show 70% of pet owners worry about leaving pets alone during travel which explains why demand for sitters keeps rising (Source: American Pet Products Association (APPA) )
In return, you, the sitter, get:
- Free housing – save thousands of dollars each year on a range of accommodations from large farm houses in rural France, to boxy city apartments in China.
- Authentic stays – live in real neighborhoods, not tourist zones (but they have those too if you’re quick)
- Comfort & routine – enjoy a kitchen (ahh, utensils!), laundry, and a home-away-from-home type of vibe.
- Furry friends – great for nomads who miss having pets, you get the best of both worlds
It’s a win-win: homeowners get peace of mind, and nomads get affordable, meaningful stays.
Best Pet Sitting Platforms for Nomads in 2025
1. TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters is the largest platform, with over 120,000 listings worldwide in 2024. This is the one I’ve had the most personal experience with and have a few pals who swear by it too. Membership costs around $149/year (which is easily offset after just one sit, so if you’re serious, it’s worth it right from the get go). It also has a simple user experience that allows you to filter by stays over one month – which I love.
Best for: Nomads seeking choice, reliability, and highly reviewed international listings.
2. Nomador
A community-driven platform with a strong presence in Europe. Known for hidden gems in France, Spain, and the Mediterranean. This is much smaller than TrustedHousesitters but growing fast and with a bit of a cult fanbase.
Best for: Nomads exploring Europe and looking for unique stays.
3. MindMyHouse
Budget-friendly at just $49/year. Fewer listings, but a mix of short- and long-term sits. Perfect for beginners who are keen to start testing the waters.
Best for: Travelers who want an affordable entry point into pet sitting.
4. HouseCarers
This is one of the original house and pet-sitting platforms, with stronger coverage across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. It’s easy to use with a loyal community.
Best for: Nomads in Oceania or North America.
What Pet Sitters Actually Do
Most sits involve caring for cats and dogs, but you’ll sometimes find rabbits, horses, chickens, or even reptiles. Typical responsibilities include:
- Feeding pets and refreshing water bowls.
- Walking dogs or playing with cats.
- Grooming pets (brushing fur, teeth etc)
- Keeping the home tidy and secure.
- Watering plants and collecting mail.
👉 Tip: Read listings carefully. A low-maintenance cat is very different from a high-energy husky that needs multiple hikes a day.
Pros and Cons of Pet Sitting as a Nomad
Pros
- Free housing in desirable cities like Berlin, London as well as rural retreats around the world.
- Home comforts: WiFi, laundry, kitchen… did someone say UTENSILS?!!!!
- Bonding with animals on the road.
- Builds trust and reputation over time.
Cons
- Less flexibility — pets can’t be left alone for long.
- Real responsibility — you can’t cancel last minute and the pets need to be your top priority
- High competition for prime cities like Paris, London, and Barcelona
Create a Standout Profile
- Show your love for animals, reliability, and nomad lifestyle. Use photos of you with pets.
- Gather References
- Ask friends, landlords, or Airbnb hosts to vouch for you if you’re new.
- Start Local or Regional
- Build your first reviews with nearby or less competitive sits.
- Be Flexible
- Match your travel plans with homeowner schedules for better chances.
- Apply Quickly
- Popular listings go fast. Turn on alerts and apply as soon as they’re posted.
Real-Life Nomad Success Stories
Maria 28, Serbia “I saved nearly $3,000 in rent last year by stringing together pet sits across China. My favorite? Two months in Dalian, China caring for two rescue cats.”
This blog is the best resource on the web if you’re serious about house and pet sitting. I used the knowledge from their site to land my first pet sit!
Brittnay and Jayden saved over $150,000 with Trusted House Sitters over 5 years. “We are full time, professional house and pet sitters. We love travelling and taking care of animals. So far we have looked after over 90 pets in 14 countries!” Check out their epic blog all about house sitting around the world here.
Pet Sitting vs. Other Housing Options
Tips for Pet Sitting Success
- Treat applications like a job interview and be polite and professional (make sure to video call)
- Over-communicate with owners; send photo updates of pets to keep them at ease (put yourself in their shoes)
- Arrive a day early to learn routines directly from the owner (this is a great way to meet the pets, settle in and make a good impression).
- Always have backup plans in case of cancellations
- Stack sits in one region to save on travel costs (this is a great hack, you can search by country and region on the app)
FAQs
How much does TrustedHousesitters cost in 2025?
From around $149/year for a basic membership and that comes with a really great app you can use on your phone and 24/7 vet hotline access for peice of mind.
Can digital nomads earn money from pet sitting?
Most platforms are exchange-only (housing for care). Some private arrangements may pay, but that’s less common. I have heard of pet sitters becoming regulars for the same pets each year and being contacted to come back after their first experience off the apps and getting paid.
What types of pets do nomads usually care for?
Cats and dogs are most common, but you’ll also see birds, rabbits, chickens, or even farm animals.
Is pet sitting safe for solo travelers?
Yes, I was a solo petsitter. platforms verify members and reviews help you gauge trust but many hosts are also open for you to bring a friend, especially if it’s a two bedroom place. My friend came to visit one time in Brighton, UK. Always video chat with owners before accepting and make sure people know the address and where you are before you go.
How do I get my first pet sitting gig without experience?
Don’t panic, this is totally doable. You can start with smaller or local sits, use personal references, and build reviews gradually. It’s easier than you might think. Keep your eyes peeled and look for ‘last minute’ sits as they’re usually desperate. All you need is one good review and you’re in.
Final Thoughts: Pet Sitting Is the Ultimate Slomad Hack
For digital nomads, pet sitting in 2025 isn’t just about free rent, it’s about lifestyle design. You’ll save thousands, travel slower, and enjoy the comfort of a homeaway from home while bonding with animals along the way. It’s also a great way to build connections with people, I have friends with cats who met on Trusted House Sitters and now house swap every year from London and Copenhagen!
If you’re tired of overpriced Airbnbs and soulless hotel rooms, pet sitting could be your most rewarding housing option yet.
🐾 Ready to try it? I recommend you to start with TrustedHousesitters and see how you like it, hopefully after your first pet-sitting experience, you’ll see how it has the potential to transform your nomad journey.
I’d love to hear your experiences with pet sitting. Leave a comment and I’ll get right back to you below.
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