It's often difficult to leave your adorable pets at home when heading out on vacation. It's easier, however, if you know you have someone trustworthy to look after them.
Trusted Housesitters (h/t MensXP.com) is a service that works for those who love to travel but have pets at home.
Here's the kicker, though: It's also for those who love to travel and take care of other people's pets.
Becoming a member-for $119 for a one-year membership-gives you access to animal lovers that will be in the area who can take care of your furry family members. It also offers the peace of mind that comes with vetted personnel. It promises verification that includes, "global identity with I.D. document cross-checks and criminal background checks."
If you happen to be a traveler who can't quite scratch together money for an expensive hotel or Airbnb, you have the option to care for someone's pets as you stay in their pad.
In this case, you create a profile and explain what makes you so awesome with animals. After the vetting process -which includes what is described as an initial Skype interview-you have access to opportunities that come up in the area you live or where you may be visiting.
Simply apply to the homeowner and cross your fingers that you lock down a sweet gig, like an essentially free stay in Tuscany, London or anywhere else in the world that boasts Trusted Housesitters.
It sounds like a brilliant idea, but one borne out of near tragedy. The Daily Mail interviewed the website's founder, Andy Peck. He explains that his love of travel had him scale the Andes where he became extremely sick back in 2010:
"As I was recovering I couldn't stop thinking about how precarious life is and how I needed to do something meaningful with my life."
A quick stop home to the United Kingdom led to a trip to contemplate bigger questions in Thailand, where Peck once again fell ill-this time with Guillain-Barré syndrome. He would find solace in a chance trip to Spain to housesit and take care of a dog named Dave.
Peck continues, "It's no exaggeration to say that Dave changed my life. I realized that everyone should have the chance to spend time with pets, but of course it is not always practical. Then I saw a way to make it happen."
[READMORE]READ MORE: How Hotels Are Going the Extra Mile to Accommodate Dogs [/READMORE]
You get a sense of the passion as Peck and fiancée Rachel still house sit despite the successful endeavor: "I've made lifelong friendships through house sits, and had experiences I would never have dreamed of having otherwise. The fact that Rachel and I have also been able to make a successful business out of it really is a dream come true.
"It is about so much more than saving money. Looking after someone's pet while you stay in their house is so much more rewarding than staying in a hotel."
That dream is now a terrific opportunity for those who don't want to sacrifice travel because they have a menagerie at home that deserves tender care and love.
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