Travel Solo “Doggy Style” – Guest Blog by Daryl Cygler
You might imagine traveling solo is challenging and requires lots of money. The list goes something like this: decent accommodation is expensive, I feel vulnerable, I won’t know anyone, dining out alone is uncomfortable… Sound familiar? Well, one way to make your dream happen is to travel solo “doggy style.”
Pet sitting is an economical way to travel as it usually offers free accommodation. It’s ideal for people who love animals, want to see the world but don’t have deep pockets. It is a way to see destinations confidently, comfortably and on a budget.
The Ultimate Ice-Breaker
Let’s say one of the potholes stopping your travel adventure is about being alone. You may feel vulnerable, lonely, isolated…well, how’d would you feel with a dog by your side?
Dog sitting instantly opens up the local community. Your doggy-ward will have fur-friends (of both the two and four-legged type) who know them and come to speak to you. Plus, walking a dog gives perfect strangers a reason to smile and chat. There’s no quicker way to be accepted among locals, than looking after one of their own.
Rather than feel isolated, pet sitting increases your friendship circle. You’ll quickly accrue a list of local attractions from personal recommendation. Whether staying for a week, a month, or longer, pet sitting gives you an insider’s experience like no other.
Dining Alone
When dining out, look for dog-friendly restaurants and cafes. Think about it. A dog by your side requires no explanation as to why you’re dining alone. Woof! You’re straight in there with a conversation as you instantly have something in common with the other diners.
Many great beaches offer doggy-dining areas, which adds to a sense of security. With a dog, not only do you have a valid reason for being out alone (and removed that neon-sign saying ‘solo and vulnerable’) but dogs are protectors…even a tiny Chihuahua can give a nasty nip if riled!
How To Get Started?
There’s a burgeoning worldwide pet sitting scene out there, when you know how to look for it.
This mostly works on a barter-type economy: The client provides accommodation for free, in exchange for you taking responsible care of their pets. Most ‘jobs’ are awarded on the basis of a good reputation. Building a proven track record of glowing positive reviews is your golden currency to landing the best gigs.
Simply search online for pet sitting opportunities. There are some big international organizations that draw everything together for you. Or alternatively, decide on a destination and do your own research. Finding a pet-sitting site that originates from your chosen country can unearth some hidden gems. This is because pet-owners are more likely to be aware of ‘local’ sites and information.
What Does Pet Sitting Involve?
As the name suggests, pet sitting means looking after fur-family members in their own home, whilst the pet parents go on vacation or are away on work.
But more than providing a service, you learn fantastic life lessons.
Check out one of my pet sitting stays in a lovely English town, where I met my doggy-doppelganger, Parker the Golden Retriever.
Most commonly the pets you sit for are dogs and cats but some of the more exotic jobs involve reptiles, birds or even fish. (Of course, it’s imperative you can give the pets the care they need, so don’t get carried away by fish-sitting if you can’t tell a fin from a wing.)
You’ll stay in the owner’s home, often with all the comforts this implies. There are fantastic options out there from city center apartments to lakeside villas.
For those who want to explore but feel bashful about being alone, look for a placement with a canine companion. No-one thinks it odd to see someone walking a dog, so exercising your ward avoids drawing attention to your solo status.
Creature Comforts
OK, as a world traveler there’s kudos to roughing it in a tent or a flea-bitten hostel. But what if you don’t have to? What if there was a way to stay for free in a proper home…with heating, running water, electricity and washing facilities.
For those who value their creature comforts, pet sitting is perfect. You get to stay in a real home, with soft sofas and maybe even air conditioning. All you need in return is take care of the family’s pets and a little light housework. Woofs to that!
Relevant Recommendations
For those new to pet sitting, it helps to have relevant experience with animals. If you’ve volunteered at a shelter, worked at a veterinary clinic, or owned pets, these are all good recommendations. Consider enrolling in a good pet first aid course, for both you and the client’s peace of mind.
As your experience grows, along with the pawsome reviews, you can compete for the real peachy jobs in wonderful locations.
Imagine having a New York apartment for a base (free of charge) or staying in the Sydney suburbs to explore local, little-known beauty spots.
Stop dreaming and start traveling!
Woof Woof!
Author: Daryl Cygler
Daryl Cygler
Daryl Cygler is an avid dog lover and aspiring digital nomad that resides between Australia and the UK. When he is not answering to Ripley from the Doggy Dream Team he is balancing life of family, work and dreaming of new adventures. Wants to swim the English Channel (one day).
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