Explore dog sitting opportunities abroad for travellers who are comfortable caring for dogs while their owners are away, travelling or temporarily unable to manage their usual routine.

Dogsitting arrangements can take different forms. Some hosts provide accommodation in exchange for looking after their dogs, some combine dog care with housesitting or other light tasks, and others may offer food, pocket money or paid work. Always read the individual listing carefully rather than assuming that every opportunity follows the same exchange.

Some listings may be seasonal, archival or no longer active. Check the publication date and confirm current dates, responsibilities, accommodation and financial arrangements directly with the host before making travel plans.

What is dogsitting?

Dogsitting means temporarily taking responsibility for another person’s dog. It commonly takes place in the dog’s own home while the owner is away, although arrangements can vary considerably.

For travellers, dogsitting may be combined with housesitting, a homestay or another form of hospitality exchange. In some cases the owner remains at home and simply needs additional support with daily dog care.

Dogsitting is different from volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue centre, where participants may care for a larger number of dogs within an organisation. If that is what you are looking for, visit the dog shelter volunteering opportunities section.

Typical dog sitting responsibilities

Depending on the agreement, a dog sitter may be responsible for:

• feeding and providing fresh water;
• walking and exercising the dog;
• providing companionship and appropriate play;
• keeping the dog’s normal daily routine;
• cleaning feeding, sleeping or outdoor areas;
• following agreed instructions for routine medication;
• monitoring the dog’s general condition;
• keeping the owner reasonably informed;
• looking after the home when dogsitting is combined with housesitting.

Clarify all responsibilities before the owner leaves. Caring for one relaxed family dog is very different from managing several dogs, an animal with medical needs or a dog with behavioural difficulties.

Questions to ask the owner

Before accepting a dogsitting opportunity, ask about:

• the dog’s normal feeding and walking schedule;
• temperament and previous behaviour with unfamiliar people;
• behaviour around other dogs, animals and children;
• recall and lead requirements;
• medical conditions, allergies or medication;
• separation anxiety or other known behavioural difficulties;
• where the dog is allowed to go inside and outside the home;
• how long the dog can normally be left alone;
• the usual veterinarian and emergency contact;
• what to do if the dog becomes ill, injured or goes missing.

It is also useful to spend some time with the dog and owner together before taking sole responsibility whenever the arrangement makes this possible.

Dogs with separation anxiety or special needs

Some dogs find the absence of their usual person particularly difficult. Ask the owner about previous signs of separation distress, established routines and anything that normally helps the dog settle.

Do not improvise behavioural treatments or introduce medication without clear instructions from the owner and, where appropriate, veterinary guidance.

Voluntouring has a separate guide about caring for an anxious dog while dogsitting abroad, including practical suggestions for maintaining routines and creating a calm environment.

Accommodation, food and compensation

Dogsitting arrangements vary significantly. A host may provide free accommodation in exchange for dog care, accommodation and meals, or another agreed exchange. Some positions may also include pocket money or payment.

Confirm in advance:

• exactly what accommodation is provided;
• whether food is included;
• whether you will have the home to yourself or share it with the owner or other people;
• how many hours each day the dog requires your presence;
• whether you can leave the property for day trips or overnight stays;
• whether there are additional house, garden or cleaning duties;
• whether any payment, contribution, deposit or other financial arrangement applies.

If money is involved, agree on the amount and conditions before travelling. Paid dogsitting or regular work for a commercial activity may also be subject to local employment and immigration rules.

Safety and responsibility

Do not accept responsibility for a dog whose behaviour or care requirements are beyond your experience. Dogs can bite, pull suddenly on leads, escape through doors or gates, react to other animals or behave differently when their owner is absent.

Make sure you know where leads, carriers, food, medication and veterinary information are kept. Ask the owner for an emergency contact who can make decisions if the owner cannot be reached.

If medication is required, obtain clear written instructions. Veterinary diagnosis, prescription changes and specialist behavioural treatment should remain with appropriately qualified professionals.

Make sure your insurance is appropriate for your trip and the activities involved.

How to use this page

Browse the listings below and open the opportunity that interests you. Check the publication date first, because dogsitting arrangements are often connected to specific travel dates and can become unavailable quickly.

Look for the contact details or application instructions in the listing. Contact the host with a short introduction, your preferred dates, expected length of stay and relevant experience caring for dogs.

Before confirming your trip, make sure both sides have a clear understanding of the dog’s needs, the daily schedule, accommodation, house rules, time off, emergency arrangements and any financial conditions.

Voluntouring does not organise placements, select dog sitters, arrange visas or mediate between travellers and hosts. It does not process participant payments between travellers and hosts. Publication on Voluntouring.org does not in itself constitute verification, endorsement or a recommendation of an opportunity.

For additional guidance, read Voluntouring’s information about safety and legality in volunteering and work exchanges.

Related opportunities

• Pet sitting opportunities
• Volunteer projects with dogs
• Dog shelter volunteering opportunities

Important: dates, accommodation, animal-care responsibilities, payments and other conditions can change. Confirm all current information directly with the host before making travel or financial commitments.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Browse dog sitting opportunities abroad 🐕🐩🐕‍🦺

Browse the opportunities below and use the “Older Posts” navigation if available to continue exploring previous listings. Because many dogsitting arrangements are date-specific, always check availability directly with the host.

Do you need a responsible traveller to care for your dog while you are away, or do you host another suitable dog-care exchange? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.

Submit a dog sitting opportunity