Pet sitting 🐕🐈
Explore pet sitting opportunities abroad where travellers temporarily care for dogs, cats or other companion animals while their owners are away or need additional help.
Some arrangements provide accommodation in exchange for animal care, while others combine pet sitting with housesitting, gardening or light household tasks. Conditions vary, and some opportunities may be tied to very specific dates.
What is pet sitting? 🐕🐈
Pet sitting means temporarily taking responsibility for another person’s companion animals, usually following their established feeding, exercise and care routine. It often takes place in the animal’s own home while the owner is away. Pet sitting is different from volunteering at an animal shelter, rescue centre or sanctuary.
Pet sitting and housesitting
Pet sitting focuses primarily on the animals, while housesitting can also involve responsibility for the property, plants, mail or basic security. The two often overlap, so clarify exactly what you are responsible for and how much time the animals can be left alone.
Before accepting a pet sit
Ask about each animal’s feeding routine, exercise, temperament, medication, health conditions and behaviour around unfamiliar people or other animals. Make sure you have the veterinarian’s details, an emergency contact and clear instructions about what to do if an animal becomes ill, escapes or behaves unexpectedly.
Animals that are elderly, anxious, reactive or chronically ill may require additional experience. Do not accept responsibilities beyond your competence. For additional guidance, see Voluntouring’s guide to dogsitting an anxious dog.
How to use this page
Check the publication date and confirm the exact dates, animals involved, daily routine, accommodation, time off, emergency arrangements and any fees, payments or additional household duties directly with the host. If the role is paid or involves substantial regular work, also check the applicable employment and immigration rules.
Publication on Voluntouring.org does not constitute verification or endorsement of a host, pet sitting arrangement or animal-care practice.
Related opportunities: Dog sitting · Housesitting · Cats · Animal care · Animal shelters
Last reviewed: October 2026.
Browse pet sitting opportunities around the world 🐕🐈
Browse the opportunities below and confirm current availability directly with the host. Pet sitting placements are often linked to specific periods when an owner is travelling, so older listings may no longer be available.
Do you need a responsible traveller to care for your pets while you are away? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.
