Latest news with #TrustedHousesitters
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Pets Over People? New Survey Reveals Sacrifices Americans Make For Their Pets
DINKWAPs Lead the Rise of the Pet-First Lifestyle—and It's Reshaping Everything from Travel to Relationships LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study found that more than half (56%) of U.S. pet owners say they travel less since getting a pet, and a growing number are prioritizing their pets in ways that are fundamentally changing how we vacation, socialize, and even define family. The national survey, commissioned by leading pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters, uncovers that the emotional toll of leaving a pet behind is pushing many owners to cancel plans, ghost dates, and, in some cases, skip family birthdays: 21% of owners say they'd feel less guilty canceling plans with a close friend at the last minute than leaving their pet at home. 1 in 5 owners say they would rather ghost someone after a first date. 17% would feel less guilty skipping a family birthday compared to leaving their pet. 'We're seeing a clear cultural shift, particularly among younger, child-free adults who consider their pets to be their children,' said Angela Laws, Community Manager at TrustedHousesitters. 'They're not just companions—they're family. And that's showing up in everyday decisions about travel, social life, and emotional well-being.' The Emotional Weight of Pet Parenthood The survey of 5,000 U.S. pet owners reveals that for many, the mental strain of leaving a pet behind is stronger than the urge to relax or explore: 61% of pet owners say they worry more about their pet's well-being than their own enjoyment on vacation. Nearly half (49%) of pet owners experience separation anxiety when away. 52% say their pet's sad face while they pack has made them too guilty to go. A third (33%) of pet parents say they spend a significant portion of their vacation on their phones, checking in on their pet or video-calling their sitter. 54% say their travel is impacted because they worry that their pet thinks they've been abandoned. The DINKWAP Effect: Pets as the New Children As birth rates continue to decline and pet ownership hits all-time highs, more Americans are embracing the 'DINKWAP' lifestyle—dual income, no kids, with a pet. The numbers reflect a society where four-legged family members are taking top priority: 16% of owners spent more on a vacation just so they could bring their pets along. 18% would rather leave their partner at home to care for the pet while they vacation solo. 1 in 10 (12%) say they would feel more guilty leaving their pet than their child with a sitter. More surprisingly, 9% admit they would feel more guilty leaving their pet than forgetting their kid's birthday altogether. 'We're not just seeing changing attitudes; we're seeing a redefinition of family structure,' Laws said. 'Pets are a center of family life. And for millions of Americans, that means every plan, trip, or decision includes them.' To connect with a pet sitter or explore more expert insights for pet owners, visit MethodologyThe research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 5,000 U.S. pet owners. The data was collected between March 25, 2025, and April 4, 2025. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. About TrustedHousesitters TrustedHousesitters is the leading travel solution for pet people; a global community whose love of pets and travel enables home sharing and pet caring all over the world. The service was founded in Brighton, UK in 2010 and has over 240,000 members in more than 140 countries, responsible for 10 million nights of pet sitting. A subscription gives unlimited access to short and long term sits with no further money changing hands. Sitters explore the world while staying in real homes and enjoying the companionship of pets. Meanwhile, owners enjoy freedom and peace of mind by prioritizing their pets' well-being at home with a trusted companion. TrustedHousesitters assists in facilitating domestic and international travel through pet sitting. Members are responsible for their own research ensuring they meet all visa, entry, and travel requirements for their destination. For more information, go to: Media ContactFor more information please contact
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'I'm a vet - you should leave your dirty laundry behind for your pet when you travel'
If you're pet can't make it on this year's holiday, this tip can help their well-being Many Scots heading on holidays this summer will want to leave the house spick and span for their return. After all, deep cleaning the house means you don't need to worry about catching up on chores straight off the plane. However, pet owners should maybe think twice about leaving no mess behind them before they leave for the airport. In fact, vets have issued surprising advice for dog and cat parents - leave your dirty laundry behind. As 36 per cent of Brits say they're planning more holidays in 2025 than last year, owners are already counting down to their getaways. But what if the key to a calm pet while you're away is leaving your house a little messy? New research from TrustedHousesitters reveals that more than half of UK pet owners worry their pets feel abandoned when they travel. But vets say small steps – like leaving familiar smells around the home – can make a surprisingly big difference to pets' happiness and wellbeing. "Everyone likes their home comforts - pets included," Dr Rebecca MacMillan explains. "Pets thrive on familiarity and routine; it helps them to feel secure. Staying in an environment where they already feel safe will often mean they cope better when their owner is gone." Dr MacMillan adds that pets take comfort from having the smell of their owner around, plus their own pheromones which they will have marked around the home. "Even small sounds like the ticking of the kitchen clock or hearing the hum of the boiler starting up in the morning will be cues that your pet associates with their home," she went on. "Owners should still leave a clean, welcoming home for any sitter, family, or friend coming to watch pets. But when it comes to helping furry friends feel secure, leaving a few familiar items with your scent can make a big difference." Vet-approved ways to help your pet stay happy while you travel Dr MacMillan recommends these simple yet effective approaches for pet owners heading off on holiday. Don't deep clean before you go "Consider leaving a couple of items of clothing that you have worn for them to smell and snuggle with," Dr MacMillan explained. "This will help them to feel comforted in your absence." "Leaving your pet's bedding, toys, and even some clothes destined for the laundry basket around can help them feel connected to you." Keep routines as normal as possible Ask your sitter to stick to your pet's usual feeding times, walk times, and sleep schedule. "Keeping your pet in a routine as close to their normal one as possible will help them to feel more settled," advises Dr MacMillan. Use calming aids if needed Consider using a synthetic pet pheromone product to help act as an additional calming agent in their environment. "Plug-in diffusers are available, or you could use an impregnated collar or food supplement," suggests Dr MacMillan. If adding to your pet's diet, make sure to consult your vet first. Brief your sitter properly "Leave your sitter with plenty of instructions so that they understand your pet's daily schedule, likes and dislikes," says Dr MacMillan. "Creating a simple welcome guide with all essential information helps your sitter provide the best care possible. Include emergency contact numbers and your pet's medication schedule if applicable. "Feeding instructions, and notes about your pet's favourite spots, habits and any little quirks that make a difference day-to-day should also be noted." Minimise disruption Try not to make big changes like moving furniture or changing pet beds right before you leave. "Even if it feels messy to you, it'll likely be comforting for your pet until you return," Dr MacMillan added. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
New York Post
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
I live in some of the world's most expensive cities for free — here's my hack for not paying any rent or bills
A young couple recently revealed their secret to living rent-free for three months while traveling across Australia, and their little-known hack is going viral on TikTok. In the video, the woman, Esmae Lewis, explained how she and her boyfriend managed to avoid paying rent, bills, and even Wi-Fi and air conditioning costs during their travels. 'We didn't spend a single dollar,' she claimed. The pair said they wanted to live in Australia, as it's such a 'beautiful country with great weather'. However, she quickly realized it also has a high cost of living, pricey food, drinks, gyms, and hostels, which aren't always ideal for couples. 3 Esmae Lewis and her boyfriend don't pay rent by housesitting. TikTok/@esmaelewis So, they found a platform called Trusted Housesitters, where people can look after homeowners' pets and properties in exchange for free accommodation. 'We landed every sit we applied for,' she said, before sharing tips to help others succeed on the platform. These included creating a detailed profile that showcases personality and experience, asking friends and family for initial reviews, personalizing each application by referencing the pets and their quirks, and focusing on care and connection with the pets rather than the location perks. Lewis also recommended offering video calls or meetups to build trust with homeowners. The concept of house sitting is not a new one. Sitters care for pets, maintain gardens, keep homes clean and safe, and sometimes handle mail or deliveries, all in exchange for rent-free living. 3 Lewis also recommended offering video calls or meetups to build trust with homeowners. TikTok/@esmaelewis This benefits both parties as homeowners get peace of mind while away, and sitters enjoy free accommodation. Commenters loved the idea, with one saying, 'Love love loveeee this! I've had my eye on signing up and starting this'. 'This is such a cool idea!' and 'Love house-sitting!!! Such solid tips,' read other comments. 'I want to do this!' admitted a fourth. 3 Lewis said she made the annual membership fee back in a couple of days just by not having to pay any rent. TikTok/@esmaelewis 'This is so useful,' said a fifth, as someone else mentioned they live in Australia already but are keen to give this a go. 'This is goals,' another TikToker declared. House-sitting platforms like Trusted Housesitters and Aussie House Sitters have grown in popularity in recent years, offering thousands of opportunities across Australia. These services often require a membership fee but provide a trusted community and support to ensure both sitters and homeowners feel secure in the arrangement. Lewis said she made the annual membership fee back in a couple of days just by not having to pay any rent.
News.com.au
01-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Young couple reveal how they lived rent-free in Australia for three months
A young couple recently revealed their secret to living rent-free for three months while travelling across Australia, and their little-known hack is going viral on TikTok. In the video, the woman, Esmae Lewis, explained how she and her boyfriend managed to avoid paying rent, bills, and even Wi-Fi and air conditioning costs during their travels. 'We didn't spend a single dollar,' she claimed. The pair said knew they wanted to live in Australia, as it's such a 'beautiful country with great weather'. However, she quickly realised it also has a high cost of living, pricey food, drinks, gyms, and hostels, which aren't always ideal for couples. So, they found a platform called Trusted Housesitters, where people can look after homeowners' pets and properties in exchange for free accommodation. 'We landed every sit we applied for,' she said, before sharing tips to help others succeed on the platform. These included creating a detailed profile that showcases personality and experience, asking friends and family for initial reviews, personalising each application by referencing the pets and their quirks, and focusing on care and connection with the pets rather than the location perks. Ms Lewis also recommended offering video calls or meetups to build trust with homeowners. The concept of house sitting is not a new one. Sitters care for pets, maintain gardens, keep homes clean and safe, and sometimes handle mail or deliveries, all in exchange for rent-free living. This benefits both parties as homeowners get peace of mind while away, and sitters enjoy free accommodation. Commenters loved the idea, with one saying, 'Love love loveeee this! I've had my eye on signing up and starting this'. 'This is such a cool idea!' and 'Love house-sitting!!! Such solid tips,' read other comments. 'I want to do this!' admitted a fourth. 'This is so useful,' said a fifth, as someone else mentioned they live in Australia already but are keen to give this a go. 'This is goals,' another TikToker declared. House-sitting platforms like Trusted Housesitters and Aussie House Sitters have grown in popularity in recent years, offering thousands of opportunities across Australia. These services often require a membership fee but provide a trusted community and support to ensure both sitters and homeowners feel secure in the arrangement. Ms Lewis said she made the annual membership fee back in a couple of days just by not having to pay any rent.
The South African
29-05-2025
- The South African
A vet reveals why a 'little mess' can help keep your pet happy
With travel on the rise again, many people across the globe are planning their next adventure – and pet owners are no exception, eager to ensure a happy pet while they're away. People always plan to travel. And whether you're based in London, Lagos, Cape Town, or Calgary, one thing remains constant: the emotional bond between people and their pets. For many animal lovers, that excitement about a well-earned getaway is tempered by a nagging worry – how will my pet cope when I'm gone? According to new research from TrustedHousesitters, more than half (53%) of UK pet owners worry that their animals feel abandoned when they travel. But veterinary experts say there are simple, science-backed steps that pet owners anywhere in the world can take to help their furry companions feel safe, secure, and loved – even in their absence. 'Everyone likes their home comforts, pets included!' says Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, a UK-based vet. 'Pets thrive on familiarity and routine. It helps them feel secure. Staying in an environment where they already feel safe will often mean they cope better when their owner is gone.' Dr. MacMillan explains that familiar smells – especially those of their owner – can go a long way toward helping pets feel calm. Pets are also attuned to small, everyday sounds like the ticking of a clock or the hum of the boiler. These cues remind them that their environment is still 'home.' While it's important to prepare a clean and comfortable space for sitters, friends, or family watching your pet, experts recommend leaving a few well-loved items behind to keep your pet grounded and calm. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a two-week tropical escape, here are five simple yet effective tips from Dr. MacMillan to help ensure your pet's emotional well-being while you're gone: Avoid deep-cleaning everything before you leave. 'Leave an item or two of unwashed clothing for your pet to snuggle with,' advises Dr. MacMillan. 'Pets take comfort in their owner's scent.' Their bedding, favourite toys, and even laundry-bound items can help them feel close to you. Ask your pet sitter to keep meal times, walks, and bedtime as close to your pet's normal schedule as possible. Predictability gives pets a sense of control and safety. For pets prone to anxiety, synthetic pheromone products can help. Plug-in diffusers, collars, or calming supplements may ease stress. However, always check with your vet before introducing anything new into your pet's diet. Leave clear instructions for your sitter, including your pet's schedule, medical needs, favourite hiding spots, and quirks. Emergency contacts and vet info are a must. A well-briefed sitter is a confident one – and that translates into calmer care for your pet. Try not to rearrange furniture, switch pet beds, or introduce new environments right before departure. 'Even if it seems a bit untidy to us, pets find comfort in their familiar surroundings,' Dr. MacMillan says. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
