The perks of pet-sitting for homesick students in London

Suzanne shares how pet-sitting helped her explore the UK, meet new people, and enjoy some animal companionship.

As an international student, your time in London may be limited to just a year or two, and the last thing you want to do is adopt a pet when you can’t take it with you once your studies are over. Pet-sitting is a great alternative for students who want the comfort of having a pet around without the long-term commitment. 

Whether you're missing your pet back home or just craving the joy that comes with spending time with an animal, pet-sitting platforms allow you to care for pets temporarily, offering both the companionship and the opportunity to explore London. 

Meet local dogs and make friends 

One of the easiest ways for students to get involved in pet-sitting is through BorrowMyDoggy. This platform connects dog owners with people who are willing to walk, sit, or just spend time with their dogs. It’s a fantastic way to meet local dogs in need of care and company. Not only does BorrowMyDoggy allow students to enjoy the company of a dog, but it’s also a great way to make new friends in the city.  
 

One of the dogs I looked after belonged to a couple who wanted to go on date nights to non-pet-friendly places. I would pet-sit for them, and they were happy to have the peace of mind that their dog was in good hands. Another dog I walked while its owner worked from home. It was a great way to meet dogs and have some company on my walks, while also exploring beautiful areas of London.

Free home stays in exchange for pet care

If you’re looking for a more immersive pet-sitting experience, TrustedHouseSitter might be the perfect platform. This service connects pet owners with people who are willing to care for their pets in exchange for free accommodation. For students, this is a great way to experience different parts of the UK while also having the company of a furry friend.

I was able to stay in different parts of the UK while researching from home, accompanied by a furry buddy to keep me company.

I’ve had the chance to do 7 house sits through TrustedHouseSitter, with some truly unique experiences. Over Christmas, I watched a Cavapoo in a penthouse in London. For the New Year, I cared for a French Bulldog, a cat, and even a horse in the beautiful cottage in the New Forest. I also enjoyed cat-sitting three adorable cats in Nottingham. These experiences were especially nice during my dissertation time, as I was able to stay in different parts of the UK while researching from home, accompanied by a furry buddy to keep me company.

This is especially ideal for students who might want to escape the bustle of London during a break and experience life in another part of the UK. Not only does this platform offer the opportunity to care for pets, but it also lets you stay in unique homes and sometimes travel to places you might not otherwise visit.

A great solution for homesick students 

Pet-sitting is more than just an opportunity to cuddle with animals - it can provide emotional comfort, especially for students who are feeling homesick or stressed. Whether you’re working on assignments or just need a break from city life, spending time with a pet can help relieve stress and provide a sense of calm. It’s also a perfect way to combat loneliness, offering both companionship and the joy that comes from caring for a pet. 

So, if you’re missing home or simply in need of some furry companionship, why not give pet-sitting a try? It’s a perfect solution for students who want to brighten their day with some pet love.