Pet owners 'save a ton of money' when travelling thanks to 'lifesaver' app

Research has revealed that over half of pet owners claim their travel frequency has decreased since acquiring a pet, with 57% planning holidays around pet-friendly accommodation. The challenge of balancing pet ownership and travel is real, as many feel guilty leaving their furry companions in unfamiliar surroundings, and often can't take them along.

Worries about separation anxiety and wellbeing are also prevalent, with nearly half (49%) of pet owners admitting they worry more about their pet's wellbeing than their own holiday enjoyment. A third of pet parents spend a significant chunk of their holiday glued to their phones, checking up on their pets or video calling their sitters.

However, this doesn't have to be the norm for pet owners. The ideal scenario is to jet off on holiday, confident that your pets are safe and comfortable at home. TrustedHousesittersoffers a guilt-free holiday solution for pet owners and travel opportunities for potential sitters. They're even offering a discount on new annual memberships with the code THS20SC until 30th September - terms and conditions apply.

READ MORE: Tesco and M&S shoppers ditch wine for 'best flavour' 9 calorie drink loved by Sophie Habboo

READ MORE: Debenhams sale on 'flattering' wedding dresses can save shoppers hundreds

TrustedHousesitters provides pet owners with the opportunity to travel worry-free, knowing their pets are being cared for at home by a verified sitter. A one-year membership fee for a sitter starts at £79.20 with the current discount offer, reports the Express.

Pet parent membership usually begins at £119, but with the discount code, it's even less. Once signed up, pet parents can host as many sitters as needed throughout the year.

The platform is designed to be user-friendly. Pet owners can start browsing for free, then select a membership option - basic, standard or premium - when ready to join.

Instead of charging for their services, sitters provide pet care in exchange for a place to stay on their travels and time spent with a pet companion, allowing pet parents to go on holiday.

Pet owners can have peace of mind as sitters are verified, there are also reviews left by fellow pet parents, and pets get to stay safe and happy from the comfort of their own homes. For sitters, who must be over 21, it offers an affordable way to travel with an annual membership that unlocks unlimited pet sitting stays in homes around the world.

It's worth noting house sitting may be considered work in some countries and sitters may therefore require a visa before travelling. Prospective sitters should check a country's travel rules before agreeing to housesit.

There are other platforms that offer similar services that pet owners can also explore. For example, Rover, an app and website that connects dog and cat parents with pet sitters and dog walkers in neighbourhoods across the UK, US, Canada and Europe.

Another option isBorrow My Doggy, which connects dog owners with verified local borrowers for walks, weekends, and overnight stays. Those interested can sign up for free and choose from some premium memberships if needed.

TrustedHousesitters has earned a stellar reputation on Trustpilot, boasting a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from over 21,000 reviews. One satisfied customer shared: "My family and I love the benefits of TrustedHousesitters! Nearly every holiday since joining has been as a sitter. We even sat for a month when we moved to a new city to have time to get to know the neighbourhoods and research where we wanted to live before signing a long-term lease or buying."

Another user said: "Since joining Trusted Housesitters, we are slowly but surely spreading our wings into new adventures. Not only meeting lovely people and their pets, but getting to explore parts of the UK we have traditionally driven through en route to somewhere else and commented, 'isn't this lovely! We really should come back'. Now we're starting to spend a few days in the many treasures dotted around. And all done with an old favourite of mornings, afternoons and evenings filled with furry cuddles. Our latest trip to Hampshire has been wonderful. Two wonderful dogs, equally wonderful hosts and a gorgeous part of the world to explore."

"Finding this site a year ago was a lifesaver. We have had a number of sitters and all have proven reliable, trustworthy and efficient. It has freed my wife and me up to do so much travelling that would otherwise have been impossible," another person chimed in.

Other patrons highlighted usability issues with the website. One reviewer awarded TrustedHousesitters four stars but commented: "The app is definitely better than the website, which is not as intuitive as it could be."

An elated customer remarked: "The app has been so straightforward and easy to use. The saved searches have led us to stays that fit exactly what we are looking for. Our first stay was incredible! I just wish we had known about TrustedHousesitters sooner! We've already booked a second stay and referred two friends."

And someone else wrote: Great idea for an app! Very useful, we had our first sitter recently through the app, and it went very smoothly. We saved a ton of money by using the app to find someone to house/pet sit. I'm looking forward to trying out being a sitter somewhere in the world myself through the app."

Those keen on finding a house sitter or travelling as a pet sitter through TrustedHousesitterscan get extra money off new annual memberships with the code THS20SC until 30th September.