Pet-sitting as a Nomad
Nomad Profile
Teodora writes the Substack publication The Local Insider, which features both her personal travel stories and practical advice on finding offbeat attractions as she travels. She supports her nomad life by petsitting and has written The Beginner’s Guide to Petsitting on the Road.
Teodora, as she readily admits, is incredibly blunt. I found this out when she basically called me stupid for getting kidnapped (which, to be honest, she had a point, but still, her note tacked on to my story gave me pause).
Over the past several months, I’ve gotten to know Teodora through our Nomad Life community calls & chats. Join the conversation! It’s the place to get to know real nomads, like Teodora.
9 Fun Facts
First Name: Teodora
Age Range: 30s
Nationality: Bulgarian
Nomadic Stance: Part-time
Last Corporate Job: Never had one. I only worked for small businesses until I became a freelancer.
Current Job: Writer
Favorite Country: Spain
Next Stop: I don’t know yet.
What do you like best about the nomadic life? Freedom
2 Questions
1) As a nomad, you often pet-sit around the world. How did you land your first pet-sitting gig?
I started pet-sitting via TrustedHousesitters, but it took me dozens of applications and about a month to land the first gig. My first stay was with a lovely couple in London who had two very affectionate felines. I had some work in the city, so it was an excellent opportunity to combine business and fun.
After my hosts left me a positive review, it became much easier for me to get invited to petsits. I’ve completed more than 40 in the last seven years, and some of the most hospitable hosts I’ve had were always Brits.
2) What is your best (and the worst!) experience as a pet-sitting nomad?
The worst: An acquaintance kept gushing about taking care of two goats in the Swiss Alps, and I trusted her recommendation. The highly praised host turned out to be a rude, antisocial nutcase who doted on her goats as if they were human toddlers.
I decided to leave before the agreed-upon time, but my host begged me to stay until she found a stand-in, only to kick me out three days later. I no longer trust recommendations, and I avoid barn animals.
The best: It’s hard to single out one good experience because I’ve had so many! I met one of my dearest friends during a catsit I did in his hometown.
Befriending him helped me overcome depression, and his influence completely changed my life for the better. All thanks to a bunch of cats and a chance encounter in a random Spanish town!
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Christened “Wander Woman” by National Geographic, Erin Michelson has traveled to 130+ countries & all 7 continents. She is a professional speaker and author of the Nomad Life™ series of curated trips and travel guides, including the #1-ranked Explore the World with Nomads.
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