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Housesitting Adventures in Quebec: A Year of Travel and Pet Love

A Magical Journey Begins

In early July, as I celebrated my 45th birthday, I found myself in Quebec for the first time, immersed in the beauty of a new adventure. My partner and I have been on the road for nearly a year, embracing the spontaneity of housesitting and letting life lead us to unexpected, magical places. This journey, which began with our first pet-sitting assignment last September, has taught us to surrender to the flow of exploration while balancing the comfort of temporary homes.

Our current stay, just across the Ontario border, is one of my favorite housesits so far—a stunning nature oasis near the city. It’s the perfect backdrop for completing the Kickstarter for my new project, the Oracle of the Magical Fairy Forest. Between the serene surroundings and the company of an adorable pet named Ma, this experience has been nothing short of enchanting.

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Why Housesitting?

Housesitting has become our go-to way to travel affordably and meaningfully. Unlike renting Airbnbs or other short-term accommodations, housesitting allows us to explore new regions without the financial strain. For me, as I navigate a transition in my business, this lifestyle has freed up mental and financial space to focus on creative projects. It also offers a sense of grounding that other forms of travel—like living out of a car—can lack. Having a dedicated workspace in each home has been a game-changer for productivity and reflection.

Beyond practicality, housesitting is a love letter to pet lovers. Caring for dogs, cats, and other animals is a core part of the experience, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously. The joy of bonding with pets like Ma, who’s been stealing my heart since day one, feels like free pet therapy. However, housesitting isn’t for everyone—it requires responsibility, communication, and a genuine love for animals.

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The Realities of Housesitting

While housesitting can feel like a free vacation, it’s not without effort. It involves applying for sits, maintaining regular communication with homeowners (think daily pet photos and updates), and handling unexpected challenges. Last winter in Ontario, for example, we dealt with heavy snow and even a collapsed garage roof. My partner’s strength and resourcefulness were invaluable, especially when managing larger dogs or physical tasks like shoveling driveways. As a team, we complement each other, making the experience smoother than it might be for a solo sitter.

Housesitting also demands accountability. Homeowners entrust you with their pets and homes, expecting reliable care and updates. If you’re not comfortable with this level of responsibility or regular communication, it might not be the right fit. For us, the rewards—travel, pet cuddles, and unique experiences—far outweigh the work.

The Financial Side

A common question we get is, “Do you get paid?” The answer is no. We housesit through platforms like Trusted Housesitters, where the exchange is simple: free accommodation in return for pet and home care. This arrangement benefits both sides—homeowners avoid expensive kennels, and pets stay in their familiar environments, reducing stress. While professional housesitters may charge for their services, our motivation is the joy of travel and the connections we build with animals.

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Finding Housesitting Opportunities

We use Trusted Housesitters, a popular platform that operates much like Airbnb. It offers a review system, detailed home and pet profiles, and streamlined communication tools, making the process safe and transparent. Homeowners share welcome guides with feeding schedules, walking routines, and house details, while sitters can review homeowner feedback to know what to expect. The platform’s strict policies, like discouraging last-minute cancellations, ensure reliability for both parties.

If you’re curious about Trusted Housesitters, check out their website (I’ll include my affiliate link for a 25% discount, which also gives us two free months). It’s been a game-changer for us, offering peace of mind and a community of like-minded travelers.

Reflections and What’s Next

As we plan our next adventure further east in Quebec, I’m grateful for the balance housesitting brings—exploration paired with the comfort of a temporary home. It’s allowed us to discover new parts of Ontario and Quebec, all while forming bonds with incredible pets. For anyone considering this lifestyle, my advice is to embrace the responsibility, love the animals, and stay open to the journey’s surprises.

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