TrustedHousesitters

Founded in 2010 by Andy Peck, the TrustedHousesitters story began, inspired by a special little dog named Dave. Andy, along with a small team of three, launched the TrustedHousesitters community and website with the vision of connecting pet owners with trustworthy sitters who would care for their pets and homes in exchange for a unique travel experience. The concept was born out of a common two-sided problem: providing reliable pet care for owners and offering cost-effective travel opportunities for sitters. The business model is simple: customers pay an annual fee for membership, and after that, sits take place as a trust-based, money-free exchange. This allows owners to travel worry-free while sitters enjoy the companionship of pets and discover new places.

The platform quickly gained traction, and by 2014, TrustedHousesitters celebrated its first major milestone, reaching 10,000 members worldwide. This was just the beginning of its growth. By 2017, the company had garnered more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other house sitting app or website, a testament to its burgeoning community and the quality of its service. The Trusted Team doubled in size, and in 2018, the company received funding from Rockpool. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which initially caused a shock, the company saw an opportunity. Increased pet ownership during lockdown and a growing trend towards the 'humanization' of pets – where owners seek more personal and loving care for their animals – created strong tailwinds for the business. In 2021, TrustedHousesitters secured $10 million in Series A funding, further fueling its expansion, particularly into the US market. By 2023, the community had grown to 200,000 members. That same year, Mayfair Equity Partners backed a management buyout of the company, valuing the business at over $100 million. In a move to recognize the contributions of its team, all full-time, UK-based employees were invited to become shareholders. The following year, in 2024, TrustedHousesitters launched its first-ever Impact Report and achieved B Corp Certification, underscoring its commitment to social and environmental performance. Today, TrustedHousesitters continues its mission to be the world's most-loved travel solution for pet people, with a rapidly growing community and a dedicated team.