Living Rent-Free and Exploring the Globe
Amid rising living costs, a young couple has managed to live rent-free for three years while traveling internationally by caring for pets. Hannah Cleaver, 25, and her husband Jack, 22, have saved approximately £1,000 monthly by pet-sitting, enabling visits to countries including the US, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and Japan.
Their experiences have been memorable, such as hearing a husky sing upon its owner’s return in Seattle, and being stranded in Hawaii for two weeks after Hannah mistakenly indicated she was a criminal on an immigration form.
From Temporary Solution to Lifestyle Choice
What began as a short-term way to avoid high rental costs in Cardiff after graduating from the University of South Wales has evolved into a chosen lifestyle.
"Free rent, free bills and we get to look after their pets and to us that was a very good exchange," Hannah said.
"It's like we are making little friends."
After completing their studies, the couple, originally from Merthyr Tydfil, secured full-time employment but found affordable housing in Wales’ capital difficult to obtain. Many landlords required proof of several months’ income. Hannah explained:
"The places we looked at this year were around £900 a month before bills.
For students, that's impossible without working constantly."
After encountering a TikTok video about pet-sitting, they were initially hesitant, concerned about moving into strangers’ homes. However, Jack’s remote marketing job allowed them to try it over the summer, focusing on Cardiff and Swansea.
A three-month booking in September demonstrated the potential for a longer-term arrangement.
Global Adventures and Cultural Insights
Once they had saved enough, the couple spent a year pet-sitting abroad, visiting Asia, North America, and Australia.
They learned local customs, such as carrying bottled water in Japan to clean pavements after their dog relieved itself.
"The owner taught us basic Japanese phrases for dog‑walking," Jack said.
"We'd be using hand gestures half the time, but people were lovely."
Because pet-sitting was classified as volunteering, they avoided additional visa fees in many countries.
"You really see local culture when you're walking someone else's dog every day," Hannah said.
"You're not just a tourist — you're living there.
We are doing new things everyday and brings more of an adventurous side to us."
Although unpaid, pet-sitting eliminates rent and bill expenses. Hannah has returned to university to pursue a Master’s degree in film, with free accommodation easing financial burdens.
Community Connections and Challenges
Robert Alexander from Cardiff is among the pet owners who have hosted the couple multiple times. They care for his cat Oreo and recently celebrated her 15th birthday during their stay.
"I've definitely noticed rent going up, particularly in Cardiff, it's hard not to at the moment," Robert said.
"I think students have it pretty tough financially at the moment, so if offering a place to stay makes things a bit easier for someone.
I'm more than happy to be part of that."
The couple book pet-sitting assignments months in advance and have maintained continuous engagements.
While they appreciate the lifestyle, they acknowledge the lack of long-term stability as a drawback.
"We don't always know where we'll be next month," Hannah said.
"Some people would hate that. But we like the adventure."
They intend to continue pet-sitting until Hannah completes her studies and they can afford a house deposit.
Meanwhile, they cherish the relationships formed with the animals and the peace of mind they provide to owners.
"Some we've stayed with six or seven times," Jack said.
"It's lovely — the pets recognise us.
One husky in Seattle literally sang when his owner came back. It was hilarious."
