A couple have ditched the 9-5 rat race to become full time pet sitters, living in other people’s homes around the UK and Europe caring for their cuddly creatures.
Four years ago, Chris, 32 and Suze, 29 from Kent, decided to quit their careers and move out of their permanent home to try out a completely different kind of lifestyle.
The pair now hop between house sits all over the country and have even travelled to Berlin and Stockholm to pet and house sit.
Chris and Suze have stayed in 89 houses over the past few years and cared for more than 220 animals - including 120 dogs, 60 cats and a flock of alpacas.
Suze said: "We lived in a city flat which didn't allow us to have a dog of our own.
"We have wanted to have pets so we started dog walking for other people.
"We then decided to pet and house sit full time so we could figure out what type of pets we wanted and where we wanted to live."
After falling in love with the lifestyle, Chris and Suze realised that they could make a living out of the experience and set up their own business where they charge a small amount to cover living costs.
However, the couple do a lot more than walking pups and often find themselves looking after some unconventional pets.
Chris said: "We have looked after hundreds of animals including alpacas, sheep, chicken, guinea fowl and even ducks.
"We've been able to live all kinds of lifestyles too - one week we are looking after a dog in a busy city and the next we are on the Dorset coast."
Suze added: "It goes to show that there isn't just one way of living and it's really interesting to see how many different lifestyles there are in the UK.
Although Chris and Suze love their new lifestyle, the pair admit that it is not as stress-free as others may think.
Chris said: "Sometimes we do stay in houses for a day or too and other times it can be a couple of weeks so we have to do a lot of planning ahead.
"If there is nowhere available for a night or so we have to use hotels, AirBnB and reach out to any family or friends that are in the area.
Suze added: "It's quite a lot of admin and we are always planning where we are going next - walking dogs and feeding animals is just our day job.
"The money we make goes back into running the car and on our travels so everything balances out money-wise.
"We gave up a lot of stuff for this and it's not for everyone - especially people who are used to a lifestyle where they are going out every night, and so can’t dedicate the time for the pets in their care - they may struggle to adapt to this lifestyle.
"For us, the pets and home responsibilities always come first.”
Suze said the pair are considering investing in a campervan in the near future, which would allow them to travel with more freedom in the future.
You can follow Chris and Suze's adventures @chrisandsuzegowalkies
