Animal loving family seeks vacation spots for Summer '26

About this sitter

We are a family of four from Chicago. We believe in putting ourselves out there to steward the kind of world we want to live in, which is why we seek non-traditional ways to travel and why we volunteer our own home to foster pets and help our neighbors. Dolph and Kirstin both work in education- Dolph is a special educator at a Pre-K-12 Waldorf school where both kids (Margot-12 & Gunnar-15) are students. Kirstin is a Speech and Theatre professor at a community college in Chicago and she also is a professional wallpaper installer. We are a creative minded and musical family who is often making music or making family movies when we have extra time on our hands. We are those people who will cross the street to meet a cute dog or will put the entire day on pause if we find a hurt animal.

Why they want to house sit

We love exploring new areas away from traditional tourist sites. We love adding a sprinkle of responsibility with our travels as it keeps us grounded and teaches our kids that accountability and responsibility doesn’t disappear just because you are not living your daily routine. We love the idea of helping out people and the exchange of care instead of money.

Their experience

We have cared for a variety of homes and animals throughout our collective lives. Our family has been a foster family for over 6 years, taking in litters of kittens, ailing cats and nervous dogs. We have lived in tiny apartments and large homes, we have tended gardens, house plants and the occasional fish.

What can they bring to the assignment

Our family moto is to always leave spaces as tidy as we found them or better. We pride ourselves on respecting homes and pets as requested and read care instructions thoroughly. We are excellent communicators and great at sharing updates, if desired. We are experienced at giving medication to pets and taking care of emergencies when they occur.