In the spring of 2015 we sold nearly everything we owed and began traveling and photographing as a full-time lifestyle. While the idea of spending much of the year photographing beautiful scenes in far flung places sounds idyllic (and for the most part it is), sometimes extended travel can can take a toll.
Sometimes we just want to feel like we’re at “home” for a while — a feeling we’ve tried to honor for both our health and sanity. So in late 2022 we joined TrustedHousesitters and have had the beautiful privilege of sitting some incredibly adorable animals while taking the time to recharge our batteries and be a little more grounded. But even in our off-time, we still can’t help picking up the cameras and trying to capture the personalities of our furry new friends — which we of course love to send along to their awesome pet-parents/owners while they’re away.
Below you’ll find some of our favorite images from our time housesitting/pet sitting, and while we don’t pitch “photography” as a benefit to having us as pet sitters, that’s often just what happens along the way.
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This was Katja and Drew’s second stay at my home, and I assume there will be more. My kitty is very comfortable with them, and I know loved and spoiled in my absence. Katja shares great information and asks all the right questions in order to provide the best care. You’ll benefit from their professional photography skills by receiving gorgeous pictures of pets. It’s a pleasure working with her.
Kris | Carlsbad, CA | 25 August – 15 September 2024
Katja and Drew have now sat for me twice and I could not ask for better cat sitters or house guests. They were considerate, organised, very tidy, and extremely caring towards my cat. As a result, she adores them.
They took wonderful care of my house including during a tropical storm that came through the area at very short notice. They were very thoughtful of what I might need updating on and also what need not trouble me.
They are now my go-to pet-sitters and if they are available when I have to travel in future they will be my default choice if they are free (without meaning to cast aspirations on past sitters, who have also been excellent).
Mark | Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands | July 9 – 20 August 2024
This was our first time using TrustedHousesitters. Katja and Drew were amazing! We were nervous about having people we didn’t know take care of Grace (part of our family) and our home (our sanctuary). They made the experience so positive, that we will never go back to boarding our dog when we travel. What a difference it made for Grace and for us. Katja and Drew are caring and kind. We will be sure to have them back again. They also left our home immaculate and Grace was sad when they had to go.
James | Sedona, AZ | May 19-27 2024
Katja and Drew were absolutely perfect house sitters. I couldn’t have wished for better. They sent me fantastic images of my furballs throughout my vacation, and as they are professional photographers, I mean FANTASTIC! It was clear that they took a lot of care during their stay, and I returned to an immaculate home, with 2 very contented cats. Katja stayed in touch every day and then left beautiful flowers to greet me on my home-coming. I couldn’t recommend Katja and Drew more highly. Your house and pets will be in great hands when they sit for you.
Kate | Carlsbad, CA | May 7-17, 2024
We couldn’t ask for a better sit! They were so kind and obviously Skipper loved them. They sent many pics of their daily outings. And we returned home with all of our plants thriving and a warm bowl of homemade soup.
Cindy | Encinitas, CA | April 13 – May 7, 2024
We were so pleased to have Katja and Drew stay at our home again! We are able to travel with no concerns about our home or cat (Kenya) when they house sit because they are so professional, communicative, and friendly. We returned home to a clean home and very relaxed cat. Katja and Drew are truly pet lovers, and if they apply for a stay at your home, choose them! You will be glad that you did.
Marc | Mission Viejo, CA | March 31 – April 6, 2024
Fourth time sitting for our 13 year old Moby. Katja and Drew, again, went over and above with their love and care for our boy.
They send photos, give reports and treat our dog like as if he were their own. Moby woke on a Friday morning with a swollen paw which came out of nowhere. Katja sent photos and a description. I contacted my vet but they could not fit him in until Monday. Katja reduced his walks to keep him off his paw and allowed him plenty of rest. Katja assured me Moby Was comfortable and did not appear to be in pain. Each day the swelling went down and by Monday we were able to cancel the appointment. We cannot thank Katja and Drew enough for all the times they have sat for us. Moby keeps his paws crossed that they will return again.
Cindy | San Clemente, CA | February 1-18, 2024
Katja and Drew stayed with me for a couple of days before I left, and this was a great way to help them get oriented and also for me to get a sense of how they were with my cat.
They were thorough and conscientious, kept meticulous care of my home, and clearly doted on Puppy, and she on them. In the three weeks I was away, I received regular but not over-frequent updates, and Katja and Drew showed consideration and discretion when deciding what things to contact me about and what to deal with themselves.
On my return, Puppy was very happy, very healthy, and the house was in perfect condition. If anything, Puppy preferred Katja and Drew to me, and was a little irritated that they had to leave.
I would ask them back without a moment’s hesitation and would recommend them to anyone as kind, friendly, responsible, and caring people to look after pet and home alike.
Mark | Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands | December 12, 2023 – January 4, 2024
Nothing but 5 stars for Katja and Drew.
This was our second time having them come to our home. It is so apparent just how much they love and give attention to Moby. He now knows them and gets very excited when they come. I had a phone chat with Katja a few days after their stay. I had my phone on speaker. Moby was resting near by and When Moby heard her voice he perked up his head and started wagging his tail. I already have Katja and Drew on my radar for our next future trip. We are building a true and trusting bond.
Cindy | San Clemente, CA | November 17-26, 2023
Having a pet and house sitter come into our home was a huge decision for us. We were going out of the country for a month. Typically Moby goes out to a sitter we have used for years. We including Moby have always been happy with the home we took him to. However, now that Moby is 13 he is very unhappy going in the car. He prefers to just stay in the comfort of his own surroundings. So I joined the Trusted House and Pet sitter and began my search. We hit the jackpot when we found Katja and Drew. It seemed like a perfect match immediately. We did a FaceTime first (2 hours)! Next Katja and Drew came to the house and again we spent about 2 hours talking and touring our property and of course meeting Moby. They bonded immediatelyđź©·
We discussed the dates and responsibilities of Moby care. I also asked for a couple of tasks, water plants, fill pool, collect mail. Then we had one more meet up before we were leaving the country. I invited them to go on one of Moby’s favorite hikes. Katja and Drew were able to see Moby in action and we were able to chat more about his care.
Katja and Drew went over and above with care and love for Moby. We loved receiving photos and little updates.
When I say over and above, there was an incident that happened while they were staying. A construction truck reversed into my car which was parked on the street in front of our home. Drew heard the commotion, and immediately went out to investigate. He took photos of the damage done and also collected all information needed to start an insurance claim. He emailed and text everything to me. I was able to contact my agent, have the car accessed and contact the auto body shop. My car was picked up, repaired and brought back all while we were out of the country. I came home to a car that was completely and beautifully repaired. Thank you Drew!
We also returned home to very tidy and clean just as we left it. A very happy pup and some starter groceries (milk bread fruit veg etc). We could not have asked for a more comfortable experience.
We would love to have Drew and Katja come again and again. Our hope now is that they will. Moby especially hopes they will! Many thanks again to Katja and Drew you are a perfect match for our boy.
Cindy | San Clemente, CA | September 5 – October 1, 2023
I wish I could give Katja and Drew 10 stars!! Loved having them in our home and loving on our kitties!! I think Hazel and Gray were sad to see us return home as their cuddle buddies had to leave. Many thanks to both of these amazing people.
Jen | Tahoe City, CA | August 2-17, 2023
We were thrilled to have Katja and Drew stay at our home again and take care of our cat (Kenya). They are exemplary house and pet sitters in every way–professional, caring, communicative and trustworthy. They kept us up to date with beautiful pictures and videos, and left our home in perfect shape. We 100% recommend them!
Marc | Mission Viejo, CA | July 28 – August 6, 2023
Katja and Drew are an interesting, loving, efficient, tidy couple who heaped the love on our Buddy who has a hard time with first day transitions. Katja stayed up with Buddy the first night trying to comfort him. By the second day, they were best friends and Buddy formed a new attachment to her. They brushed Buddy and followed all instructions perfectly. They are so interesting, all my neighbors loved them and we couldn’t stop talking to them when we got home. I hope to have them back in our home soon!
Leslye | San Clemente, CA | July 21-28, 2023
The upside of having professional photographers petsit is that you’ll get FABULOUS photo of your fur babies. Katja and Drew were terrific sitters, taking excellent care of my home, plants, and kitty. They were communicative and so easy to work with. I’d happily welcome them back to my home.
Kris | Carlsbad, CA | July 16-22, 2023
Katja and Drew are fantastic sitters and people! My dog adores them and they looked after like it’s their own dog. They take great care of my house. Professional, courteous and communicative. I will keep working with Drew and Katja whenever they are available. They are awesome and can’t recommend them more highly
Benjamin | Oceanside, CA | June 17 – July 16, 2023
Katja and Drew did a fantastic job taking care of our home and cat (Kenya)! We met them virtually and in person prior to their stay, and felt 100% confident that they were a great fit. During their stay they sent us updates as well as beautiful pictures and videos of Kenya. When we returned home to a very clean house, Kenya was completely relaxed and content as if we had never even left. We would absolutely have them house sit again–if they apply to stay at your home, choose them!
Marc | Mission Viejo, CA | June 6-18, 2023
Katja and Drew are awesome sitters and people! They looked after my pooch like she was their own. My house was cleaner and tidier than when I left it. Their communication was great, and they were beyond professional. I hope to work with Katja and Drew again! I know Muffin would love to be dog sat by them again. Thanks so much Katja and Drew!
Benjamin | Oceanside, CA | May 7 – June 3, 2023
Katja and Drew went above and beyond my expectations in taking care of my house, dog, cat, fish and plants. I received regular updates during my vacation. Our house was left spotless and our pets and plants happy and well cared for. Drew and Katja are easygoing, reliable and are very nice people. I highly recommend them for housesitting!! They clearly have a connection for animals and my pets were exercised, loved, and entertained.
Constance | San Clemente, CA | August 5-14, 2022