Pet-sitting allows us to live rent-free and travel the world

As many young people struggle with the cost of living, a couple have managed to live rent-free for three years, and travel the world.

By looking after people's pets, Hannah Cleaver, 25 and husband Jack, 22, have even been able to save about £1,000 a month, while visiting countries such as the US, Singapore, Australia, Thailand and Japan.

Their adventures have included hearing a husky sing when its owner returned to Seattle, while they were stuck in Hawaii for two weeks after Hannah accidentally ticked she was a criminal on an immigration form.

What begun as a temporary solution to avoid high rental costs in Cardiff after they finished studying at the University of South Wales has now become a lifestyle choice.

"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 graduating, the couple, from Merthyr Tydfil, secured full-time jobs, but struggled to find accommodation they could afford in Wales' capital.

Most landlords also wanted proof of months of income, and Hannah added: "The places we looked at this year were around £900 a month before bills.

"For students, that's impossible without working constantly."

After seeing a video on TikTok about pet-sitting, the couple were sceptical at first, thinking it would be strange, and potentially even dangerous, moving into the homes of total strangers.

But Jack's job in marketing allowed him to work remotely, so they decided to give it a go over the summer, focusing on Cardiff and Swansea.

Then they got a three month booking in the September, which made them realise it could become a longer-term arrangement.

After saving enough money, the couple spent a year pet-sitting abroad, visiting countries in Asia and North America, plus Australia.

They picked up the etiquettes of different countries - such as having to carry bottled water in Japan to rinse pavements after the dog they were looking after relieved themselves.

"The owner taught us basic Japanese phrases for dog‑walking," Jack added.

"We'd be using hand gestures half the time, but people were lovely."

The fact it was classed as volunteering also meant they didn't have to pay additional Visa costs in many of the countries they visited.

"You really see local culture when you're walking someone else's dog every day," said Hannah.

"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."

While they don't get paid for pet-sitting, it means they don't have to worry about rent or bills.

Hannah has since returned to university to study for a Masters' degree in film, with the free accommodation taking away some of the financial pressure.

Robert Alexander, from Cardiff, is one of the pet owners who has had the couple stay in his house a number of times.

They have been looking after his cat Oreo - and had the important job of giving her a gift on her 15th birthday, earlier this month.

"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 pair have been taking bookings several months in advance and have been able to pet-sit without gaps.

While they enjoy the lifestyle, the couple feel the lack of long-term stability is the biggest downside.

"We don't always know where we'll be next month," Hannah said.

"Some people would hate that. But we like the adventure."

Their plan is to continue pet-sitting until Hannah finishes her studies and they are able to afford a house deposit.

But for now, they are enjoying the bonds they build with the dogs and cats - and ensuring owners don't have to worry about their cherished animals.

"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."