I used TrustedHousesitters and a complete stranger stayed at my house and watched my dog. I loved the experience.

• Traveling can be difficult once you've adopted a dog, like many people did during the pandemic.
• I tried TrustedHousesitters for the first time and loved the experience.
• A $199 annual membership gets me unlimited sits with verified people who love pets and traveling.

Like millions of other Americans, I got a dog during the pandemic.

I'd grown up with dogs and always wanted one, but wasn't at home enough to get a pet.

Then I was spending all my time at home, and I adopted my dog Bernadette in August 2020.

But then I started traveling again, and I didn't want to keep asking friends to watch her while I was away. Sometimes my dad and I would even drive her to my parent's farm in Wisconsin for extended stays (which she loved, since they also have two dogs and lots of room to run around).

I needed something more reliable and less guilt-inducing. After some Googling, I found TrustedHousesitters.

The concept reminded me of Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet's characters switching houses in "The Holiday." You list your home and pet(s), and travelers who like animals apply to stay at your place while you're away.

I spent a few weeks scrolling through sitters' reviews, tearing up at the details people shared — one person said their sitter offered to stay and watch their pet longer after their mom died, and sent photos every day to try and cheer them up.

It felt more like a community than a transactional experience where you pay someone to watch your dog. Many of the sitters say on their profiles that they're remote workers who use TrustedHousesitters to travel the world affordably.

For $199 a year, I can book unlimited sits where someone comes and stays with my dog

I took the plunge and signed up for a Standard Pet Parent membership. For $199 a year, I can book unlimited stays and be placated by an insurance policy. Compared to hundreds of dollars a night that some New York City dog sitters or boarding facilities charge, this seemed like a steal.

I set up my listing, uploaded photos, described my space and pet, and nervously submitted it. An hour later, I already had my first applicant!

You get to review five applicants at a time, see their past reviews and references, chat with them, and decide who's best for you. The site says they're all verified and have passed background and ID checks. Many of the sitters I saw had several reviews with ratings and reference letters, too.

I chose a sitter and we messaged back and forth, going over the details. Then the day of the sit arrived, and she came over and met Bernadette. I showed her the apartment, we took Bernie for a walk together, and I gave her the keys.

"Can't believe I gave someone my house and dog for the weekend!" I frantically texted my mom on the way to the airport.

"It will work out great," she responded.

And it did! The sitter and I messaged throughout the weekend, and she sent me photos and videos of Bernadette.

When I returned, the house was spotless and Bernie was sound asleep. She was very excited to see me, but I knew she was taken care of while I was gone.

I've already posted a second listing for the next time I'm traveling.