Welcome!

Hearth & Hound Nomads is a labor of love that originally branched out from A&R Critter Care, LLC, a professional pet care company in Denver, CO, USA. We’re two lifelong animal lovers who’ve been pet sitting our way around the world—one wagging tail (or happy purr) and cozy home at a time. With years of trusted experience caring for pets across continents, we combine our passion for travel with a deep respect for the comfort and routines of the animals we look after.

Hearth & Hound is more than a name—it’s a feeling. Rooted in the Danish concept of hygge, we believe in creating spaces of warmth, trust, and calm. Whether we’re walking your dog at sunset, curling up with your cat for an evening read, or tending to your home with care, our goal is simple: to make your pets feel loved, and your home feel lived in—even when you’re away.

Read on to meet Summer and Alex—two animal-loving nomads with a passion for pets, travel, storytelling, and building meaningful connections with pet parents around the world. Hearth & Hound has grown from a love of caring for furry family into a space where we share our journey, offer trusted international pet care services, and explore creative tips, heartwarming stories, and helpful projects to keep pets happy, healthy, and deeply loved—wherever home may be.

About Alex (US/France)

Animals have shaped every chapter of my life, and caring for them has been both my passion and my profession for over a decade. I began pet sitting while studying Biology & Animal Sciences at Warren Wilson College, where I earned my Bachelor of Science. From there, I graduated from Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2011.

My career has taken me from pet sitting and working in general practice clinics to relief shifts in emergency and specialty hospitals, where calm under pressure and skilled hands were essential. I became a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International and founded A&R Critter Care, LLC in 2015, providing personalized, professional care for pets of all shapes and sizes. Over the years, I’ve worked with everything from anxious cats and high-energy puppies to pets with complex medical needs — giving each one the patience, comfort, and understanding they deserve.

I believe in gentle, low-stress handling, clear communication, and care that honors each pet’s personality. Beyond hands-on work, I’ve loved writing for the ARCC blog, sharing pet health insights, behavior tips, and community education to help pet parents feel informed and confident.

Now, alongside my partner, I’m combining years of professional animal care experience with a love of travel. Through Hearth & Hound Nomads, we offer trusted, long-term pet and house sitting with the same devotion we give our own animals — so you can set out on your next adventure knowing your home and furry family are safe, comfortable, and loved.

I speak English, French, and basic Spanish.

About Summer (US)

Animals have always been at the heart of my life. I grew up in rural Colorado, spending weekends with my grandpa at the Cedaredge stock trade, riding horseback since before I can remember, helping with cattle, and learning how to move through the world in rhythm with animals. I rode in gymkhanas and local rodeos, but I was happiest bareback, feeling every movement and breath. In my early teens, I worked at a stable in Collbran, CO in exchange for English riding and jumping lessons. It was there — surrounded by rescued and rehabilitated horses — that I learned the deep value of mutual trust, patience, and presence. Those lessons stay with me in every home and every pet sit.

I’ve shared my life with all kinds of animals — dogs and cats curled up indoors, barn cats weaving between hay bales, cattle dogs on the move, goats, chickens, and cattle in the fields. Animals and I seem to share an unspoken language. I respect their autonomy and unique personalities, while holding calm, clear boundaries that help them feel safe. I believe in positive reinforcement, low-stress handling, and care that’s attuned to their needs. And when safety is on the line, I’m ready to step in with quiet confidence.

Alongside my lifelong love for animals, I have a background in engineering and an instinct for fixing and building. From quick household repairs to creative DIY solutions, I can troubleshoot and restore just about anything — a skill that comes in handy for keeping your home running smoothly while you’re away.

These days, my partner and I are embracing a slower, more intentional way of living. As we travel, we offer long-term pet and house sitting to help others do the same — whether that’s a weekend away or months abroad. We care for your pets and home with the same warmth and reliability we’d want for our own, so you can travel with peace of mind, knowing everything you love is in capable, compassionate hands.

I speak English, and am working on my French and Spanish.

The Other Details:

Individual background checks (via Checkr) are available for viewing for prospective parents. These checks include:

✅ SSN trace

✅ Sex offender registry search

✅ Global watchlist search

✅ National criminal search

While this is US-based, we're also happy to proceed through other international checks at the family's discretion and with their expense coverage.

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We also love hearing your comments and questions! Shoot us a message if there is a topic of interest that we can add to our list, and take advantage of the site to enjoy healthy and happy pets at home. Our blog articles are all on the homepage, and you can also find a rundown of our Services, Reviews, and many Happy Campers!

For technical inquiries, please send us an email.