Frequently Asked Questions for Pet Owners

Everything you need to know about finding and booking trusted pet care through The Pet Sitter.

Getting Started

Use our search page to enter your location and the type of care you need. You can filter by service type (boarding, house sitting, dog walking, etc.), pet type, availability, and more. Results show verified sitters in your neighbourhood.

Yes, completely free. Pet owners never pay any platform fees, booking fees, or service charges. You only pay the sitter directly for the care they provide at the rate they set.

We offer pet boarding (your pet stays at the sitter's home overnight), house sitting (the sitter stays at your home), drop-in visits (the sitter visits for feeding and companionship), dog walking, and doggy daycare.

Booking

Browse sitter profiles, read their reviews and bio, then send a message to discuss your pet's needs, dates, and any special requirements. Once you agree on the details, the sitter confirms the booking and you arrange drop-off or access.

Absolutely, and we strongly recommend it. A meet-and-greet allows your pet to get comfortable with the sitter and lets you see the sitter's home if you're booking boarding. Most sitters are happy to arrange a short introductory visit.

Cancellation policies are set by individual sitters and displayed on their profile. We recommend discussing cancellation terms with your sitter before confirming a booking. Most sitters offer flexible cancellation with reasonable notice.

During Care

Most sitters send regular updates including photos and messages about how your pet is doing. You can discuss update frequency and preferences with your sitter before the booking starts.

Bring your pet's food, any medications, favourite toys, and their bed or blanket for comfort. Provide your vet's contact details and any specific care instructions. Your sitter will discuss exact requirements during the meet-and-greet.

Discuss emergency procedures with your sitter before the booking. Provide your vet's contact information and authorise emergency veterinary care. Sitters will contact you immediately in any emergency situation and take your pet to the nearest vet if needed.

Trust & Safety

Every sitter profile is manually reviewed by our team before going live. We check for profile completeness, quality, and authenticity. Sitters can also opt for background checks which appear as an additional trust badge on their profile.

Yes. All reviews come from verified bookings only. Pet owners can only leave a review after a completed booking, ensuring every review is based on a real experience. We do not allow incentivised reviews.

All sitters on The Pet Sitter are verified through our vetting process. We recommend discussing liability and any insurance requirements directly with your sitter before booking. Many professional sitters carry their own pet sitting insurance.

Payments

You pay the sitter directly for their services. Payment arrangements are made between you and the sitter. Most sitters accept bank transfer, cash, or mobile payment apps. The Pet Sitter does not process payments or take any cut.

No. The Pet Sitter is completely free for pet owners. There are no booking fees, service charges, or platform fees. The price the sitter lists is the price you pay, directly to them.

Contact your sitter directly to discuss any concerns. If you're unable to resolve the issue, reach out to our support team at [email protected]. You can also leave an honest review to help other pet owners make informed decisions.

Ready to find the perfect sitter?

Search verified local pet sitters near you. It's completely free for pet owners.