As both a pet sitter and pet parent, I understand how difficult and scary it can be to find a trustworthy pet sitter on the abundance of pet sitting websites and apps out there. Here are some pros and cons of some of the best pet sitting websites I’ve used as a pet sitter and client!
*note: most of these companies are based solely in the United States and are not available worldwide
Rover
A puppy I cared for in Thailand!
Rover is probably the most popular app for both pet sitters and pet owners. While it has been in the news for some not-so-great sitters, it’s also full of knowledgeable, caring pet sitters in every major city in the United States. They’ve even expanded to areas in Europe as well!
Pros of Rover
Rover has a huge number of pet sitters with varying levels of experience and hourly rates. They cover dog and cat care with walks, drop-in visits, and overnight care either in the owner’s home or boarding service at the sitter’s home. I personally use Rover and love it. Sitters are required to send detailed reports and photos during each visit.
Cons of Rover
Due to a large number of sitters, it can be difficult to sift through the qualified and unqualified sitters on the website or app. The company has faced legal issues due to negligent pet sitters in the past, which has understandably scared off many pet owners from using their services.
Tips for Rover
Always have a meet and greet with your furry friend and the potential sitter prior to booking. Go with sitters who have the most positive reviews. They should pay close attention to your pet’s care during the meeting and attempt to bond with them. Be sure to walk through any special care or medications your pet may need, and ensure the sitter knows how to administer them before booking.
Fetch!
Fetch! is a smaller company than Rover but is still found in major cities around the United States. I have also worked with Fetch! in the past and can say they are a caring and reliable company.
Pros of Fetch!
Fetch! Thoroughly vets their sitters through interviews and criminal background checks. They try to handpick a qualified sitter they believe will get along with your pet the best and provide them the best care. They offer a wide range of services from walks, drop-in visits, pet taxi services, and overnight care for dogs, cats, and other types of animals. Fetch! tries its best to pair you with the same walker or pet sitter every time in order to establish a connection between your pet and their caregiver.
Cons of Fetch!
Unlike some of the other pet sitting apps and websites on this list, you don’t usually get to choose your own pet sitter with Fetch!. The company is also made up of franchises across the US, so care quality may vary from district to district.
Tips for Fetch!
Be very upfront in what type of pet care services you are looking for when speaking to client care coordinators who will be choosing your pet sitter. Request a meeting before confirming the booking and go through care information in detail with the sitter. Upload the detailed care information onto the app as well in case an emergency happens and another sitter needs to step in.
Wag!
A puppy that I regularly pet sit
Wag! is another large pet care company based in the United States. In the past, they mostly provided walks but now offer other services, such as overnight visits, as well.
Pros of Wag!
Wag! also vets their pet sitters thoroughly through basic background checks. They provide walks (even last minute!), overnight care, drop-in visits, and training. Wag! is heavily insured in order to protect pet sitters, pet parents, and animals.
Cons of Wag!
Wag! only provides care for dogs and seems to be mostly for walks. They pay the lowest amount to their sitters on this list, so many of the more qualified pet sitters often move over to another pet sitting website.
Tips for Wag!
Honestly, if you are looking for overnight care or drop-in visits for your pet, I would look at one of the other companies. However, if you are in need of last-minute walks, the Wag! app is similar to Uber or Lyft where you can “order” a nearby walker that will come to your home the same day to walk your dog. You will need a key lock box if you are away from home for the walker.
Care.com
You’ve probably seen a Care.com ad on tv or online at some point in your life. They are a huge company that provides not only pet care, but tutoring, childcare, cleaning services, and errand help as well.
Pros of Care.com
The company has been around a very long time and is reputable. Pet sitters need to pay a fee for criminal background checks and automobile history checks in order to be on the platform. Pet sitters set their own rates according to their experience. There are usually sitters available for any kind of animal you need help with, including exotic or farm animals.
Cons of Care.com
Care.com is seemingly mostly set up for childcare and tutoring than pet care. While you may find a great pet sitter on Care.com, it is not their main focus. Pet sitters on Care.com mostly provide overnight care, but you may be able to find drop-in visits and walks as well for your furry friend.
Tips for Care.com
Like the other pet sitting apps, always meet with your potential sitter prior to booking. Read reviews and go with your gut.
Meowtel
My own cat, Mowgli
Like the name suggests, Meowtel is catered specifically to cat care. They are available in most major cities in the United States.
Pros of Meowtel
Meowtel has the most rigorous vetting process of the free pet sitting apps already listed, needing a background check, pet sitter interviews, as well as interviews with 2-3 references. Their pet sitters are very qualified and you receive daily updates and photos while you are away. You can browse and choose the best pet sitter for you on their website or app.
Cons of Meowtel
Meowtel only provides drop-in visits for cats and their service range is relatively small compared to the other companies listed.
Tips for Meowtel
Make sure your sitter understands your cat’s needs as well as their usual hiding spots in case of emergency. Like the other websites, schedule a meeting before booking.
Trusted House Sitters
This website works very differently from the others. Instead of free membership and paying the sitter fees, users of Trusted House Sitters pay to use the website and do not pay pet sitters. Why? This website is international! Pet sitters and house sitters can be selected from all over the world. Their payment is the ability to stay somewhere for free that they want to visit. Full-time travelers often use Trusted House Sitters.
Pros of Trusted House Sitters
Trusted House Sitters uses thorough background checks on every member who joins – both the homeowners and the sitters. You can list your home, dates, and pet care on the site and browse through applications of available pet sitters who would like to stay in your home and care for your pet.
Cons of Trusted House Sitters
While the website and app try to make communication as easy as possible, time differences and potential language barriers can sometimes make communication difficult. You may also face the difficulty of flight and other travel delays with your sitter.
Tips for Trusted House Sitters
Communicate as clearly and thoroughly as you can. If possible, book a pet sitter who speaks the same language as you for the clearest communication possible. Utilize Facetime, Zoom, and Skype to have a meeting with the pet sitter prior to booking.
Whichever pet sitting website you choose; you should be left feeling safe and comforted that you found the best pet sitter that you could. Always thoroughly describe your pet’s care information, normal schedule, and emergency contacts if you cannot be reached. As a pet sitter, I always ask for the animal’s veterinary information and the location of carriers, leashes, and other needed items in case an emergency happens.
I hope this helps, and happy traveling!
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