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Thursday, January 16th
Pet Sitter operates as the pet sitting subsidiary of CareGuide, a company overseeing 28 other caregiving service provider websites. Pet Sitter offers three subscription plans for users to choose from. According to the Pet Sitter FAQ page, you can initiate contact with a pet sitter by sending the first message and can choose from a list based on your needs. However, one of the downsides of this site is that Pet Sitter appears to only offer services for dogs and cats. At least, those are the only pets mentioned on their website and FAQ.
Pet Sitter helps you narrow the options
As a prospective user, you need to create an account before you can freely access Pet Sitter's directory of available pet sitters in your area through their website. Further, you have to submit your personal information before you can get access to the list of pet sitters. Once you've signed up and put your location and information about the pets you need to be looked after into the system, Pet Sitter will determine the top options in your area. You can browse these listings and then hire your favorite directly. The pricing will vary depending on which sitter you choose, the length of time you need the sitter for, and what type of pet you need looked after.
Only cats and dogs
The options available mostly focus on dogs and cats, but they do include a variety of sitting styles. This way, if you need more flexible care styles like boarding a dog or having someone visit your home, Pet Sitter does offer these alternative services. The list includes:
However, if you're looking for someone to watch a more exotic pet, you may not be in luck with Pet Sitters.
No background checks and low security
In terms of security, it is important to note that Pet Sitter does not require caregivers to possess prior experience before creating a profile and joining the site as a professional. Also, there is no verification process for any skills or certifications claimed by the caregivers. The platform does not conduct background checks and does not incentivize caregivers to undergo such checks either.
New site but questionable
While this site does have a sleek design, the fact that you can't browse unless you make an account and add your email is frustrating and may not appeal to some customers. It makes it feel like this site is hiding its directory. With some sites rating Pet Sitter as a potential place where scams might take place, creating a membership wall between users and the listings seems like it might be a red flag.
Low-rated or no reviews
While customer reviews are scarce, the ones that are out there aren't stellar. Pet Sitter only has a 1-star average rating from Sitejabber. Additionally, there is a significant number of dissatisfied reviews from pet sitters themselves. These pet sitters express frustration at the fact that they were unaware they couldn't respond to potential clients' messages and other difficulties finding leads. While the parent company CareGuide has an "A” rating from the BBB, this doesn't make up for the general lack of reviews and the high volume of negative reviews for Pet Sitter.
Keep searching for your next pet sitter elsewhere
Considering the limitations for pet types as well as security issues and complaints from users and professionals at Pet Sitter, we recommend exploring alternative options for a more reliable and user-centric pet sitting service. There aren't a lot of things about Pet Sitter that make it stand out, and while it has some decent filters for pet sitting styles, there are other better-rated sites in our review that offer similar benefits with better service. It's probably better to avoid Pet Sitter in favor of a higher-performing pet sitting service.
Are you planning a fun getaway, but you're worried about your furry friends? Sometimes you can find a relative or a neighbor to watch your puppy, lizard, or bird. However, that doesn't always work out, and you still need someone you trust to watch the extra members of your little family who can't travel with you. Thankfully, there are lots of services that help connect pet owners to pet sitters out there today.
While pet sitters used to be a word-of-mouth service, or based on who you knew locally, the addition of pet sitting services online has made it much easier to find animal carers anytime you need them. Online platforms provide a convenient way for pet owners to find reliable and trustworthy pet sitters. With just a few clicks, pet owners can connect with potential sitters from the comfort of their homes.
One of the primary benefits of using an online pet sitting service is security. According to a survey conducted by Pet Sitters International (PSI), approximately 40% of pet owners preferred using online pet sitting services or apps to find pet sitters. One of the main reasons for this is that users found a higher level of trust in online pet sitting services.
The same survey by PSI mentioned above showed that over 70% of pet owners felt confident in the professionalism and reliability of online pet sitters. This is partially due to the qualifications and details about the individual pet sitters provided on pet sitting sites.
Furthermore, pet sitting websites and apps offer a wide selection of pet sitters with various backgrounds, experience levels, and availability. This allows owners to find the perfect match for their specific needs and requirements, even on short notice.
So, how do you find the best place to hire a pet sitter? There are so many choices out there today, it can seem overwhelming when you start browsing. With your furry family members involved, we understand why you want to take extra care in finding the perfect match.
If you're not sure where to start, we've got your back. Here's a list of things to help you narrow down your search for the best pet sitter.
To help you feel completely confident about leaving your pet in the care of someone else, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular places to hire a pet sitter out there today. We hope this will make choosing where to find someone to take care of your furry friends a stress-free process so you can enjoy your vacation and know your family is in great hands.
Select any 2 Pet Sitter Services to compare them head to head