Choosing the Right Pet Sitter for Your Next Trip

Convenience often leads many people to pet sitting apps like Rover and Wag. These and other similar platforms market themselves as easy ways to connect with pet care providers in your area. But, it’s crucial to understand what you’re really getting. These apps are not pet care companies; they are tech companies. They provide a marketplace for individuals to offer pet care, often as a side gig. They do not, however, offer oversight or vetting. Today, I’m breaking down pet sitting apps. And, why choosing the right pet sitter for your next trip is so important.

What Do Pet Sitting Apps Offer?

Gig-based pet sitting apps are online platforms where anyone can sign up. Users list themselves as a pet sitter or dog walker. The company makes money by charging a service fee on each booking. The actual care is provided by independent individuals. Subscribers set their own rates and standards. While these apps may advertise features like reviews and basic background checks, there is no guarantee of experience, training, or even insurance coverage for the person entering your home or caring for your pet.

The Myth of Built-In Protection

Consumers often assume that because these brands are well-known, their pets and homes are protected. This simply isn’t the case. They often offer a “guarantee,” that consumers feel protects them. The guarantee is not insurance, it’s a limited reimbursement program with many exclusions and a cap on coverage. Most importantly, it does not offer comprehensive protection for your pet, your home, or the sitter. In fact, sitters are required to provide their own insurance if they want true coverage. Yet, most pet parents don’t know to even ask about insurance coverage. If something goes wrong, if your pet gets sick, injured, or worse, or if there’s damage to your property, you may be left with no recourse.

How Professional Pet Sitters Are Different

Professional pet sitters are small business owners who have made pet care their career. We are insured and bonded. Many of us pursue certifications through reputable organizations, including the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International (PSI). These groups offer certification programs that require education, testing, and ongoing continuing education. They ensure that certified sitters have the knowledge and skills to provide safe, reliable care. When you hire a professional, you can verify their credentials, insurance, and background checks, details that are often missing or unclear on gig apps.

Both NAPPS and PSI offer easy-to-use zip code search tools to help you find a qualified, insured, and certified pet sitter in your area. If a sitter is certified or background checked, their profile will clearly indicate it.

Real Risks, Real Stories

Sadly, there are countless stories of pets lost, injured, or worse while in the care of unvetted sitters. My heart breaks for these families. I understand why so many consumers are unaware of the risks they take when they use these gig apps. That’s why I’m passionate about educating the public on the difference between gig-based pet care and true professional pet sitting. While users may be delighted by the caregiver they find on a gig app, they aren’t protected if something goes wrong. And, things can easily go wrong.

Pet Care Apps vs. Professional Pet Sitters

Don’t take unnecessary risks with your pet’s safety or your home’s security. Skip the apps and instead hire a professional pet sitter. We are insured, bonded, and provide the highest standard of care. Start your search at the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International, your pets deserve nothing less.

When you work with a professional, one that is bonded, insured, trains their team, and has emergency plans, oversight, and back-ups, you and your pet are covered. In the case of home damage, pet loss, mistakes made by the care provider, and a whole lot more, our insurance takes care of costs associated with repairs and replacements.