Question 1

What is Global Pet Sitter?

Accepted Answer

Global Pet Sitter is a community-driven platform that connects pet owners with trusted pet sitters worldwide. Unlike traditional pet sitting services, we focus on building a community where pet lovers help each other, often in exchange for free accommodation rather than payment.

Question 2

Who are we?

Accepted Answer

We're a small collective of software engineers with decades of combined experience building large-scale platforms. Some of us are pet sitters ourselves. All of us share a deep love for animals and believe that finding trustworthy pet care should be simple and stress-free. We believe in building sustainable technology that serves its users first — that's why community feedback drives everything we build.

Question 3

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Pet owners create listings for their homes and pets, specifying when they need a sitter. Pet sitters browse available sits and apply to ones that interest them. Once a match is made, the owner and sitter communicate directly to arrange the details. The sitter stays in the owner's home and cares for their pets while they're away.

Question 4

Which countries do you operate in?

Accepted Answer

Global Pet Sitter is available worldwide. We have members and listings across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and beyond. Our platform supports international pet sitting arrangements.

Question 5

Do I need to be experienced to join?

Accepted Answer

While experience with pets is valuable, it's not always required. Many pet owners are happy to welcome enthusiastic beginners who demonstrate genuine care for animals. Your profile should honestly represent your experience level.

Question 6

Can I influence what features get built?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! This is a community-first platform, which means you have a real voice in shaping it. You can submit feature requests, vote on ideas from other members, and see what's being worked on. We prioritise features based on community votes - your input directly influences our roadmap and what gets built next.

Question 7

How do I create a listing?

Accepted Answer

After registering as a pet owner, go to your dashboard and click 'Create Listing'. You'll add details about your home, your pets, the care they need, and upload photos. Be thorough - detailed listings attract more qualified sitters.

Question 8

How do I find the right sitter?

Accepted Answer

When sitters apply for your sit, review their profiles carefully. Look at their experience, reviews from previous sits, and their introduction message. We recommend having a video call before confirming any arrangement to ensure a good fit.

Question 9

What information should I provide to sitters?

Accepted Answer

Provide comprehensive care instructions including feeding schedules, medication needs, exercise routines, and emergency contacts. Include your vet's details, house rules, and any quirks your pets have. The more information, the better the care.

Question 10

Do I need to pay the sitter?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't have to pay your sitter. Global Pet Sitter is built on a mutual exchange: sitters provide loving care for your pets, and in return they get free accommodation in your home. This is the core principle of house sitting - it's a win-win where both parties benefit without money changing hands. Some owners choose to offer small gestures of appreciation, but this is entirely optional and never expected.

Question 11

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Life happens, and sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. Please notify your confirmed sitter as soon as possible. How we handle frequent cancellations is something we'll decide together with the community. See our Terms & Conditions for more details.

Question 12

Can I have security cameras in my home?

Accepted Answer

You must disclose any security cameras or recording devices to potential sitters before confirming a sit. Internal cameras in private spaces should be turned off during the sit. Transparency about cameras is required in your listing.

Question 13

How do I become a pet sitter?

Accepted Answer

Register on the platform and select 'Pet Sitter' as your role. Complete your profile with photos, a bio, your experience with different animals, and why you love pet sitting. A complete, genuine profile increases your chances of being selected.

Question 14

How do I apply for a sit?

Accepted Answer

Browse available listings using our search and filters. When you find a sit that interests you, click 'Apply' and write a personalised message explaining why you're a good fit. Generic messages are less likely to succeed - show you've read the listing.

Question 15

What are my responsibilities as a sitter?

Accepted Answer

Your primary responsibility is caring for the pets according to the owner's instructions. This includes feeding, exercise, medication, and companionship. You're also expected to keep the home clean and secure, and communicate regularly with the owner.

Question 16

Can I bring guests or other pets?

Accepted Answer

Never bring unauthorized people or pets to a sit without explicit permission from the owner. This should be discussed and agreed upon before the sit begins.

Question 17

What if there's an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Contact the pet owner immediately for any emergency. They should have provided you with emergency contacts and vet information. In a life-threatening situation, seek immediate veterinary care - the owner is responsible for costs. Document everything.

Question 18

How do reviews work?

Accepted Answer

We use a blind review system to encourage honest feedback. After a completed sit, both the owner and sitter can leave reviews. Your review stays hidden until either both parties have submitted their reviews (then both become visible immediately) or 14 days have passed. This way, neither party can see the other's review before writing their own, preventing any influence or fear of retaliation.

Question 19

Can I pet sit while travelling?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Many of our sitters use pet sitting as a way to travel and experience new places. You get free accommodation while caring for lovely pets. It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local communities.

Question 20

How do you verify members?

Accepted Answer

We're still deciding on the best verification approach with input from our community. Options like ID verification and social account linking are being considered. For now, we encourage members to complete their profiles thoroughly and always do your own due diligence before confirming sits.

Question 21

What should I do before confirming a sit?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend a video call between owner and sitter before confirming any arrangement. Ask questions, discuss expectations, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's okay to decline.

Question 22

Do you provide insurance?

Accepted Answer

We haven't made final decisions about insurance yet. This is something we'll figure out together with our community through voting and feedback. In the meantime, pet owners should maintain appropriate home and pet insurance, and sitters should consider travel insurance. Always discuss liability expectations before confirming sits.

Question 23

How do you handle disputes?

Accepted Answer

We encourage members to resolve disputes directly through respectful communication. If needed, you can report issues to our support team. Our moderation and dispute resolution policies are being developed with community input.

Question 24

What if a sitter damages my property?

Accepted Answer

Arrangements between members are private agreements. We recommend discussing and documenting the condition of your home before and after sits. Your home insurance may cover damages. For serious issues, contact our support team.

Question 25

Is the platform really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Global Pet Sitter is currently free to join and use. Early adopters who sign up get 1 year free access when they sign up. Later, when we introduce paid plans they will enjoy lifetime discounts too. We believe in honest, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Question 26

Will there be paid plans in the future?

Accepted Answer

We plan to introduce paid membership options in the future to sustain the platform. Early adopters who sign up now will get locked-in rates and benefits. Details will be announced when we're ready, but we are super committed to keeping pricing fair and transparent.

Question 27

How much will membership cost?

Accepted Answer

We're aiming to keep annual pricing around €100 once we've figured out our costs. Early adopters who join now will lock in a lifetime discount as a thank-you for believing in us from the start. We're early in this journey and can't promise exact numbers yet, but our intention is to keep things fair and affordable.

Question 28

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No hidden fees, ever. This is one of our core principles. Any financial arrangements between owners and sitters are separate from the platform and should be discussed directly between parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

For Pet Owners

For Pet Sitters

Safety & Trust

Payments & Membership