How to maximise your booking & your pets comfort
1. Spill the Beans About Your Pet’s Needs
Your sitter isn’t a mind reader (even if your cat thinks they are). Give them all the juicy details about your pet’s routine, quirks, and favourites:
- Feeding schedules (Is it gourmet kibble at dawn, or snacks on demand?)
- Playtime preferences (Fetch all day, or naps in a sunny spot?)
- Medical needs (Does your pet have meds or a vet on speed dial?)
- Personality quirks (Is your dog a social butterfly or a bit of a wallflower?)
The more they know, the better they can pamper your pet.
2. Lay Down the Ground Rules
Nobody likes surprises (unless it’s a treat!), so set clear expectations right from the start. Discuss:
- How many visits/walks/pets your pet needs per day and what times.
- Any extra chores (watering plants, grabbing mail, etc.).
- Whether you’d like photo updates of your fur baby (spoiler alert: yes, you do).
Good communication means no crossed wires and a smoother experience for everyone.
3. Meet, Greet, and Sniff Things Out
A meet-and-greet is essential—it’s like a first date for your pet and sitter! During this meetup:
- Let your pet and sitter get to know each other.
- Chat about routines, needs, and expectations in person.
- Scope out where your pet will stay (if it’s at the sitter’s home).
This builds trust and you need it to activate the Pawshake Guarantee. This guarantee includes veterinary coverage for your pet during the booking. Win-win!
4. Keep It on Pawshake
Think of Pawshake as your communication hub. Booking and chatting through the app promotes good online safety, as it keeps everything secure and gives you access to:
- A record of all messages (for peace of mind).
- Secure payment & refund methods
- The Pawshake Guarantee (because your pet deserves the best).
- Customer Service & Support from our team (if you need it).
Taking things off-platform? It’s risky—don’t do it.
5. Pack the Ultimate Pet Care Kit
Your sitter will love you (and your pet) for this! Leave them with everything they need, like:
- Food, treats, and feeding instructions (treats are a love language).
- Toys, bedding, and comfort items (because home feels like... home).
- Cleaning supplies and grooming tools.
- Emergency contacts (your vet, and maybe a trusted friend).
Label everything like a pro, and make instructions easy to find.
6. Stay Connected
While you’re away, stay reachable in case your sitter has a quick question or needs guidance. You can also provide an emergency contact.
This can be a friend or family member you trust so they can give advice if the sitter cannot reach you. A little responsiveness goes a long way in ensuring your pet gets the care they deserve.
7. Shout Out Your Sitter
When the booking wraps up, take a moment to leave an honest review. It helps your sitter grow their business and lets other pet owners know they’re a rockstar.
By following these tips, you’re setting your sitter (and your pet!) up for success. At Pawshake, we’re all about creating positive, tail-wagging experiences for pets and their humans.
If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here for you.
First time booking on Pawshake? Here’s a quick breakdown of the booking process.
Booking the right pet sitter for your furry friend is easy with Pawshake! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect sitter in no time.
Pick the Service You Need
Start by selecting the pet care service that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for dog walking, pet sitting, or something else, just enter your location and choose your dates. Browse through sitter profiles, check out their reviews, location, and rates, and pick 2-3 sitters you like. Why 2-3? It’s always a good idea to contact multiple sitters to find the one your pet connects with the most.
Be clear about your needs. Our sitters are flexible, and you can Add-On services like pick-up & drop-off before confirming your booking.
Contact the Sitters
Ready to reach out? Click the Contact button to send a message—it’s totally free and there’s no obligation. Wait before you click the Book Now button though. Make sure you have met the sitter in person first & discuss your pet's needs with them.
When you do reach out, don’t forget to give your sitter some key info about your pet. Any likes, dislikes, quirks, or special requests will help them understand your pet better.
Wait for a Response
Sitters typically respond within 24 hours. Once your sitter gets in touch, it’s time to take it to the next step: the Meet and Greet. This is the fun part where you and your pet get to meet the sitter in person! It’s your chance to see if the sitter is a good fit for your pet and make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Have a Meet & Greet
The Meet & Greet is a great place for you, the sitter and your pet all to get to know each other and see the place your pet will be staying. It is a necessary step to activate our Guarantee coverage and goes a long way to establishing trust. Give the sitter and your pet some time to get to know each other one on one and ensure they get along.
Make Your Booking
If the meet and greet goes well (and your pet is happy, of course!), it’s time to book. Just click the Book Now button in your message thread to confirm your booking! For your peace of mind, Pawshake will securely hold the payment until the booking is complete.
