Finding A Pet Sitter

Finding a pet sitter can often amount to one simple question: 'Can I trust someone I have met over the internet to look after my pets?'

The purpose of Pet Sitter Swap is to bring together people with a common interest in looking after pets, and who live close to each other, so they can ask this crucial question of each other.

Pet Sitter Swap's references and rating system, combined with the 'Premium Info' box (which you fill out when you register and can amend at any time), and the boxes you tick to indicate what pets you own and can look after, allows prospective members to make an initial judgement about you - and you about them.

The most successful relationships are based on openness and trust; and so it's crucial that you state your needs and what you can offer in the Premium Info box.

The following examples may serve as a guide:

• "My Border Collie, Jemma, is very people-friendly and loves to play with other smaller dogs. She's not very keen on dogs of similar size or bigger. I need a pet sitter for occasional Friday/Saturday evenings and for annual 2-week holidays. Can do similar.
  
  
• We have two cats, Barney and Lucky. On occasional weekends when we go away we would need help feeding them during early mornings and evenings.
  
  
• My children have two hamsters and two budgies. Twice a year we go on holiday for a fortnight, and need help with their daily feeding and cleaning.
  

Remember, it's in your interests to be as candid as possible. Leaving out basic information (for example behavioural problems) may only lead to disappointment - not to mention possible embarrassment later!

When you see a prospective Pet Sitter displayed in the 'Search' page, you should click on the member's name to view his/her profile. If one matches your expectations and needs then click the button.

Your message should be concise and suggest an initial meeting. The message received will also include details of your pets (but not their names), your profile, and a message thread. At the bottom of the message that you send will be your profile - so ensure it is up to date, with details of your references and photos etc.

To see an example of a message click How To View Your Messages.

The role of the Pet Sitter Swap website is now almost complete - in that you have established the basis for a pet sitting relationship with this prospective member.

How things proceed are now down to you and your pets!