Your role as a Pet Sitter on Petbnb

Petbnb is a marketplace that connects pet owners with trustworthy sitters. Our goal is to match owners with passionate and caring sitters, while supporting sitters in their pet-sitting journey. While our customer service is always here to help, as a sitter, you also have important responsibilities. Below is an overview of what is expected of you.

Petbnb: A freelance platform and marketplace

Petbnb gives you, as a sitter, the opportunity to work as a freelancer and offer your own pet-sitting services. You do this as an individual, not as a business, meaning you don't need a Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number or other certifications. Passion for animals is enough!

Please note: You are not "employed" by Petbnb. As a sitter, you are independent and responsible for your own bookings and communication with clients. This means that pet sitting through Petbnb comes with a significant degree of personal responsibility. Of course, we, as a company, help where possible, but many things will need to be managed by you. One common question is how taxes work; you can find more information about this in a separate article.

The importance of communication

Effective communication is essential. Once you receive a booking request, it's important to respond quickly (within 24 hours) and clearly. Discuss all details with the pet owner, including:

• Specific care needs of the pet.
• Any medical conditions or medication.
• Feeding and walking routines.
• Habits and behaviors of the pet.

Clear agreements prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both you and the pet owner are satisfied.

Consider your capacity

As a sitter, you have the freedom to choose which bookings you accept. It’s important to consider whether or not you can care for certain pets. Take into account:

• Your own experience and comfort level with different types and breeds of animals.
• Any allergies or other health issues.
• The time and attention the pet requires.

Be honest with yourself and the pet owners about what you can and cannot offer.

Keep your calendar updated

An up-to-date calendar is crucial for smooth pet-sitting operations. Make sure your availability is always current so pet owners know when they can count on you. This prevents double bookings and disappointments.

Insure yourself

As a freelancer, it’s important to think about your own insurance. While Petbnb provides liability insurance and a veterinary cost guarantee, it’s wise to consider getting your own property insurance that covers damage to your belongings during pet sitting. This gives you extra peace of mind and protection, as it is impossible for Petbnb to offer property insurance. You can read more about this here.

Cancellations

It’s very inconvenient for an owner if a sitter cancels (especially last minute) or even during the pet sitting. This causes stress, as the pet now needs to be placed elsewhere. This is particularly challenging if the owners are already on vacation. We understand that something might happen to you or your loved ones—sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. However, it is the sitter’s responsibility to contact the owner and work together to find a solution. This means that as a sitter, you are responsible for finding an alternative pet-sitting arrangement if you are currently pet sitting and cannot continue. Unfortunately, Petbnb doesn’t have the time to find an alternative sitter for every cancellation. That’s why we recommend you be 100% sure before accepting a pet-sitting request.

If you do need to cancel, contact the owner and discuss the next steps. Perhaps someone in the owner’s family or circle of friends can pick up the pet if the owner cannot (for example, if they’re on vacation). If this isn’t possible, you could also find another sitter through Petbnb yourself. You can book them with your own account and pay with the money you would otherwise receive. In that case, a refund may not be necessary. Always consult with the owner before doing this. Ultimately, the choice is up to the owner since it is their pet!

Petbnb customer service

Our customer service team is here to support you with any questions or issues. Whether it’s technical support, help with communication with pet owners, or advice on using our platform, we’re here for you. You can reach us at [email protected]. Please note that in the event of a dispute, Petbnb has a mediating role, and we always ask you to contact the owner first to work out a solution together. If something happens to the pet during the pet sitting, the most important thing is to inform the owner first.

Together we create a happy pet community

At Petbnb, customer satisfaction is our top priority, and your role as a sitter is essential to that. Through clear communication, careful consideration, an updated calendar, and the right insurance, you contribute to a positive experience for both pet owners and yourself. We appreciate your efforts and are always here to support you when needed.

Thank you for being part of the Petbnb community!

Check out our article for an overview of our community guidelines.