Reliable pet sitters can be difficult to find, but many companies are working to make it easier.
Pet parents don't want to trust just anyone with their best friend's pet care, and sometimes, pet boarding at a kennel is simply not a good fit. It is important to find someone with good reviews that can be trusted to take care of your pet the same way you would. That's where pet sitting apps come in. Many dog walking services and sitting apps require background checks and certifications from their pet caregivers, giving owners a little extra peace of mind knowing that there are standards both dog walkers and pet sitters have to follow in order to use the service.
Dog walking apps allow for drop-in services so dog owners can arrange walks and pet sitting services as needed. So whether you need a last-minute dog walking or overnight house sitting, the best pet sitting apps have your back.
Best Pet Sitting Apps & Sites
RELATED: Finding Good Pet Sitters Starts With Asking The Right Questions
Best Overall: Rover
Most pet owners are already aware of the pet sitting giant Rover. The Rover app is available for both IOS and Android, making it easy to locate a sitter or walker in your area. It is one of the best dog apps with its huge database, and users can see their potential pet sitter's reviews, certifications, and training. You can also head over to Rover.com to check out dog sitters if you do not want to use your phone.
Best Multi-Purpose App: Care
Care is an app for all sorts of things, including childcare, housekeeping, and more. It is the ultimate multi-purpose app and has a section for dog sitting. The nice thing about this app is that you can request a background check for your potential sitter, giving you some extra peace of mind. Like Rover, you can use your computer and go to care.com if you prefer. The one downside to Care is they require 72 hours' notice, so last-minute bookings are not an option.
Best For Picky Pet Parents: PetBacker Pet Sitter App
The process for selecting a pet sitter is unique when you use the Pet Sitter App. You fill out a questionnaire with your preferences and needs, and the lovely people over at PetBacker will give you five different options. You have the option to choose one of the five profiles, or you can have a new set of options sent over. Unlike some of the other services, PetBacker only hires 30% of those who apply.
Best Pet Monitoring: Wag!
Wag! is an awesome dog walking service with apps for both iPhones and Androids. But they also have pet sitting services. The best part is your pet's favorite dog walker is now an option for pet sitting. The app also allows you to monitor your pet on their walk via GPS tracking. It also lets you check in with your dog walker while they are out and about with your furry friend. The one downside is there are not as large as some of the other companies, so they may not have dog sitters or walkers in your area.
Best Dog Walking App: Barkly Pets
Barkly Pets is solely for dog walking and is a nationwide service. Dog walkers can be monitored via GPS and have pick-up and drop-off notifications. There is also an option for sending you cute pics of your pup while they are out on the town. The Barkly app also allows you to set up a meet and greet with your potential dog walker before you hire them.
Best Match Maker: Fetch!
If you don't mind having your sitter chosen for you, Fetch! may be a good option. The website takes all of your preferences, reviews them, then pairs you with the pet sitter they believe is best for you and your fur babies' needs.
Best Membership Site: Trusted Housesitters
Trusted Housesitters is a membership app. Users pay an annual membership fee and get to list their home, pets, and needs on the app. Potential pet sitters from your area will apply for the dates you need to be covered. You won't actually pay the sitters either. They come and stay at your home and watch your pets, which is great for pet sitters who want to travel, and pet owners who travel a lot. However, the site does not have a lot of users like some of the others.
Best Sitter Training: Pet Sitter International
Pet Sitters International has a national database of professional pet sitters easily accessible at the click of a button. Pet sitters have access to certifications and training to keep them up to date on how best to care for your pet.
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