A First-Time Pet Parent's Guide to Booking a Sitter

Leaving your pet with a sitter for the first time is a big step. The good news is that you don't have to find, vet and interview a stranger yourself. On PetFena, every sitter is checked before they can take a stay, and we match you with one near you. Here's how a first booking works, and what you can do to make it go smoothly.

Every sitter is verified before their first stay

Before a sitter can be offered any stay, they verify their ID, pass a background check, and upload at least 3 photos of their home and the space your pet will use. They also show renters or homeowners insurance with a pet clause and pass a short safety course. Those home photos are on the sitter's profile, so once you're matched you can see where your pet will stay before drop-off.

Request your dates, and we match you with a nearby sitter

You don't scroll through listings. Tell us your dates, where you are, and about your pet, and you'll see the full price before you confirm: the stay, the 10% service fee and the $2.99 booking fee. We then offer the stay to the nearest available verified sitter. If you've saved a sitter as a favorite, you can ask them first; if they can't take it within 15 minutes, we match you with the nearest available sitter as usual.

Nothing is charged when you book. Your card is held once a sitter accepts and charged when the stay ends. If your plans change, cancel more than 24 hours before drop-off and you get everything back except the $2.99 booking fee.

Fill in your pet's care schedule

The care schedule is where your sitter learns how your pet's day should go. The more specific it is, the more your pet's routine stays the same while you're away.

• Feeding times and amounts, and any food your pet must not have
• Medications, doses and when to give them
• Walks, play and rest, and anything that worries your pet
• Your vet's name and phone number

PetFena asks every pet parent to share their pet's health and behavior honestly, so the sitter is prepared from day one.

Hand your pet over in person

At drop-off you meet your sitter and scan the QR code they show you in the app. That confirms you met in person, and the check-in time is recorded. Pick-up works the same way, so there's always a clear record of when the stay started and ended. Pack your pet's usual food, any medications, and a familiar blanket or toy.

Stay in touch during the stay

You and your sitter chat in the app for the whole stay, and your sitter can send photo updates so you can see how your pet is settling in. If something comes up, message them there, so everything you agree on is written down in one place.

Feeling a little nervous the first time is normal. With a verified sitter, a clear care schedule and updates along the way, you can enjoy your time away knowing your pet is in good hands.