MyPetFriendsBefore a booking
Before confirming a booking, open and honest communication helps set the right expectations. This often includes:
- Sharing clear details about your pet and their routine
- Being upfront about dates, timing, and expectations
- Answering questions from your sitter
Taking a bit of time here helps make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Sharing important pet information
To help your sitter care for your pet confidently, it’s a good idea to share any important information upfront, including:
- Relevant medical details or ongoing conditions
- Medication instructions (if applicable)
- Your preferred vet and emergency contact details
- Any pet insurance information that may be needed
Having this information available means your sitter can act quickly and calmly if something unexpected comes up.
Meet & greets (optional)
In some cases, pet owners and sitters choose to have a short meet & greet to make sure everyone feels comfortable – especially for longer stays or first-time arrangements.
Meet & greets are optional and tend to work best when they’re:
- Relaxed and informal
- Focused on helping the sitter get comfortable with your pet and routine
- Treated as a chance to see if it feels like a good fit
If you do choose to have a meet & greet, we encourage keeping communication and any bookings on MyPetFriends, as this helps protect both pet owners and sitters.
During a booking
Many pet owners find reassurance in hearing how things are going, even when everything’s running smoothly. During care, communication often looks like:
- Receiving a photo of your pet (at least once)
- Getting occasional updates
- Staying in touch if anything changes
These small check-ins can offer a lot of peace of mind.
If something changes
Sometimes plans or routines shift. If anything changes on your side during a booking, it helps to:
- Let your sitter know as soon as possible
- Explain the change briefly and clearly
- Discuss next steps together if needed
Clear communication helps avoid confusion and stress.
Flag concerns early
If something doesn’t feel right – whether it’s about timing, care, or communication – raising it early helps keep things calm and allows issues to be addressed before they grow.
A note on veterinary care and costs
If your pet needs veterinary care during a booking, any vet costs remain the responsibility of the pet owner – just as they would if you were caring for your pet yourself.
Sharing your preferred vet, emergency contact details, and any insurance information upfront helps ensure your sitter can act quickly and confidently if care is needed.
The big picture
There’s no such thing as perfect communication. Being open, responsive, and thoughtful helps build trust and leads to better experiences for you, your sitter, and your pet.