Pet Services
Book an independent local Pro for dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, boarding and rides to the vet.
Subcategories
Dog walking
Scheduled walks that fit your dog's routine, while you work or travel. Book an independent local Pro, compare profiles and book online.
Pet sitting
Feeding, play and routine care for dogs, cats and other pets while you are away. Book an independent local Pro and compare profiles online.
Pet Grooming
Bathing, brushing, nail care and basic grooming for your pet. Book an independent local Pro, compare profiles and availability, and book online.
Pet Boarding
Care for your dog or cat while you travel: feeding, exercise and supervision. Book an independent local Pro and compare profiles online.
Which pet service fits
- Your dog needs exercise while you're at work, or more than you can give it: dog walking, as a midday break or a regular schedule.
- You're away and your pet stays home: pet sitting usually means visits to, or a stay in, your home.
- Your pet needs a bath, a trim or its nails done: pet grooming.
- You're away and your pet stays with someone else: pet boarding usually means your pet stays with the Pro. Ask where, and who else will be there.
Start with a short first booking
Before a week of sitting or boarding, book something short, such as a single walk or visit, so your pet can get used to the Pro and you can see how they get on. Ask about their experience with pets like yours: the same breed or size, a similar age, or the same health or behavior needs. The experience shown on a Pro's profile is stated by the provider, so it's worth asking about directly.
How to prepare
Write it down, even if you've explained it in person. A one-page care sheet should cover:
- feeding amounts and times, and any treats that are off-limits;
- walks, litter and bedtime routines;
- medicines, with doses and times;
- behavior to know about, such as pulling on the leash, reacting to other dogs, slipping out of doors or hating nail trims;
- your vet, the nearest emergency animal hospital and a backup contact who can make decisions if you can't be reached.
Leave the leash, harness, food, waste bags and cleaning supplies where the Pro can find them. For grooming, say how you want your pet to look, and mention any sore spots, matting or skin conditions. For boarding, pack your pet's own food and something that smells of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your pet. Cats, older pets and animals that get anxious in new places often cope better at home with a sitter, while a social dog may enjoy a stay away. Either way, ask where your pet will sleep and which other animals will be there.
Have your pet's current vaccination records, your vet's name and number, and a note of any medical conditions. Pros who board or groom may ask for vaccination records because your pet will be near other animals.
Ask before you book, and say what the medicine is and how it's given, whether a pill, a liquid or an injection. Leave written instructions and enough doses for the whole booking, plus your vet's number.
Agree on it before the first visit: a spare key, a lockbox or a temporary smart-lock code are common options. Tell the Pro about alarms, and about any doors or gates that must stay shut.