1) Why should I pay for the register?

The register itself is funded by subscriptions and wouldn’t exist without it.

2) How much will a petsitter cost?

So much depends upon what services are required. Registered petsitters run their own business’s and since we are not an agency we are only able to offer a rough guide as to how much you might be charged. The actual amount will be agreed between you and the petsitter. Below is a guide to prices based on an average taken from petsitters across the country.

Home dog boarding:  £12 - £15 per 24 hour period ( Home boarding service in the home of a registered sitter for your dog/s only and not with other owners dogs.

Dog Walking/ Daily visit:  £10 per hour  (i.e., £7.50 for a 45 minute visit, based on the amount of time the visit takes not just the walk)

Cat Visiting: £6 - £8 per visit for 1-2 cats Where possible the sitter will try to spend some time with the cat/s

House Sitting: Minimum of £30 per 24 hour period (This is when a registered petsitter who offers the service will come and stay in your home to look after the house and your pets or the house on its own)

Small Pet/Bird Boarding: £2 - £6 per 24 hours depending on animal (Boarding in the home of a registered petsitter for hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds etc.)

3) How do I know I can trust the petsitter

There are many people across the country who offer pet sitting services, only some of these are registered. These are people who have taken this issue of trust seriously enough to get themselves registered and have agreed to abide by our Code of Practice and Terms and Conditions. A member has to provide at least two references on application from people who have known them for a minimum of two years, are not related and can vouch for their trustworthiness, reliability and ability to care for pets. Each member also has to provide proof of their experience of pet care with details of all the pets that they have owned or cared for over the years. Many members hold professional qualifications in their chosen fields of expertise and certainly all members are qualified if only through practical and often long term ownership. All members receive an induction visit from one of our Representatives in their own homes which not only gives them the opportunity to find out about being a National Petsitter, but also gives us the opportunity to approve their suitability at providing the services they offer. For example, a home boarder is required to be able to provide a safe and secure home from home environment for the pets within their care. Additionally, all members who offer services which involve access to client’s property or key holding are required to obtain an up to date Police or Check or CRB disclosure which they should provide for clients inspection if requested, very often alongside references and testimonials from other clients. Finally, you will need to meet your Petsitter before engaging them on any assignment which will afford you the opportunity to assess his/her suitability and hopefully to discover that he or she is someone that you can trust.

4) How do I know my keys are going to be secure with a Petsitter?

Petsitters who hold clients keys are advised to keep them in a locked compartment when not in use and to ensure that keys are unidentifiable in the event of loss.

5) Will I be able to meet petsitters before agreeing to use their services?

  Yes, and the Pesitter will equally want to meet you and your pet/s before agreeing to provide the service. Every Petsitter will insist on meeting you either in your house or theirs, depending on the service required. This is usually free of charge.

 6) Will the petsitter have their own pets?

 Some Petsitters have their own pets and others do not. For many people the social interaction for their pets is of benefit. Either way this is obviously something that you need to discuss with your chosen Petsitter. There are plenty of Petsitters who do not have pets of their own if that is what you would prefer.

7) How many dogs do petsitters walk at one time?

Our terms and conditions stipulate that all members should walk no more than four dogs at a time.

8) How can I make a complaint if I need to?

By putting all your concerns in writing and sending them to National Petsitters, PO Box 1433, Oxford, OX4 9AU. Please note that we can not get involved with booking or charging disputes, the complaints procedure is only for situations where the welfare of an animal has come into question.

9) Are National Petsitters insured?

Yes, all current members are covered for third party / public liability risks. In the cause of normal pet welfare we would always advise that owners insure their pets. Petsitters cannot be held responsible for illnesses or loss through natural or unavoidable causes.