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Help CenterBooking & Scheduling

How to Book a Sitter

2 min read
Updated Jul 21, 2026

Once you've found a sitter, head to their profile and tap Request to Book. That opens a six-step wizard — here's what to expect at each one.

Sitter profile page with the Request to Book button

1. Choose a service

Pick from the sitter's active services (boarding, day care, house sitting, drop-in, or walking). Each one shows the rate and whether same-day booking is available or how much advance notice is required.

Choose a service step of the booking wizard

2. Pick a booking type

Choose One-Time Booking for specific dates, or Regular Schedule if you want this to repeat — see Setting Up a Recurring Booking for that path.

Booking type step of the booking wizard

3. Who's coming?

Select which of your pets need care and add any notes for the sitter.

Who's coming step of the booking wizard

4. When?

Choose your dates (or specific visit days for walks/drop-ins) and your start/end times, or mark them as flexible. Tapping the date field opens a check-in/check-out calendar — dates the sitter has blocked or is fully booked for are called out immediately, with a one-tap way to jump to the next open window.

When step of the booking wizard Check-in and check-out date picker

5. Review & pricing

Check the full breakdown — you can also add a coupon code here — and see the sitter's cancellation policy before continuing.

Review and pricing step of the booking wizard

6. Send your request

Send Booking Request authorizes and holds your card — it does not charge it. Your sitter has 24 hours to accept; only once they do does payment actually go through. If they don't respond in time, the request simply expires and the hold is released. Prefer to meet first? Schedule Meet & Greet is free and takes no card at all.

Send booking request step showing the card-hold explanation

After sending a request, you'll see it under your bookings as pending. You'll be notified the moment your sitter responds — no need to keep checking.

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