Rethinking Convenience: Why I Recommend Looking Beyond Pet Sitting Apps
Dear Pet Mom,
Sometimes convenience isn’t the same as peace of mind.
If you’re a pet mom like me, you know how hard it is to leave your furry ones behind, even just for a weekend getaway. So when apps like Rover or Pawshake promise an easy way to find a sitter nearby, it’s no surprise that many of us give them a try.
They offer filters, reviews, and a sleek interface that makes booking feel almost effortless. But after speaking with local Calgary pet sitters who tested these platforms from the inside, I started to reflect: Is convenience the same as confidence?
A Peek Behind the Platform
Several pet sitters I spoke to from a local Calgary community recently tried creating profiles on one of these popular apps. Their goal? To see what kind of checks and standards were in place.
The results surprised them.
“There were no credential checks, not even a basic ID verification,” one sitter shared.
“I could sign up without any experience and be listed as a sitter within a day,” another added.
That doesn’t mean the sitters on these platforms aren’t caring or capable. Many absolutely are. But the experience raised an important reminder: not all sitters are screened equally, and on many platforms, you’re trusting the profile without knowing how much of it has actually been verified.
What About Reviews?
Reviews can be helpful, no question. But like all online reviews, they can sometimes give a limited picture.
In many cases, sitters build up their first few reviews by offering short, simple visits or by asking friends to help them get started. While those early ratings may be positive, they don’t always reflect experience with more complex care: things like giving medication, monitoring for health changes, or understanding the behavior of shy or anxious pets.
A five-star rating might mean the sitter showed up, and the walk went fine. But it may not mean they’ve handled a senior cat who stops eating, or a dog who refuses to go outside when it’s stormy.
Why It Matters
Apps are a great tool, and they’ve helped many pet parents in a pinch. But they are still just that: a tool. They may not always capture the full picture of who is caring for your pet, especially if your pet has specific needs, routines, or quirks that require extra attentiveness.
As one Calgary sitter told me,
“The app makes everything feel official, but in reality, it’s still up to pet parents to ask the right questions and get to know who’s coming into their home.”
What to Look For Instead
Whether you choose a sitter from a platform or not, here’s what I encourage every pet mom to do:
Get to know the sitter personally. Ask questions. Share your pet’s quirks. A good sitter will welcome your honesty and return it with their own.
Ask about experience that relates to your pet. Have a cat who hides for days? A senior pet who needs medication? Make sure your sitter has handled something similar.
Look for a relationship, not just a transaction. The best pet sitters become part of your pet’s world, not just someone who drops by.
The Bottom Line
Rover and similar apps can be helpful starting points. But they’re not the only way to find reliable care, and they’re not always the most thorough either. The real peace of mind comes from trust, communication, and finding someone who knows your pet, not just their feeding schedule.
So if you’ve ever felt unsure about booking someone you’ve never met through an app, you’re not alone. And you’re not being overprotective. You’re just being a pet mom.
And that’s exactly the kind of love our pets deserve.
Join the Dear Pet Mom Community
Every month, you’ll get a little something special in your inbox — free pet care printables, quick tips you can use right away, and heartfelt reflections to remind you you’re not alone in this journey.
It’s gentle, once-a-month inspiration designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and connected in caring for your furry family. No spam, just love and practical help for you and your pet.
