Dog Sitting Swap Tips

Tips for a Happy Dog-Sitting Swap

As part of our dog-sitting swap community, we strive to make every tail wag and every dog parent smile. After organizing over 1500 nights of dog-sitting swaps, here are some tips for a smooth experience.

For Visiting Dog Parents

Complete Your Dog’s Profile: Be honest and thorough on Pawrents.dog. Include all care instructions to avoid surprises. For example, if Donut hates skateboards, make sure to mention it.

Prepare for the Worst: While most swaps are very pleasant, like two pups having a great time, I want to warn you about the worst scenario—accidents may happen in a new environment. To avoid awkward situations, consider bringing dog diapers. This can prevent any potential embarrassment and ensure your dog is welcomed back. Amazon female diapers. Male diapers. (no affiliation)

Try a Daycare or Trial Night: If you'll be away for an extended period, consider a trial night or daycare day first to ease your dog into the new setting.

Pack Essentials: Bring enough food, treats, and poop bags. It’s always better to be over-prepared.

Communicate Expectations: Discuss how often you’d like updates, such as videos or photos, and set clear communication preferences.

Provide Emergency Contacts: Leave emergency contact information and the location of your usual vet.

Transportation: It’s your responsibility to pick up and drop off your dog.

Say thank you: There are no monetary exchanges for swaps. But prepare a thank you note or a small gift to show your appreciation.

For Hosting Dog Parents

Secure Valuables: Put away valuable items, and cover your couch if needed. It might be a good idea to put away your favorite rug.

Separate Meal Times: Serve meals separately to avoid conflicts.

Slow Introductions: Introduce the dogs gradually. If you leave the house during the first few days, consider separating the dogs.

Daily Updates: As part of the Pawrents system, take at least one picture daily. Discuss communication preferences and frequency with the visiting dog's parents.

With these tips, we aim to create a happy and stress-free environment for both dogs and their parents. Happy swapping!

Pawrents Disclaimer: Pawrents is a platform that connects pet parents and allows members of our community to both host and have their dogs hosted by other members for pet sitting.

Pawrents does not provide any pet care services. We make no representations or warranties about the quality of pet boarding, pet sitting, pet walking, house sitting, transportation, or other services provided by Hosts, or about your interactions and dealings with users. Though we provide general guidance on our Platform to Users about safety and pet care and to about selecting a Host or Guest, Pawrents does not employ, recommend or endorse Guests or Hosts, and we will not be responsible or liable for the performance or conduct of any User, whether online or offline. Using the Platform often involves meeting real people and doing real things in the real world, which can sometimes lead to unexpected situations. You should use common sense and good judgment when interacting with others. Pawrents is not responsible for interactions which occur between Users or their pets, whether in person, through the Platform, offline, or online.

USERS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PAWRENTS DOES NOT SUPERVISE, SCOPE, DIRECT, CONTROL OR MONITOR HOSTS OR GUESTS AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW) ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR THE WORK PERFORMED AND THE PET SITTING IN ANY MANNER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO A WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF GOOD AND WORKMANLIKE SERVICES, WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY LAW, STATUTE, ORDINANCE, REGULATION, OR CODE.

For more details, please read our Terms of Service.