How do I edit my dog-sitting listing?
Go to My Account, simply click on ‘My Listings’ and then the ‘edit’ button – too easy!
Listings can be edited whenever you like without admin needing to approve.
Do I include my dog-sitting rates in my listing?
Short answer, it’s up to you! Long answer …
Some dog sitters will state their rates in their listing while others won’t. This is because some sitters like to be clear and up front about what they charge. Their rates are also set. Others, though, feel their pricing is variable and prefer owners to contact them directly. That way they can discuss with the owner the dog-sitting needs and what they can offer in return. They might feel the amount they charge is impacted by various factors, too. Such as, how many dogs they are already minding at that time, if the dog requires walking or has personal care needs, if the dog sitting falls on a public holiday or is for an extended period of time.
Publishing your rates is therefor your call!
What is reciprocal dog minding?
Reciprocal dog minding is where owners seek to establish a dog-sitting relationship. A, ‘I’ll mind your dog if you can mind mine when I also go away’ type thing. These agreements are often free of charge and are more for owners who want to form ongoing doggie and people friendships, that way they have a dog-sitting pal who they know and trust for when they need.
How much should I charge for dog sitting?
We don’t dictate dog-sitting rates on North Shore and Beaches Dogs. This is because we are a platform connecting owners needing a local dog sitter with sitters in their area. We don’t get involved in the money side of things between dog owners and dog sitters AT ALL! Owners and sitters are free to decide on how much they will pay/charge between themselves.
Dog-sitting rates also vary WIDLEY. So how much you charge is dependent on so many factors – such as experience, time of year demand and the dog-minding services offered – will you be walking the dogs or working from home as they snooze on the couch, for instance? To get an idea of what others are charging, have a look at the other listings here, talk to other dog sitters you know about their rates and owners who have used dog-minding services about how much it costs. Also, our wonderful Facebook community are always helpful with this sort of information (please join if you haven’t already!).
My listing photo is off centre, how can I improve it?
Images on our site are automatically resized. The best way to make sure your image looks right when it’s cropped to fit our listing photo dimensions is to make sure the main subject in your photo is centred. That way the placement of your face or your subject’s is in the middle of the pic.
What if I need to pause my listing because I am unavailable?
If you will be temporarily unavailable for dog-sitting or you are fully booked and not taking new dogs at this time, you can pause your listing by doing two things:
- Go to ‘dashboard’ and click ‘edit’. Then add the text ‘Temporarily unavailable’ at the top of the description box. This will tell owners that you are a dog sitter but not available at this time. But also do the next step!
- Switch the toggle to ‘off’. That way you will not be able to be contacted by owners via email.
When you are available for dog sitting again, simply reverse these two steps.
What do you recommend to put as a listing title?
It’s a good idea to keep listing titles short and sweet. That way owners can see at a glance the service you offer. Here’s some listing title examples:
- Waggy tails dog sitting
- Doggy daycare in my home
- Holiday dog sitting in your home
What do you recommend in description?
Your listing description is your chance to tell owners about you, your family, other pets, and what you will offer. Be clear and communicate as much as you can in a few sentences. A good description will be warm and friendly but also state your limitations – for example:
I would love to mind your small-to-medium sized dog on a Tuesday or Thursday only in my home in Manly. I have a sweet French bulldog who is scared of larger pooches, so am only able to welcome similar-sized dogs. I work from home on these days and am unavailable for dog-sitting on other weekdays. I can offer occasional weekend care in my home, though. I also have two children 7 and 9 and the dogs I mind will need to be good with kids. Please contact me for my rates and to arrange a meet and greet to check the dogs will get along.
Read this post on How to create the PAWFECT dog-sitting listing to really nail yours.
Why do I have to be over 18 to add a listing?
Given the unpredictability of dogs, we only allow sitters over 18 to post a listing on North Shore and Beaches Dogs. You can read our terms and conditions here.