FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers for pet owners and sitters.

For Pet Owners

How do I find a sitter?

Use the search page to browse sitters by location, service, and rating. You can filter by dog walking, boarding, drop-in visits, and more. Click any profile to see photos, reviews, and rates before booking.

How do I book a sitter?

Choose your dates and services on the sitter's profile, select which pets need care, and submit a booking request. The sitter will confirm or decline within 24 hours. Once confirmed, you can pay securely through Barkly.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. All payments are processed through Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment provider. Your card is charged when the booking is confirmed, and funds are held safely until the stay is complete.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel a pending or confirmed booking from your Bookings page. Cancellations made well in advance are typically fully refundable. Review our cancellation policy on the booking detail page for specific terms.

How do I know the sitter is trustworthy?

Every sitter profile shows verified reviews from past bookings, background check status, ID verification, and any pet CPR certifications. You can also schedule a free meet-and-greet before committing to a booking.

Can I message the sitter before booking?

You can message a sitter after a booking has been confirmed to coordinate details. For questions before booking, you can reach out through our support team.

What services are available?

Barkly offers dog walking, drop-in visits, overnight house sitting, dog boarding, doggy day care, and meet-and-greet sessions. Each sitter chooses which services they offer and sets their own rates.

How do I add or edit my pet's info?

Go to My Pets from your dashboard. You can add new pets with photos, breed, age, weight, and vaccination status, and edit existing pets anytime.

For Sitters

How do I become a sitter?

Sign up for a free account, then create your sitter profile with your services, rates, and availability. Once your profile is complete, owners in your area can find and book you.

How and when do I get paid?

Owners pay securely through Barkly when they book. Funds for a completed stay are released to you after the booking is marked complete.

How do I set my own rates?

You set your nightly and per-service rates directly in your sitter profile, and you can update them anytime from your dashboard.

Can I decline a booking request?

Yes. You're always in control. You can accept or decline any request based on your availability and comfort with the pet's needs.

What if I have a question during a stay?

You can message the pet owner directly through Barkly's in-app chat to coordinate details, share updates, and ask questions.

How do I get more bookings?

Complete your profile with great photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive rates. Earn positive reviews by delivering excellent care, and consider offering a free meet-and-greet to build trust with new owners.

What is the Top Sitter program?

Each month, the sitter with the highest average rating and most reviews earns Top Sitter recognition. This badge appears on your profile and helps you stand out to owners browsing sitters.

Still have questions? Contact us