has anyone used Pet Sitter Swap?

happilass

Hi,
has anyone used this service ? I have just googled "pet sitters" and it came up. I have joined up and am awaiting a reply from someone near to us. The idea is that you take your cat/dog/gerbil etc to someone's house to be cared for whilst you are away and you return the favour when they need it. No money changes hands and the people vet each other prior. I know that there is a risk that you may end up with a weirdo but the idea is a good one since the animals are cared for in a home and there are no costs. We don't want to have our dog immunised since we use homeopathey for her and don't want her to have regular imms. Kennels require imms. for all animals in their care so this is a problem for us.
Anyway does anyone have experience of this service if so what do you think of it.
Thanks,
Happi

merlinormartin

I've not heard of "pet swapping" before, but it seems like a good idea. Let us know how it goes!

cazziebo

I signed up for it. It's not a free service. It looked as if there were four people in my area. I got the first message for nothing - but that was really a welcome message. The second one I couldn't access unless I subscribed (can't remember how much) Because there were only the four people, and none of them sounded as if they could look after my dog, I didn't join up.

europa

happilass wrote: »

Hi,
has anyone used this service ? I have just googled "pet sitters" and it came up. I have joined up and am awaiting a reply from someone near to us. The idea is that you take your cat/dog/gerbil etc to someone's house to be cared for whilst you are away and you return the favour when they need it. No money changes hands and the people vet each other prior. I know that there is a risk that you may end up with a weirdo but the idea is a good one since the animals are cared for in a home and there are no costs. We don't want to have our dog immunised since we use homeopathey for her and don't want her to have regular imms. Kennels require imms. for all animals in their care so this is a problem for us.
Anyway does anyone have experience of this service if so what do you think of it.
Thanks,
Happi

Hi, how did you get on with this? I've just joined and in theory it looks a great idea. But i'm concerned about security and also the reliability of the people partaking.

Anyone else have any feedback too?

Cheers,
E

lowis

i joined too, and made contact with someone who lives two roads away from me...but i never took it any further as I too was concerned about security. i guess the idea is to make contact and build up a friendship/trust over time, before you actually need any pet sitting done...i certainly wouldn't join, make contact and then give someone the keys to my home without hardly knowing them to come and feed my cats.

namccull1

It doesn't cost a penny. I guess its just like most things you to get in touch with people through the site. I'm not allowed to post it so get in touch if you want to know the address:beer:

easilyamused

Just wondering if anyone else has used this?

I signed up for premium membership recently so I could read people's messages about their pets, found no one suitable, so under their 'cooling off period' terms I was able to obtain a full refund.
The very day they sent me an email confirming the money had been credited back to my card, I received an email from someone who'd joined that day, sounded like they might of interest, asking if I'd like to swap details.
However, in order to read those details, I'd need to cough up the £9.99 fee again!

Maybe I'm just cynical but it seems awfully coincidental to me that previously there was no one useful registered in my area, and the day I don't have premium membership anymore, someone useful signs up and messages me...

Raggs_2

I'd much rather use a friend that knows my dog, and that I trust. And then return the favour to his pets (or buy them a small gift).

If that isn't an option, then I think I'd rather pay a little and get the security of someone that is insured, and I can get references for.

Wouldn't trust my dog with a complete stranger for any money.

UKTigerlily

I used it & found a fantastic lady who can't have her own dog & takes mine to stay with her when needed!

mjbt

I am going to try pet swap i am in the process in arranging a meeting will see how it goes

threemuttleys

hmmm..how are these people vetted and are they insured?