Dog sitter portals compared

Your dog cannot come on holiday this time. Now you are looking for a trustworthy dog sitter, but which portal can you trust? We have tested the most important platforms and show you what really matters when choosing.

Which safety criteria should a dog sitter portal meet?

A reputable portal checks its sitters systematically. The minimum standard includes identity verification, a criminal record check and liability insurance. For example, Rover and Pawshake require all three proofs.

Additionally helpful: Video calls before booking, detailed sitter profiles with experience details and 24/7 support in case of problems. Betreut.de has many sitters, but checks less strictly than specialised dog portals.

What do dog sitter portals really cost?

The cost structures differ considerably. With Rover, you only pay the sitter’s price; the carer bears the commission. Pawshake works in the same way but takes a 19% commission.

Betreut.de charges a membership fee of 35 euros from you as the dog owner. This is only worthwhile if you regularly use various household services. For pure dog care, specialised portals are usually cheaper.

Hundesitter.de charges a one-time referral fee of 7.90 euros, which is transparent, but the selection of sitters is limited.

How do I recognise a good dog sitter on a portal?

The profile reveals a lot: Detailed descriptions of one’s own dog experience, photos of the home and specific details about daily routines are positive signs. You should be wary of generic texts or missing experience details.

Genuine reviews from other dog owners are worth their weight in gold. Make sure they are specific; “Max felt very comfortable and came back tired” is more informative than “Everything super”.

Always arrange a personal meeting. Reputable sitters insist on this themselves.

Which dog sitter portals have the best availability?

Rover dominates in large cities with the highest density of sitters. In Munich or Berlin, you will usually find several available carers. Pawshake has significantly fewer sitters, but often higher quality due to stricter admission criteria.

In smaller cities, it becomes more difficult. Here, it is worth looking at local Facebook groups or vet practices, as they often know trustworthy private carers.

Gudog has a nice map view, but even in large cities there are few active sitters.

What to do if you have problems with the dog sitter?

Document everything in writing via the portal messages. Most platforms have insurance cover, but this only applies if the booking was made entirely through the portal.

Rover offers 24/7 support and covers vet costs up to a certain amount in the event of proven problems. Smaller portals often only have email support during business hours.

Therefore, never process payment outside the portal; otherwise, you are no longer insured.

Is Rover safe to use in Germany?

Yes, Rover is also available in Germany and checks all sitters. The portal has German customer service and follows EU data protection rules.

How much does a dog sitter cost per day?

In German large cities, prices range between 25-45 euros per day. Specialised sitters for special needs or large dogs often charge more.

Do I need liability insurance for the dog sitter?

Your dog liability insurance usually also applies to commissioned carers. Check this with your insurer in advance and inform the sitter.

Can I find a dog sitter spontaneously?

Spontaneous booking is possible with Rover and Pawshake, but the selection is limited. For weekends or public holidays, you should book at least two weeks in advance.

What happens if my dog doesn’t like the sitter?

Reputable portals offer free cancellation if the introductory meeting does not work out. With Rover, you have full right of cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of care.