Gentle Paws

Welcome to GentlePaws.pet — Sitter Onboarding GuideWelcome to GentlePaws.pet — Sitter Onboarding Guide

Last updated: October 2026

We’re excited to have you join the GentlePaws.pet community. This guide walks you through everything you need to set up your listing, attract pet owners, and manage your subscription.

1. Create Your Account

Start by creating an account using your email and a secure password. You’ll be prompted to choose a subscription plan — monthly or annual. The annual plan includes a 30 day free trial for new subscribers.

A valid payment method is required at signup. On the annual plan you are not charged until the trial ends. On the monthly plan your first payment is taken straight away.

2. Build Your Profile

Your profile is your storefront. Make it clear, friendly, and professional.

Include:

  • Your name or business name
  • City, state, and ZIP
  • Services offered (drop-ins, walks, boarding, overnights, etc.)
  • Experience and specialties
  • A short bio
  • High-quality photos

Tip: Photos of you with pets build trust instantly.

3. Add Contact Information

Pet owners contact you directly. Include:

  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Website or social media (optional)

Make sure your contact details are accurate — owners rely on them.

4. Set Expectations Clearly

Use your bio to explain:

  • What types of pets you care for
  • Your availability
  • Any limitations (size, breed, medical needs)
  • Your approach to care

Clear expectations reduce misunderstandings.

Screen Every Enquiry

You are not obliged to accept every pet. Screening before you agree to anything protects your own pets, your home, and the pets already in your care — and pet owners who are worth having as clients expect you to do it.

Ask before you agree

The pet

  • Breed, age, and weight
  • Spayed or neutered
  • Vaccinations current
  • House-trained
  • Crate trained, and whether they are comfortable crated

Behavior

  • How they are with other dogs, with cats, with children, with strangers
  • Any history of biting, snapping or reactivity
  • Separation anxiety, escape behavior, or resource guarding
  • What frightens them

Health and routine

  • Medications, doses and timing
  • Medical conditions, allergies, mobility limits
  • Feeding routine and any food sensitivities
  • Normal daily routine and exercise needs

The arrangement

  • Exact dates and times
  • Their veterinarian, and authorization to seek care
  • Emergency contact who can make decisions if they cannot be reached
  • Anyone else with access to the home, for in-home work

Meet before you commit

A meet-and-greet is where you find out what a phone call cannot tell you. If you keep your own pets, watch how the visiting pet reacts to them before anything is booked.

Declining is part of the job

Say no when an arrangement is not safe or not a good fit — a pet too large for your space, behavior you are not equipped for, a routine you cannot cover, or an owner unwilling to answer questions. Decline early, say so plainly and politely, and suggest they keep looking. Declining well costs you one booking. Accepting badly can cost you a pet.

5. Maintain Professional Standards

Owners trust you with their homes and pets. Follow the GentlePaws.pet Sitter Code of Conduct:

  • Be punctual
  • Communicate clearly
  • Respect homes and property
  • Provide honest information
  • Treat pets with kindness
  • Follow all instructions

6. Manage Your Subscription

Two plans are available:

  • $19.98 per month, billed from signup
  • $198.00 per year, which includes a 30 day free trial for new subscribers

The free trial applies to the annual plan only, and only for new subscribers. You can cancel either plan at any time through your account portal, and your listing stays live through the period you have already paid for. Payments already taken are not refunded.

You can:

  • Update your payment method
  • Switch plans
  • Cancel anytime
  • Request immediate listing removal

All through your self-service account portal.

7. Keep Your Listing Updated

Refresh your profile regularly:

  • Add new photos
  • Update availability
  • Adjust services
  • Share new experience or certifications

Active, updated listings attract more owners.

8. Safety & Liability

You are responsible for:

  • Your conduct
  • Your services
  • Your interactions with pet owners
  • Any required business licenses or insurance

GentlePaws.pet does not verify credentials or intervene in disputes.

9. Need Help?

Email gentlepaws.pet@gmail.com anytime.