Question 1

How does Pet Lodger work?

Accepted Answer

Pet Lodger connects pet owners with vetted sitters across the UK. Owners can browse sitters by location or post an ad with their dates, pet types, and requirements. Sitters sign up to list their availability, experience, and the areas they cover, and respond to ads that suit them. There's a small one-off fee to post an ad, which keeps the board quality-controlled and deters timewasters.

Question 2

Is it safe, and what happens in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

We recommend choosing verified sitters who hold DBS checks and reviews from previous owners. Arrange a phone call or video chat before confirming any booking. Before you leave, share your emergency contact numbers and vet's details — sitters keep in touch throughout the stay and will contact your vet straight away if needed.

Question 3

How much does pet sitting cost?

Accepted Answer

Every sit is a flat £70 per day, regardless of the number of pets. You pay a £70 deposit to confirm the booking once the sitter approves, and the remaining balance is requested automatically on day 1 of the sit. The flat rate covers a normal household — if you have a very large number of pets (for example 12 dogs) or a mixed smallholding with livestock such as geese, chickens and alpacas, an additional charge may apply. This is agreed with your sitter before the booking is confirmed.

Question 4

What pets do your sitters care for?

Accepted Answer

Our sitters care for dogs, cats, small caged animals, birds, and fish — with some experienced in farm livestock or horses. Check each sitter's profile for the animals they cover.

Question 5

Am I employed or self-employed as a sitter?

Accepted Answer

All sitters on Pet Lodger are self-employed independent contractors, not employees. This means you are responsible for managing your own income tax, National Insurance contributions, and any other statutory obligations. We recommend keeping records of your earnings and expenses, and registering for Self Assessment with HMRC if your income requires it. Pet Lodger does not deduct tax or NI from your payments — you are paid gross and handle your own affairs. If you're unsure about your tax position, we suggest speaking with a qualified accountant or HMRC directly.

Question 6

What happens if I need to cancel a booking?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel before the sit begins, the £70 deposit is non-refundable. By the time a booking is confirmed, administrative costs have already been incurred — including processing your request, matching you with a sitter, verifying the sitter's DBS and insurance, and arranging the sit — and these apply regardless of whether the sit goes ahead or who cancels. No balance will be outstanding, as the balance is only ever requested on the first day of the sit. You can cancel from your dashboard at any time before the sit starts. As set out in our Terms & Conditions, Pet Lodger reserves the right to substitute an alternative, equally-qualified sitter — so in the rare event that your booked sitter is unable to attend, we would almost always arrange a replacement sitter for your dates rather than cancel outright. Full details are on our Refund Policy page.

Question 7

Can Pet Lodger change my sitter after I've booked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As set out in our Terms & Conditions, Pet Lodger reserves the right to substitute an alternative, equally-qualified sitter if your booked sitter is unable to attend — for example due to illness or an emergency. Any replacement sitter meets the same DBS-checked and insured standards, the fixed £70 per day rate is unchanged, and your booking simply continues with the replacement sitter. We would almost always arrange a replacement rather than cancel your sit outright, and your deposit stands. You'll be notified of any change as soon as possible.

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