FAQ

Housepawty FAQs

Good humans. Happy pets. Calm homes. Here’s how it all works.

1) Why does the meet & greet happen after payment?

Because booking first secures your sitter’s dates and availability. We receive plenty of enquiries, and if sitters had to do endless unpaid meet & greets before a booking was confirmed, they’d spend more time in coffee shops than caring for pets. Once your booking is paid, your sitter arranges a meet & greet with you. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, we’ll help source a suitable replacement or refund you in full.

2) How does Housepawty work?

Housepawty connects pet owners with vetted, reference-checked house and pet sitters. You browse sitter profiles, choose the person who feels right, make your booking, then your sitter gets in touch to arrange the next steps. Simple, tidy, totally house-trained.

3) Are your sitters vetted?

Yes. Every Housepawty sitter goes through an application and screening process before joining the platform. We check ID, references, and overall suitability. We’re fussy about who we let through the gate.

4) What kinds of services can I book?

Most sitters offer one or more of the following: live-in house and pet sitting, pop-in visits, dog walks, feeding visits, and overnight care. Each sitter profile sets out exactly what they offer, where they travel, and what they charge.

5) What is the difference between live-in sitting and pop-ins?

Live-in sitting means your sitter stays in your home and keeps your pets company while also looking after the house. Pop-ins are shorter visits for feeding, walks, playtime, medication, or check-ins. If your pets love company and routine, live-in is usually the gold standard.

6) What pets do Housepawty sitters look after?

Mostly dogs and cats, but many sitters also care for birds, rabbits, hamsters, fish, tortoises, and other small household pets. Always check the sitter’s profile to see which animals they’re comfortable with.

7) Can I meet my sitter before the sit starts?

Yes. Once your booking is confirmed, your sitter will contact you to arrange a meet & greet. This is your chance to walk through routines, quirks, keys, alarms, feeding instructions, and all the little details that make your pet feel at home.

8) What if the meet & greet doesn’t go well?

If either side feels it’s not the right match, let us know. We’ll first try to find you a suitable replacement. If that doesn’t work, we’ll refund you. We want tails wagging and everyone sleeping at night.

9) Why do I have to pay 100% upfront?

Full payment confirms the booking and blocks the sitter’s calendar. It also allows everyone to move quickly and confidently, especially around busy periods. It keeps the process fair, reduces last-minute wobbling, and ensures sitters are committing to genuine bookings, not hopeful maybes.

10) Do sitters stay in my home the whole time?

For live-in bookings, sitters use your home as the base for the sit, but they may still leave for work, errands, classes, or their normal routines unless otherwise agreed. If your pet needs near-constant company, choose a sitter whose availability suits that level of care and discuss it clearly before the sit begins.

11) Are there rules for sitters while they’re in my home?

Yes. Housepawty is big on trust and respect. In very plain English: no boyfriends, no parties, no strangers. Sitters are expected to treat your home with care, follow your instructions, and behave like excellent guests with a soft spot for pets.

12) Will I get updates while I’m away?

Usually, yes, and most owners love this part. Many sitters send photos, videos, or messages during the sit so you know your pets are safe, happy, and being spoiled appropriately. You can agree your preferred update rhythm at the meet & greet.

13) What should I leave for my sitter?

At minimum: clear feeding instructions, walk routine, medication notes, vet details, emergency contacts, Wi-Fi, alarm instructions, key arrangements, and anything your pet loves or hates. The more helpful the handover, the smoother the sit.

14) Do you cover my area?

Housepawty operates in selected areas across South Africa, with sitter availability varying by suburb and city. The easiest way to check is to browse sitters in your area or enquire through the site. If we can help, we will.

15) What happens if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Get in touch as soon as possible. We’ll guide you through the options based on timing and sitter availability. Because bookings reserve real dates for real humans, cancellation terms may apply, but we’ll always try to help find the most sensible outcome.

16) How do I choose the right sitter?

Start with the sitter’s profile. Look at their experience, services, pet preferences, reviews, location, and vibe. Some are best for cuddly couch pets, some for high-energy walkers, some for calm older animals, and some for multi-pet households. Choose the person who feels like the best fit for your pets and your home.

17) Is Housepawty only for holidays?

Not at all. Clients use Housepawty for holidays, work trips, weekends away, weddings, hospital stays, day visits, long workdays, and those moments when life gets a bit too life-y. If you need a good human to step in, that’s what we’re here for.