Questions, asked a lot.

How are providers vetted?

Every WellKept Pet provider — sitters and trainers alike — goes through identity verification, a multi-state Checkr background check, and admin approval before going live. Insurance certificates are reviewed and stamped. Reviews from real completed bookings are permanent on each provider's profile.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Your provider carries their own professional liability + animal-bailee insurance for exactly this case. Contact support and we'll help you find a solution — including connecting you with a backup provider when one's available in your area — and the provider's policy handles vet costs.

Can I cancel a booking?

Yes — cancel up to 1 day before the booking starts for a full release of the hold. Inside that window, a cancellation fee is captured (we pay the provider for holding the dates) and the rest is released. You can cancel from your dashboard or by messaging the provider directly.

When is my card charged?

Your card is authorized when you book — Stripe places a hold on the booking total — and stays held while the provider confirms and through the stay. We only capture the charge when the booking completes. If the booking doesn't go through, we release the hold automatically.

Are meet-and-greets free?

Yes. We encourage a meet-and-greet — either in person or over video — before your first booking with a new provider. There's no fee.

Do you offer dog training?

Yes — alongside boarding, walking, check-ins, and daycare, WellKept Pet has vetted trainers. Browse trainers by specialty (puppy basics, obedience, behavior & reactivity, agility, sport, service-dog work), then book a private session or a group class — at your home, the trainer's space, or a public spot.

How is a trainer different from a sitter?

A sitter cares for your dog while you're away (boarding, walking, check-in visits, daycare). A trainer teaches skills and works on behavior in scheduled sessions. Both are background-checked, insured, and reviewed the same way — and some providers do both.

How do I become a WellKept Pet provider?

Create an account and choose your path — sitter, trainer, or both. Build out your profile (photos, your story, services, rates) and complete the verification steps. Most providers are approved within 3 business days once the Checkr background check clears.

Can I be both a sitter and a trainer?

Yes. One WellKept Pet account can do both — add a trainer profile from your account menu. Your sitting and training services, rates, calendars, and reviews stay separate, but you only verify (ID, background check, insurance) once.

What verification do I need to complete?

Identity verification, a multi-state Checkr background check, and a valid insurance certificate on file. An admin reviews and approves before your profile goes live — usually within 3 business days of the background check clearing.

How and when do I get paid?

Payouts run through Stripe Connect, directly into the bank account you connect during onboarding. Standard Stripe payout cadence applies — the same for sitting and training income.

What's your commission?

WellKept Pet keeps a 20% platform fee, split two ways: 5% added to your client's total and 15% from your payout. The first 25 founding members pay just 10% on their side — keeping 90% of their rate — for their first 12 months. It covers payment processing, background checks, support, fraud prevention, and the platform itself.

Do I need insurance?

Yes — every WellKept Pet provider carries their own professional pet-care insurance ($1M general liability + $25k animal bailee); trainers should make sure a professional-liability line is included. Pet Care Insurance and Pet Sitters Associates are recommended carriers; coverage runs roughly $175-$360/year.

What services can I offer as a sitter?

Boarding (overnight in your home), check-in visits, dog walking, and daycare. Switch on the ones you want and set a separate rate for each.

How do I set my rates and availability?

From your sitter dashboard: set per-night / visit / walk / day rates, block out dates on your calendar, and pause new bookings anytime. You're never locked into requests you can't take.

Can I choose which dogs I accept?

Yes. You control the size and number of dogs at once, whether you take puppies or seniors, and whether you accept restricted breeds or dogs with a bite history. Owners only see you for pets you actually accept.

Do I need a fenced yard?

No — a fenced yard is a filter some owners look for, not a requirement. List the features you do have (yard, other pets, smoke-free home, etc.) so the right matches find you.

What kinds of training can I offer?

Puppy basics, basic obedience, behavior modification, reactivity, agility, sport / competition, and service-dog work. Tag the specialties you focus on so the right clients find you.

Can I run group classes?

Yes. Alongside one-on-one sessions you can publish a class schedule — recurring weekly classes plus one-off dated sessions that owners register for individually.

Where do training sessions happen?

Wherever you work best — in the client's home, at your own indoor/outdoor facility, or in public spaces. You choose which you offer.

How do certifications work?

Add your credentials (CPDT-KA, KPA, IAABC, and more) to your profile. We verify them, and a verified badge appears on your public profile so clients can see exactly who they're hiring.

Do I set my own session length and rate?

Yes — set your session length and per-session rate, and adjust them anytime from your trainer dashboard.

Are prices shown with fees included?

Yes. The rate you see when browsing providers is what you'll pay per night/visit/walk/session. Our service fee is displayed clearly at checkout.

What payment methods do you accept?

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and Apple Pay / Google Pay. We don't accept cash or external transfers — all payments stay inside WellKept Pet for your protection.

Do you offer discounts?

Providers can set their own multi-night or multi-pet discounts. Keep an eye on seasonal promos announced on our blog and in the app.