Insured Pet Sitters vs. Pet Sitting Platforms with Guarantees: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Matty Al-irimi 
When it comes to finding reliable, professional pet care, pet owners are often faced with two main choices:
- Hiring a pet sitting company where sitters are individually insured, or
-
Booking through a pet sitting platform or marketplace that offers service guarantees but doesn’t always ensure the sitter is independently insured.
On the surface, both options may appear similar – especially with glossy websites and reassuring headlines. But the differences can have significant implications for the safety of your pet, your home, and your peace of mind.
What Does It Mean for a Pet Sitter to Be Insured?
A pet sitter who is insured typically holds professional pet sitting insurance that covers key risks, such as:
-
Accidental damage to your property
-
Injury to your pet while in their care
-
Third-party liability (e.g. if a dog being walked causes injury or damage)
Pet sitting companies that use insured sitters tend to have stricter onboarding, vetting, and training processes. This offers reassurance that if something does go wrong, you’re not left chasing vague “guarantees”, the sitter is backed by a real policy.
What About Pet Sitting Websites That Offer “Guarantees”?
Pet sitting platforms or apps often market themselves with bold guarantees, such as “premium coverage” or “satisfaction promises”. However, these guarantees:
-
May not be insurance in the legal or financial sense
-
Are usually contingent on strict conditions
-
Often don’t replace actual liability coverage
-
Might leave you or the sitter personally liable if something goes wrong
In many cases, sitters who list themselves on such platforms are not required to hold individual pet sitting insurance. While the platform may offer limited coverage for emergencies, this is often a gesture of goodwill rather than a contractual right.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Insured Pet Sitters (via Company) | Pet Sitting Platforms with Guarantees |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance held by sitter | ✔ Yes – often mandatory | ✖ Not required |
| Professional oversight | ✔ Yes – trained and vetted sitters | ✖ Varies by platform |
| Claims process | ✔ via insurers | ✖ Platform-dependent and often complex |
| Custom support | ✔ Personalised, local service | ✖ Often automated or generic |
Why This Matters
Imagine a scenario where something in your home is damaged. If your sitter is not properly insured, you may be left covering the cost — either out of pocket or via your own home insurance (which might not cover pet sitters). With an insured professional, you have a clear path for recourse and support.
What Should You Ask Before Booking?
To protect yourself and your pet, here are some key questions to ask:
-
Is the sitter individually insured?
-
Can they provide proof of cover?
-
Is the company or sitter trained in pet first aid?
-
Who is responsible if something goes wrong, the sitter, the company, or the platform?
-
Is the guarantee actual insurance or a discretionary policy?
Peace of Mind Comes with Real Protection
At PA to the Pets, we are fully insured and committed to providing a professional, reliable service you can trust. I don’t rely on vague guarantees, just genuine care, clear communication, and tailored support for you and your pet.
If you’re looking for safe, accountable, and experienced pet sitting in South London, don’t settle for uncertainty. Choose a provider where your sitter is insured and you are not left in the dark.