We have a background check and onboarding process which typically takes 3 business days to complete. It's free to submit your sitter listing on Meowtel, and our process consists of the following steps:

Check if we're accepting listing submissions in your area by entering your zip code in the Become a Sitter page
Create your Meowtel account
Download the Meowtel app and start the submission process by showcasing your cat experience and knowledge
Create your sitter listing and upload your profile photo
Finalize your sitter listing by setting up your availability, service zones, and rates
Lastly, you'll undergo a third-party background check.

The primary communication method for all sitter submission updates is via email. Please check your spam folder to avoid missing any important notices from Meowtel.

During each visit, your cat sitter will typically serve your cat fresh food and water (per your directions during the Meet & Greet), clean the litter box, give your cat playtime (and cuddles, if allowed!), administer medications (if agreed upon), and send you a message update, along with at least one photo or video.

If a client does not want to conduct a Meet & Greet in person, consider taking the following steps through the Meowtel messaging system:

Offer a Meet and Greet via Facetime, Skype, or an alternate video platform.
Prompt the client to complete their User Profile, their Cat's Profile(s), and their Vet Release Form.
You're welcome to share the eligibility requirements for the Meowtel Guarantee with the client
Refer to the Meet & Greet form to come up with additional questions for your client.
Confirm you will have proper access to the client's home (i.e. accurate keyless entry codes or keys that have been tested to verify functionality).

The client will also receive several email prompts from Meowtel to help them complete their profile before the Meet & Greet and especially before their reservation starts. However, it never hurts to give them a nudge if you feel you're still missing pertinent information in order to provide great care for their kitties.

Occasionally, a cat parent may ask to see your government-issued ID to confirm your identity and feel more comfortable with who is coming into their home. As an independent service provider, this decision is entirely up to you. Most sitters will only show their ID in person, while at the Meet & Greet.

For their own privacy and safety, many sitters choose not to send the cat parent a photo or copy of their ID.

Here are some recommended steps:

Contact the cat parent
Notify Meowtel by calling/texting 1-844-MEOWTEL or emailing [email protected]
Keep the cat parent and Meowtel updated with course of action and outcome

All reservation payments are processed through the Meowtel platform and deposited into your sitter earnings balance. Sitter earnings are calculated based on Meowtel's Commission Rates.

Standard Payout Schedule

Reservations shorter than 7 days: Earnings will be deposited into your sitter earnings balance 48 hours after the reservation ends.
Reservations longer than 7 days: Earnings are pro-rated. You'll receive earnings 2 days after each 7-day period, with the final portion deposited 48 hours after the reservation ends.
Reservation modifications: If a reservation is modified, the earnings schedule will be recalculated. You can view the exact payout schedule in the reservation details.

Cancellation Payouts

Cancellations within 48 hours of the start date: Earnings will be deposited into your sitter earnings balance immediately after the cat parent cancels.
Cancellations within 24 hours of the start date: Earnings will be deposited 2 days after the reservation was scheduled to begin.

Tips

Tips are deposited into your earnings balance immediately after they are sent.

Payout Options

Payouts are processed via PayPal or Venmo. Earnings will appear in your balance by 11:00 AM PST on their scheduled deposit date.

Autopay: Automatically transfers your full balance every other Friday once your Available to Payout balance exceeds $100.
Manual Payouts: Request a payout at any time. Only one manual payout can be active at a time, and transaction limits may apply ($1,000 per day or $3,000 per 7-day period).

Note: To streamline payments and help keep your funds stay safe, secure, and flowing your way without delay, Meowtel will automatically initiate a payout if your sitter earnings account balance exceeds $5,000.