Meow! How Can We Help?
Most Popular Questions
Browse by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep your Meowtel profile active and maximize your success as a sitter on Meowtel:
- Log in to your account regularly. Your account will automatically deactivate after 90 days of inactivity.
- Update your Availability Calendar regularly. Updating at least once every 30 days helps you receive relevant requests. Each Service Zone will automatically be disabled if 90 days pass without an update.
- Consider Consecutive Availability. As a best practice, aim to offer consecutive days of availability as much as possible. This helps provide continuous care, which is highly valued by cat parents and may lead to more frequent bookings. Cat parents usually don't schedule visits that are spread out, such as on a Tuesday and then on a Friday.
- Abide by all Terms of Service and review tips for meeting client expectations
Meowtel uses a waitlist system in some areas to help balance the number of sitters with local demand from cat parents. When a zip code is waitlisted, it typically means there are currently enough active sitters in the area to meet customer needs.
We continuously monitor activity in each market and open onboarding opportunities as demand grows. When additional sitters are needed in your area, we'll send an email invitation to those on the waitlist.
If you've joined the waitlist, no further action is needed - just keep an eye on your inbox! You can also check this page at any time to see whether your area is currently accepting new sitter submissions. For more details, see our FAQ on how long you can expect to wait.
Looking to boost your cat sitting visibility? Here are some tried-and-true ways to enhance your profile visibility for clients to find and book you on Meowtel:
- Update your availability regularly: Consider keeping your calendar accurate and open at least 2-3 months in advance with as many consecutive days as possible. Many cat parents book early, especially for holidays, summer, and longer travel.
- Enhance your sitter profile: Your sitter bio is one of the most important factor clients consider. Aim for at least 300 words and highlight your experience, love for cats, and what makes you a great sitter. A detailed bio can also help your listing visibility in web search browsers as well!
- Set and adjust competitive rates: You might research what other sitters in your area charge to see if your rates are competitive. Offering a fair rate can help attract a broader spectrum of clients, while still valuing your time and expertise.
- Expand your service area: Consider covering a 10-15 mile radius (or more if you're willing to drive further). The more neighborhoods you serve, the more potential clients you can reach!
- Responding quickly to chat messages: Fast replies show responsiveness and increase your chances of getting booked. Clients appreciate efficient communication when searching for the right sitter. Often, clients may reach out with questions prior to booking their reservation - a smooth client experience starts with helpful guidance and prompt communication!
- Get great reviews: Positive reviews build trust and encourage new clients to book with you. Providing great care, sending timely, detailed updates, including lots of photos, and helping clients have a great experience are all ways to build a strong reputation. When a reservation is complete, a friendly reminder for clients to leave a review for you can go a long way to set you up for future success.
- Promote your profile: Spread the word on social media, Nextdoor, or local community boards. You can also order promotional items from our Sitter Store to market your services.
- Offer clients a discount code: Set up a discount code to entice new or repeat clients to book a reservation with you!
By considering these tips, you can increase your client visibility and make your profile stand out to potential new clients!
Are you looking for more help to customize your sitter profile? Reach out to the Community Team via email at [email protected] to request a personalized review of your sitter profile!
Many sitters choose to keep notes about their clients to stay organized and manage their cat care businesses smoothly. These notes are private and only visible to you.
If helpful, some sitters prefer to keep their notes professional and focused on care details and household logistics, rather than personal opinions.
Here are examples of details some sitters choose to track:
Cat Parent Preferences
- Do they prefer you to remove your shoes in their home?
- What is their preference for key return?
Kitty Care Routine
- Feeding schedule and amounts
- Dietary requirements and treats
- Water bowl locations
- Litter box location and cleaning instructions
- How does the cat parent handle the disposal of waste (used litter, cat food cans, etc.)?
Behavior & Special Needs
- Any behavioral quirks?
- Any medical needs or medications?
- Any kitties prone to bathroom accidents or hairballs?
- Which rooms do the cats have access to?
- Any toys that should be put away when unsupervised?
Household Notes
- Are there any alarms or security systems to be aware of?
- Where are cleaning supplies (paper towels, vacuum, broom) for tidying up?
- Should mail or packages be brought inside?
- Are there other pets to feed or plants to water?
- Any household quirks to be aware of? (e.g., a tricky lock, a drafty window, steep stairs)
The onboarding process includes a background check and typically takes 3 business days to complete. The process consists of the following steps:
- Check if listing submissions are open 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 registration 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, if you choose to proceed, you'll be prompted to complete a third-party background check. At this stage, a one-time, non-refundable Profile Review Fee is collected. This fee helps cover the cost of the background check and the time involved in reviewing new sitter profiles. You'll see the fee clearly outlined before deciding whether to continue.
The primary communication method for all sitter registration updates is via email. Please check your spam folder for communications from Meowtel so that you do not miss any important notices.
Submitting a sitter listing on Meowtel begins with an onboarding process that typically takes from 1 - 3 business days to complete. The process generally includes the following steps:
- Check if Meowtel is 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 sharing your cat care 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
- If you choose to proceed, you'll be prompted to complete a third-party background check. At this stage, a one-time, non-refundable Profile Review Fee is collected. This fee helps cover the cost of the background check and the time involved in reviewing new sitter profiles. You'll see the fee clearly outlined before deciding whether to continue.
All updates related to sitter submissions are shared via email, so we recommend checking your inbox (and spam folder) to avoid missing any important messages from Meowtel.