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There is 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 the process consists of the following steps:

1. Check if Meowtel is accepting listing submissions in your area by entering your zip code in the Become a Sitter page
2. Create your Meowtel account
3. Download the Meowtel app and start the submission process by showcasing your cat experience and knowledge
4. Create your sitter listing and upload your profile photo
5. Finalize your sitter listing by setting up your availability, service zones, and rates
6. 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.

You can check the status of your submission by logging into your Meowtel account and visiting the Become a Sitter section on the Meowtel platform. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

The onboarding timeline varies based on demand, sitter availability, and cat parent needs in each area. While the number of sitters may be limited in certain locations, we carefully manage onboarding to help maintain a balanced marketplace where new sitters have a good chance to succeed. If you're on the waitlist, we appreciate your patience and will reach out when we're ready to move forward with your submission.

Yes, due to the way our system is set up, every sitter will first need to create a user account (what we call a cat parent account). Once your sitter profile is active, you'll be able to switch between the two. You can keep your account primarily in "Sitter Mode", and may only need to switch to "Cat Parent Mode" for updates like contact information or address changes. You can also use the "Cat Parent Mode" to search for sitters in your area should you need one for yourself or as a backup for clients.

The best sitters on Meowtel are not just cat caretakers, but true cat lovers - people who understand the unique needs of each kitty and bring kindness, responsibility, and professionalism to every visit.

Successful sitters on Meowtel often share these qualities:

1. A genuine love for cats and hands-on experience in cat care
2. Knowledge of medication administration and emergency preparedness
3. Strong time management, organizational skills, and good communication
4. A passion for customer service and creating a positive experience for both cats and their humans
5. Familiarity with services on Meowtel and a desire to grow within the community
6. A proactive, solution-oriented mindset - because every cat has their own quirks!

If you're just starting out or want to enhance your submission, gaining more pet care experience in your area is a great way to expand your skills. Check out the Sitter Submission Guide for more tips.

Every cat deserves great care, and Meowtel welcomes sitters who share that belief.

An independent service provider is a self-employed individual who offers services directly to clients. At Meowtel, cat sitters are independent service providers, not employees of Meowtel. For more details, please check out our Terms of Service.

What does this mean for cat sitters on Meowtel?

1. Tax Responsibilities: Meowtel is not the employer of sitters. Sitters are solely responsible for properly managing their own tax obligations and reporting income taxes and expenses. Meowtel does not handle any tax payments or withholdings of any kind for sitters, including but not limited to, income taxes, sales tax, unemployment or employment insurance, Social Security, disability insurance, or other federal or state withholdings.
2. Service Agreements: Meowtel facilitates connections between sitters and clients, sitters enter into direct agreements with clients for cat-sitting services through the Meowtel platform.
3. Control Over Work: Sitters on Meowtel set their own schedules, determine their rates, and choose the services they offer. They are responsible for managing their time effectively, confirming and completing reservations, and maintaining clear communication with clients via Meowtel chat. Additionally, sitters are encouraged to accurately represent Meowtel's policies to clients to help create a smooth and professional experience.
4. Payment Processing: Clients pay through the Meowtel platform for services rendered by the sitters on Meowtel. Meowtel processes these payments but does not employ the cat sitters.

By using the Meowtel platform, cat sitters acknowledge and agree to their status as independent service providers and accept the associated responsibilities.

Per our Terms of Service, you must be at least 18 years old to sign up as a sitter.