Meow! How Can We Help?

We have a thorough vetting and approval process which typically takes 7-10 business days to complete. It's free to submit your Meowtel sitter listing, and our process consists of the following steps:

1. Check if we're accepting listing submissions in your area by entering your zip code in the Become a Sitter page
2. Create your Meowtel account
3. Start the application process by showcasing your cat experience and knowledge
4. Create your sitter listing and upload your profile photo
5. Set up your availability and coverage
6. We'll contact your professional references and conduct a background check paid for by Meowtel. Both of these must be successful for approval
7. Final Interview: Demonstrate you're ready to conduct reservations through a video interview with a Meowtel team member

The primary communication method for all sitter application updates is via email. Please ensure communications from Meowtel do not end up in your spam folder so that you do not miss any important notices.

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

The onboarding timeline varies based on demand, sitter availability, and client needs in each area. While we may have limited sitters in certain locations, we carefully manage onboarding to ensure a balanced marketplace where new sitters have the best 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 application.

Yes, due to the way our system is set up, every sitter must first create a user account (what we call a cat parent account). Once you're approved as a sitter, 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 user mode for updates like contact information or address changes. You can also use cat parent mode to search for sitters in your area should you need one for yourself or as a backup for clients.

At Meowtel, we believe that the best sitters 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.

When reviewing applications, we look for:

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 Meowtel’s services and a desire to grow within our community
6. A proactive, solution-oriented mindset—because every cat has their own quirks!

If you're just starting out or want to strengthen your application, gaining more pet care experience in your area is a great way to expand your skills. We also recommend checking out our Sitter Submission Guide and our tips on who to use as a professional reference to help you put your best paw forward.

Every cat deserves the best care, and we’re here to welcome sitters who share that belief.

Your professional reference should be someone who knows your work ethic, reliability, and experience—especially in pet care. Here are some great recommendations:

1. Cat sitting client – A past client who paid you to care for their cat is an excellent reference. 
2. Current or former clients – If you’ve done other pet sitting, house sitting, or childcare, those clients can vouch for your responsibility.
3. Volunteer leader or peer – If you’ve volunteered, especially with cat shelters, a fellow volunteer or leader can highlight your experience.
4. Former or current boss – A supervisor who can vouch for your responsibility and skills. If not your boss, a coworker who knows your work well is a good choice.
5. Coworker – Someone you’ve worked closely with who understands your strengths in a professional setting.
6. Professor or teacher – If you're a student or recent graduate, choose an instructor who knows your dedication and reliability.
7. Coach or mentor – A coach, mentor, or extracurricular leader who knows your work ethic and dedication.

References we do not consider professional, and could lead to rejection::

1. Family Members
2. Significant Others
3. Friends who do not have a professional connection
4. Therapists or Doctors 

For a more extensive look at who to provide as a professional reference, check out our blog post. 

Choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your professionalism. The stronger your references, the better your application!

As a sitter, you’ll have the joy of caring for adorable kitties while providing peace of mind to their humans. Here’s what to expect as you get started: 

1. Availability Matters – Keeping an accurate, up to date calendar of your availability is incredibly important! Our most successful sitters keep their calendars open at least 90 days in advance with as many consecutive available days as possible. Since most clients are booking for travel, they need a sitter who can visit their cat(s) daily for the duration of their trip. The more flexible and open your schedule, the more opportunities you'll have to book stays! 
2. Independence & Responsibility – As a Meowtel sitter, you’re an independent contractor, which means you have the freedom to set your own schedule and rates. However, to remain in good standing on our platform, it’s important to follow our policies and provide the top-tier service that makes Meowtel special. Reliability, professionalism, and great communication go a long way in building trust with clients (and earning glowing reviews)!
3. Complimentary Meet & Greet – After accepting a new reservation, you'll coordinate a time to visit the client’s home, meet their cat(s), and learn their routines before they head out.
4. Traveling to Client’s Homes – Since Meowtel is an in-home sitting service, you’ll be traveling to each cat’s home for every visit. Planning your schedule wisely and factoring in travel time are important parts of being a successful sitter.
5. Providing Great Care to Cats – Every cat is unique, and the best sitters take the time to understand their needs. Whether it’s playtime, medication, or just sitting quietly with a shy kitty, being patient and attentive helps build trust and comfort. Check out what is expected of our sitters during each visit. 
6. Communicating with Cat Parents – Clear and thoughtful communication is key to a great experience. Cat parents appreciate timely updates, detailed visit reports, and lots of adorable photos of their furry friends. The more reassurance you can provide, the more comfortable they’ll feel while they’re away. Make sure to keep all communication in the Meowtel chat, and respond to messages from clients promptly. 

Check out our Minimum Standards to get a good idea of what we expect from our sitters to remain in good standing on our platform.

Becoming a sitter isn’t just about cat care—it’s about building lasting connections, growing your business, and creating a comforting experience for every kitty you meet. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Your Meowtel interview is an opportunity to showcase your passion for cat sitting and demonstrate that you're ready to provide top-notch care. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Be on time – Punctuality matters, just like it does when caring for a client’s cat. Arriving on time shows reliability and professionalism. You must join within 5 minutes of your interview start time, or your application will not pass final approval.
2. Have your ID ready – We’ll need to verify your identity, so be sure to have a valid ID on hand.
3. Join from a computer if possible – A stable connection and clear audio/video will make for a smoother interview experience.
4. Find a quiet space – Minimize background noise and interruptions so we can focus on getting to know you. (That said, if a kitty wants to make a cameo, we won’t complain! 🐱)
5. Cats come first – Please remember to focus on cat-sitting related scenarios as much as possible in your answers. If you don’t have experience related to one of the questions asked - walk us through how you might best handle it.
6. Do your research – Take some time to explore Meowtel’s policies and business model so you understand how our platform works and what’s expected of sitters.
7. Familiarize yourself with our services – Knowing what we offer and how we connect sitters with cat parents will help you feel more confident during the interview.

Most importantly, relax and be yourself! We love chatting with fellow cat lovers who are eager to provide exceptional care. We can't wait to meet you!

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

What does this mean for Meowtel Sitters?

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: Meowtel sitters 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 must accurately represent Meowtel’s policies to clients to ensure a smooth and professional experience.
4. Payment Processing: Clients pay through the Meowtel platform for services rendered by the Meowtel Sitters. Meowtel processes these payments but does not employ the cat sitters.
5. Insurance Coverage: Meowtel provides limited liability insurance for eligible reservations priced at $20 or more per visit. This coverage may protect against property damage or pet injuries caused by a sitter’s actions during a booking. However, sitters are still responsible for operating as independent contractors and should understand the coverage limitations. For more information on our Meowtel Promise insurance coverage, please click here.

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