PetBacker: Dog Cat Pet Sitting

Buyers be warned! The app is predatory towards both client markets and providers (read reviews and a ton of hidden fees for providers which drive up costs to consumers). The app itself functions okay, but the marketplace logic is completely broken, especially for users in developing countries. I found the quote system to be a race to the top for the most unrealistic pricing. I was receiving bids for $80+ US per day on what should cost around $20-$40 (and that’s for four animals) for basic pet sitting in the Philippines. The rates are logically inverted when you consider the sitter’s role includes private upscale accommodation, high-speed internet, and full amenities for a job that outside of a couple potty breaks and a couple feedings basically consists of chilling out, eating your food, watching your TV, and doomscrolling short-video on your high-speed internet which is often hard to come by here in the Philippines. It feels like the app's algorithm or 'suggested rates' along with their taxes and fees encourage sitters to charge Western-tier prices (or higher) for services that attempt to re-configure the local economy, leading to a lot of time wasted declining 'lofty' proposals that don't reflect the local economy at all. I eventually found several highly qualified, experienced professionals outside the app for 1/4 of the cost. If you're an expat or moving to the region, be prepared to do a lot of vetting to avoid getting fleeced. The app needs better localized pricing guardrails or more transparent market data for both owners and sitters. The only use it might serve is if you’re in a pinch and need to hire someone same day. Other than that, steer clear.

This is my second experience with PetBacker. My first experience was okay. I did not receive many job requests and it was not my favorite. Since rejoining, the customer service is outstanding! It is really important to abide by their rules and policies because this greatly affects your sitter presence when owners are looking to hire. In the last 12 hours, I’ve had 2 requests. Yes, getting 3 reviews helps the pet owners be more assured that you’re not just looking for a quick buck but you’re invested in the site. If you have a few friends even from other sites, they can write a review to help you get established. I’m very pleased so far and can’t wait to get the most out of the site.

I downloaded the app just as another source for my pet sitting/ Rover business. Didn’t hear anything for months and finally last week got a request. Great right? Wrong. Couldn’t give the client a quote with out getting 3 “friends and family” reviews (I have multiple reviews on other sites as well as multiple background checks). Finally got to send a quote, the client accepted and hired me within a minute. She requested overnights only, I met with her for a meet and greet and it turns out she wants a drop in visit during the day as well as the breakfast/ dinner visits that the overnight rate includes. Now there’s no way I can add this extra charge to it and I’m getting screwed (cause I can’t just leave the dogs kenneled for the whole day for 7 days) not just because of the fees but out of the money for the extra visits. I’m finishing this job and after that I am done with PetBacker. Update: finished the job, had PayPal added as the payment method and waited almost 5 days to get paid. And I only got paid after I complained to their “support” multiple times. Even the client I had on there was ok with going to rover for my business. Never again. I have multiple reviews on multiple sites I offer pet sitting thru. DO NOT USE THIS APP, SITTER OR PET OWNER ALIKE, THEY DO NOT DO BACKGROUND CHECKS ON THE SITTERS.