Sitter Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a fit for joining the Venture Vetted Sitter List?

If you pet sit as a side-gig, this is a great option for you! Our clients need trusted referrals for when they leave town, or need after-hours care. If you love dogs, are a reliable and high integrity individual, and like to make extra money - chances are this is a GREAT fit for you!

How much business can I expect if I join the Venture Vetted Sitter list?

We do not make guarantees on how much business you will receive from the referral list. That being said - we have over 800 amazing clients who ask us quite frequently for a good recommendation for either travel care or after hours services. So we believe that math will work out in your favor! You will have the best chance of business if you keep your rating at 5 stars by providing exceptional services.

Do I have to accept a minimum amount of work to remain on the client list?

Our main requirement (at this point in time) is that you provide a timely response to any inquiry about your availability - it is up to you how much work you accept, and what works for your schedule personally. Sitters are also always welcome to reach out to us to ask that we temporarily take them off of the Sitter list, if needed. If we receive feedback that a Sitter referral is not responding to inquiries, we will remove them from the client list.

How do I apply for the Venture Vetted Sitter Program?

You can apply for the Sitter Program here!

What does Venture Dog Walking get out of this transaction?

In consideration for being listed as a Venture-Vetted Sitter, the Sitter will pay VDW 15% of any pet sitting services sold to clients of VDW within fifteen (15) days of receipt of payment from a client. VDW will instruct all of its clients to mention VDW when reaching out to the Sitter, but the Sitter should also take reasonable steps to ask for the referral source of any cold calls or outreach the Sitter receives. If you are removed from our referral list at any point in time, you are still responsible to continue to pay referral fees to VDW on pet setting engagements you receive from clients obtained through the Program, prior to being removed from the list.

What are the expectations of me, once I am on this list?

Sitters are expected to: 1) provide a timely response to any Venture client inquiries 2) provide services in-line with the client’s specific expectations if you choose to accept an engagement 3) have integrity in your transactions with Venture clients 4) submit your invoicing report & pay your referral percentage within the specified timeframe

Am I able to get hired to also work for Venture, if I am on the Sitter list?

Yes! We believe it is a win/win for both sitters and clients if you join us as an employee. We also place a high amount of trust in our clients, so if they love working with you as a sitter, we see that as a great sign that working for us could be a fit. On your application, be sure to mention that you work on the Sitter List! (Please note - if you are removed from the Sitter list due to client feedback, you will not be able to join our team as an employee, and this removes you from any future consideration as well.)

What happens if a client from Venture asks to work with me sometime between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday - Friday?

The non-compete that you’ll sign before joining the Sitter list states clearly that anything requested from a client during our hours of operation will need to be redirected back into Venture Dog Walking. Sitters from the sitter list are not able to work in direct competition with us.

Why do I have to get insured? What if I don’t know where to get insurance?

Being openly candid with you - not being insured and providing these services is a very bad idea for everybody involved. You are working with live animals in people’s personal homes. It is for your own well-being as well as the safety of clients that we require you to maintain a liability policy in the case of something bad happening to you, an animal, or a client’s personal property. It is a non-negotiable to participate in this program. We have a great insurance broker to connect you to if you want a referral from us to get insured. Your insurance costs will be approximately $25 a month, and can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.

How are the rates set for my work? Are there any rules around what I charge?

The rates charged for your work are completely your choice - you will decide what to charge for the services you choose to provide. We encourage you to do some research on what a competitive and appropriate price for your work is. You are welcome to look on Rover.com to get a sense of what other independent pet sitters charge for their services. We do not have any policies on what you can or cannot charge (though please keep in mind that if your prices become uncompetitive, you will most likely receive less booking requests.)

If I join the Venture Vetted Sitter lists, am I allowed to be on Rover or other Platforms?

Yes, there are no restrictions for marketing yourself elsewhere for your work, as long as it is not in violation of the terms & conditions specified in the non-compete that you sign before joining. If you have questions on what our non-compete specifies, please email us at sitterprogram@venturedogwalking.com. We would be happy to share with you so that you can make an informed decision before applying.

If I am a Venture Client, am I able to join the Venture Vetted Sitter list?

Absolutely!