How to Reply to a Pet Sitting Inquiry and Get a Booking

Reply to a new inquiry within a few hours if you can, thank the person, confirm whether you are available, ask a few key questions about their pet and dates, and offer a clear next step such as a short call or a meet-and-greet. Many people contact several sitters at once, so a clear, friendly answer that arrives early can stand out. A good reply is not a sales pitch. It shows that you are reliable and that you will take care of the details.

This is general guidance for independent sitters and dog walkers. Follow any rules or agreements that apply to your work, and check local requirements for your business.

Why does the first reply matter so much?

An inquiry usually arrives when someone is planning a trip or has a new schedule and needs help. They are comparing options. A quick, organized response tells them you are dependable before you have even met.

A slow reply, or one that leaves questions unanswered, makes people nervous. They may move on to the next sitter without telling you.

How fast should you answer?

There is no official rule, but sooner is better. Many sitters aim for the same day. If you cannot give a full answer yet, send a short holding message:

Hi Maya, thanks for reaching out! I'd love to hear more. I'm finishing visits this afternoon and will reply properly this evening.

That small message keeps you in the running without forcing you to answer in a rush. Avoid promising a time you cannot keep.

What should the first reply include?

Use this structure so you do not forget anything:

1. A warm greeting and the pet's name, if they gave it.
2. Your availability for the dates they mentioned, or the closest options.
3. A few questions about the pet and the plan.
4. A short note about how you work, such as updates, visit lengths, or how you handle keys.
5. Pricing, or where to find it, if you share it in writing.
6. A next step, such as a call or meet-and-greet.

Keep the whole message short enough to read on a phone without scrolling forever.

Which questions should you ask?

Choose only the ones you truly need to decide whether the job is a fit. Common ones include:

• What kind of pet, and how old?
• What dates and times do you need?
• Are there any health conditions, medication, or behavior concerns?
• Where do you live, so I can check the distance?
• Is there anything the pet is afraid of?

Save the deeper details, such as vet contacts and feeding schedules, for after the client commits.

When should you say no?

Not every inquiry is right for you. It is fine to decline when you are booked, the location is too far, the dates do not work, or the pet's needs are beyond your experience. A kind decline keeps your reputation intact:

Thanks so much for thinking of me. I'm not available for those dates, but I'd be glad to help another time. Good luck finding the right fit!

If you know a trusted colleague, you can offer to pass their name along, if they are happy with that.

How do you handle price questions?

Be direct. Some people judge a sitter by how plainly they talk about cost. Share your rates or a clear starting point, say what is included, and mention extra charges up front. You do not need to apologize or explain at length.

If someone asks for a discount, you can offer an option instead, such as a shorter visit or fewer days, rather than lowering your standard rate.

What should the next step be?

For most new clients, a meet-and-greet is the next step. It lets you and the pet meet, see the home, and cover details together. If you cannot meet in person, a short phone or video call can do some of the same work. Offer two or three time options, so the client can choose easily.

After the meet-and-greet, follow up the same day with a thank-you, a summary of what you agreed on, and a clear way to confirm the booking.

How do you keep track of inquiries?

A simple list is enough. Note the date, the person, the pet, what they asked, and what you replied. Check it once a day so no one falls through the cracks. When you hear nothing back, a polite follow-up after a few days is reasonable. If there is still no answer, let it rest.

Where does Pawstcard fit in?

Pawstcard is a pet sitting report card app we are building for independent sitters and dog walkers. It does not handle inquiries or bookings. It is for the stage that follows: you take your photos, the app drafts a note in your voice, you review it, and your client gets a link with no app or account needed. Mentioning how you send updates in your first reply can help a new client picture working with you. It is not released yet.

If you would like to hear when early access opens, you can join the early access list.