Referral bonus contingent upon a Sitter's successful competion of 2 shifts / a new customer booking 1 service
Click here for Terms & Conditions
Join Substitute Pet Parents - Work playing with dogs
Schedule flexibility
No need to find clients - You just play with dogs!
Higher earnings - +20% (on average)Vs. Rover
Generous Referral incentives
Refer a sitter - earn $25*
Refer a customer - earn $25*
We have your back - Local mgmt
Safety/first aid training provided
Your protected by the SPP Guarantee, including
vet bills when on the job*
Make playing your work...




Getting started is easy
Let's get you wagging!
1] Click the link & complete an application.
2]A link to complete a background check is sent to your email - w/in 48 hours you will receive a report copy.
3] Complete First Aid training & provide certificate
4] SPP will add you to the schedule
Why join Substitute Pet Parents?
Purpose, people, and preparation are what seperates Substitute Pet Parents from competition. SPP's purpose is to provide parent-level care for our customers and their pets.
SPP 's mission is to deliver better pet care - were not a tech co. like the "roving" competition
Selective hiring - Only the Best
We validate - Background checks for every hire
Best support - up-front & ongoing skill growth opptys
Available training
Pet protection of up to $5K for accidental injury
We pay more b/c we have lower costs
SPP can offer a career development path for those interested in training or grooming
People, culture
& Preparation
Substitute Pet Parents
Strong dog familiarity/Ability to calm/handle anxious dogs
Must have smartphone w/internet access
Valid drivers license and/or reliable transportation
Successful completion background check
Completion of Red Cross CPR + First Aid courses
Schedule flexibility - intra-week flexibility ideal
Position Requirements
Let's Get Started! Complete the application
Frequently asked questions
Sitters need to be at least 18 yrs old.
Have reliable transportation.
Schedule flexibility.
Posess a deep love of pets.
Red Cross CPR & 1stAid cert. req. prior to day 1.
Staff of Substitute Pet Parents are independent contractors. As 1099 contractors, benefits such as health & dental are not allowable by law.
Large dogs can make me anxious, so I prefer smaller dogs. Is it ok to only sit for little dogs?
Absolutely. Within your SPP profile you will provide your preferances for breeds, sizes, etc.
How often/when will I be paid?
SPP work week begins Friday and ends on Thursday. Paycheck will be distributed the following Friday.
What if I need to call-off?
Sometimes things happen. You've caught a bug, an emergency arises. We get it. When thi does happen, please contact us as early as possible so that we may try to cover. Every attempt will be made to avoid customer disappointment.
Call-off frequency is a basis for account suspension &/or termination of your Substitute Pet Parents priviledges.
Does Substitute Pet Parents offer healthcare benefits?
How can I contact Substitute Pet Parents with questions or issues?
Send us an email at the address below and a staff member will connect with you in a timely fashion.
How can I become an SPP sitter?
Complete form (Pink button above/below)
Complete Checker background check
Complete 30 min face-to-face interview
Provide Red Cross certificate for 1st Aid.
Does Substitute Pet Parents offer a referral incentive?
We love referrals!
For every referred team member that SPP hires (and they complete 3 gigs) you will receive $25
For every new customer referred, you will also be compensated $25
What are the necessary qualifications to become an SPP Sitter?
What areas would I need to travel for work?
Currently, Substitute Pet Parents focuses on Mt. Lebanon, Upper St, Claire, South Fayette, Carnegie, Scott & Heidelberg
Complete an application - Join our Pack
The SPP Team "Speaks"






Prior to joining Substitute Pet Parents, I sat for some vacationing friends, but unexplainedly, never pursued pet care as regular work. A friend convinced me to join SPP as a Sitter/Walker. I did and now couldn;t be happier. I am up to 3 days/evenings/week and it honestly doesn't feel like work to me at all. I love animals and dogs are my favorite. Don't get me wrong there are growing pains here, but the leadership, culture and dedication makes SPP the place that I want to be.
Dogs get me. They always have. That's how I knew that I wanted to work in pet care.
I have been a part-time sitter for almost 8 years. Recently, I joined Substitute Pet Parents from Rover. One of big reasons that I switched was to be supported when I'm at a customers house. SPP has provided training, 1-1 feedback and I know there right here in town.
That's a big relief.
I love animals, so pet sitting doesn't really feel like a job. SPP is a great company for me..I previously did pet sitting by picking up random assignments from a big software/App company in pet care. I could not even reach someone by phone....
I like the fact that SPP is here, I see the owner a couple of times/week. I know my co-workers. I am not alone, working for a faceless company. I am confident SPP has my back if something happened.
Kristin - Sitter
Brenda - Sitter
Ryan - Sitter
info@substitutepetparents.com
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