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Vacay Sitters transforms pet care with a trusted marketplace for owners

Frustrated by unreliable sitters? This startup's smart booking system is changing how pet owners find care. Over 500 nights booked—and growing fast.

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1 min read
The image shows a dog walking down the street in front of a market, surrounded by a group of...
The image shows a dog walking down the street in front of a market, surrounded by a group of people, some of whom are holding bags. There are also vehicles, stalls, umbrellas, boards with text, poles, and other objects in the background, as well as a clear blue sky.

Vacay Sitters transforms pet care with a trusted marketplace for owners

A new pet care platform, Vacay Sitters, launched in 2024 to tackle common issues in the fragmented pet sitting market. Founded by Bianca van Zyl and Dhiraj Sharma, the service aims to improve trust and availability for pet owners across the Western Cape. The idea grew from the founders' own frustration after a last-minute sitter cancellation.

The platform connects pet owners with vetted sitters through a secure online marketplace. Users can browse profiles, check reviews, and book services directly. Over 70 sitters have already joined, with more than 500 nights of bookings completed so far.

Vacay Sitters operates on a commission-based model, taking a fee from each successful booking. It currently serves around 40 suburbs in the Western Cape, though many independent sitters in the area still work outside structured platforms. To handle unpredictability, the company developed a smart job pool system. This feature helps manage last-minute cancellations by redistributing bookings efficiently. Beyond its existing on-demand dog walking service, Vacay Sitters is also preparing to introduce hourly care options. For sitters, the platform offers flexible earning opportunities within their local communities. The founders hope this approach will bring more reliability and professionalism to the pet care industry.

Vacay Sitters has quickly grown since its 2024 launch, with hundreds of bookings and a network of vetted professionals. The platform's technology and marketplace model aim to reduce cancellations and improve access to trusted pet care. Expansion plans may follow as demand increases across the Western Cape.

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