Going on holiday or just leaving town for a while and are feeling guilty about putting your dog in a kennel?
Well, fear not. Pet owners no longer have to feel like they’re in the doghouse thanks to a new service called Go Fetch, which offers short-term stays for Fido that are not only competitively priced, compared to regular kennel services, but make pooches feel they’re at home when their master is away.
Think of it as an Airbnb for dogs, said Will Cross, who, along with university buddy Paul Ratchford, launched the online service (GoFetch.ca) a couple of weeks ago in major cities across the country, including Richmond.
“We connect dog owners with passionate, loving and trusted dog care providers for overnight stays,” Cross said, adding the response in the early going, from those wanting to list themselves as dog-sitters, has been impressive.
“We’ve already seen over 2,000 applicants,” he said. “And right now, we’re being very selective in terms of the quality of care people are providing.”
To help ensure the dogs will be cared for well, Cross said Go Fetch conducts a robust vetting of those wanting to be a dog sitter with the service, and only about a third of those applying for a listing are chosen.
“Trust and safety is our number one priority,” said Cross, adding Go Fetch uses Jumio, an online mobile payments and identity verification company also used by Airbnb.
“In addition to that, we have an over-the-phone interview and vetting system which we do. And all sitters must submit a dog care plan,” Cross said. “In addition, we have a $1 million general consumer liability insurance, which is in the pet category. So, that’s premium pet insurance on every single booking.
“And so far, we’ve had 100 per cent success with customers.”
One of those who has signed on with Go Fetch to become an overnight boarder is Jennifer Prochazka, who is listed in the Marpole area. Since service in Richmond was just launched, local sitters have not cleared the vetting process and are yet to be listed.
Prochazka told the News via email she was impressed by the background checks she had to undergo.
“There was a great deal of details and questions asked about my home and environment, which I thought is great,” she said, adding that she first applied to Go Fetch when it started as a dog-walking app and is awaiting her first overnight client.
The average cost for the service runs between $25 to $35 a day, with 15 per cent of that going to Go Fetch for making the online match.
“We really saw an untapped market in Canada and an easy way for dog owners to find the right care,” Cross said. “At kennels, dogs are in a cage and not given personal care. So, we thought we’d make something that provided more trust and was safe to transact.”
“With many kennels, and even boarding at veterinarians, dogs don’t get the experience of feeling like they’re on vacation,” Prochazka added. “I aim to try and provide that experience for them. While their owners are away, I think they should be having a fun time themselves. Home boarding is a great alternative these days if the home boarder is experienced, and fully prepared to create an experience for the dog based on their needs.”
Prochazka said she plans to develop relationships with pet owners to help them have more peace of mind when leaving their dog behind by providing daily message updates and photos.
Vancouver was first out of the gate with Go Fetch. Quickly added was Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Burnaby. And traffic has been steadily building.
“We’re getting a lot more activity than we expected,” Cross said. “I wouldn’t say we’re overwhelmed yet. But definitely, the phones are ringing and the sign-up list is growing.”
