Choose the right fit: new sitter profiles

Updated July 10, 2026

We've redesigned our sitter profile in the TrustedHousesitters app, so that when pet parents review applications, the most important information is surfaced upfront. Find out more about this new launch below.

What’s new for the sitter profile?

We’ve launched a redesign of the sitter profile in the app, as this is where around 60% of sits are currently confirmed by pet parents. 

The initial release introduces a new look for the sitter profile when a pet parent taps through from an application. Rather than scrolling through a long page of information, you can use the tabs to go straight to the application message, past reviews, relevant experience, and other profile details.

During July 2026, we’ll also release further updates, including:

• Viewing the new sitter profiles from search and inbox.  
• Highlighting past pets sitters have owned or cared for on sits, including details about their age, breed, and a photo if there’s one available.
• Showing even more past experiences, including giving medication, spending time with a specific breed, and if they own or have owned a pet. Their top 3 experiences will be highlighted at the top of the screen, and up to 10 more will be listed further down in the profile.
• Making sure if a profile has multiple photos, they are easier to discover and view. 

Overall, the new sitter profile shows pet parents what matters most when reviewing applicants, and feels more personalized and customized for you and your pets. The app update applies globally to all pet parents across every membership tier.

Why did we make this change?

We know that 85% of pet parents say reviews and references are the most important factors when deciding on an applicant, while 60% say a sitter’s previous pet experience is equally vital. But, we realized that finding this information can involve navigating around the app. Previously, you had to find a message in your inbox, read the application, and navigate separately to the sitter's profile to piece together a clear picture. 

We want to remove the guesswork by making it easier to see the important details upfront, such as verification badges, background check indicators (US only), and relevant pet experience. This helps reduce the uncertainty that can delay your plans, and means you can confirm a sitter with more confidence.

How does it work for pet parents?

When a new application arrives, tap the notification to land on a new screen that organizes all your applicants for a sit in one place. At a glance, you can view each applicant’s review score, the verification badge, and the top three experiences most relevant to your sit. 

Soon after the initial release, the new profile view will also be viewable via search and inbox.

What’s on the new sitter profile?

If an applicant looks like a good fit, get to know them better by tapping through to view their full profile. Here’s what you can find on the new sitter profile:

• The sitter’s application: This personal message is the first thing you see inside the profile.
• A tabbed menu: Tap easily between the application, past reviews, pet experience, and general profile details. 
• Past experience: View the sitter’s past pet experience to see how well it matches your needs. 
• A simplified gallery: Discover, enlarge and view photos more easily.  
• Past pet details: View the breeds, ages, and photos from past sits.
• Direct action prompts: Clear buttons make it straightforward to start a chat, and confirm or decline the applicant.

What does this mean for our sitter community?

The new profile layout highlights a strong track record, verified trust badges, and glowing community reviews, directly to pet parents. 

A tailored application message is now more powerful than ever as it’s the first thing the pet parent sees when they tap to view a profile. Sitters who put effort into writing genuine, personalized messages will stand out.

Here are the profile updates coming up in July 2026 and what they mean for sitters:

• Sitters will be able to view the new tabbed menu layout by tapping ‘view & edit profile’.
• To help sitters stand out,  their most relevant experiences will now feature more prominently on the pet parent’s view of the profile. 
• Pet parents will see more details about pets that sitters have cared for previously, including age, breed and a photo if it’s available. 
• If there are multiple photos on the profile, these will be easier for the pet parent to discover and view.

Useful resources

• What to look for in a pet sitter: tips for choosing a sitter
• Are pet sitters trustworthy?
• Strengthening trust across our community