Alternatives to PetBacker: Top 5 Pet Sitters in Germany

Finding a pet sitter in Germany as an expat is almost a mission impossible. Add language barriers, unclear policies, and platforms that ghost you right when you’re about to hit “book,” and you’ve got a full-blown stress situation. PetBacker is popular, sure. But is it always the best choice for English speakers or anyone looking for real human help? At least not consistently.

Luckily, there are other options—some newer, some more trusted, and all easier to deal with than a translated chatbot. Here are five PetBacker alternatives you’ll be happy to meet.

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Top 5 Pet-Sitting Booking Platforms (in Germany)

1. A4ord Pet Care – For the expat who wants it done fast, simple, and in English

Website: a4ord.de

Coverage: Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Düsseldorf Stuttgart Leipzig Dresden Dortmund and many more to come.

Why expats love it:

• English-speaking pet sitters in every city they operate
• Super fast booking (often same-day)
• Transparent rates with no extra platform fees
• Local support team for emergencies or schedule changes

What to know:
A4ord makes the booking decision simple: vetted pet care pros, all with English support and a clear scope before anyone knocks on your door. Expect smooth scheduling, support, and booking options.

2. Pawshake – For the sitter with good vibes and better reviews

Website:pawshake.de

Coverage: Nationwide (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, etc.)

Why expats love it:

• Listings include verified sitters with photos, bios, and ratings
• Offers dog walking, cat visits, house sitting, and boarding
• Transparent pricing set by sitters
• Insurance and 24/7 customer support included
• Mentioned on Reddit, Yelp, and All About Berlin

What to know:
Pawshake ranks at the top of Google and scores high on review sites. It’s smooth for English speakers, has a mobile app, and most bookings get replies within hours. Great for urban areas where sitter supply is strong.

3. TrustedHousesitters – For travelers who want care in exchange for a stay

Website: trustedhousesitters.com

Coverage: Major cities and countryside homes

Why it shines:

• International platform with verified sitters and ID checks
• Sitters stay at your home and care for pets for free
• Ideal for longer trips, work travel, or holidays abroad
• Top 10 Google ranking, mentioned in Reddit & All About Berlin

What to know:
You pay a yearly membership (~€100), but no per-visit fees. Sitters aren’t paid—they care for pets in exchange for staying in your home. It’s a creative option for those comfortable with the house-sitting model.

4. Petbnb – For app-first users who like to scroll through hosts

Website: petbnb.de

Coverage: Germany-wide via app

Why expats like it:

• Offers dog boarding, walking, and in-home visits
• Mobile-first booking with sitter ratings and availability
• Hosts set their own prices
• Mentioned on Reddit and appears in top Google results

What to know:
Petbnb feels like the Airbnb of pet care. It’s easy to browse and book, but some users mention flaky communication and cancellations. Vetting isn’t as clear as on other platforms, so double-check sitter reviews.

5. PetBacker – For those who want options and don't mind a bit of chaos

Website: petbacker.com

Coverage: Nationwide

Why it's everywhere:

• Thousands of sitters across Germany
• Offers everything from dog walking to grooming to pet taxi
• App-based booking with integrated payments and messaging
• Mentioned heavily on Reddit and Yelp

What to know:
PetBacker has scale, but not always consistency. You might find the perfect sitter—or spend hours messaging with no reply. The interface can be clunky, and support is hit-or-miss, especially if you’re not comfortable navigating semi-translated profiles. Still, for volume and flexibility, it's worth keeping in your back pocket. Options, options, options.

Why Consider PetBacker Alternatives?

PetBacker wins on volume, but often loses on user experience. Here’s why expats are moving toward alternatives:

• Clear English interfaces with no half-translated sitters
• Direct access to the sitter—no AI buffer
• Transparent pricing and faster replies
• More consistent care from repeat bookings
• Less hassle in case of emergencies or schedule changes

When your pet’s well-being is at stake, clunky apps and missed messages just won’t cut it.

How We Selected These Providers

We used real data:

• A4ord Score – Our internal benchmark for expat-friendliness
• Visibility – Listed in top 10 results for "pet sitter Germany"
• Trust – Google Maps scores of 4.5+
• Social Proof – Mentioned on Reddit, Yelp, and All About Berlin
• Transparency – Easy-to-navigate websites with clear services

Every provider listed passed our filters for trust, accessibility, and real value to English-speaking pet owners in Germany.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak German?
Not necessarily. A4ord and Pawshake are both English-friendly. TrustedHousesitters is international, and Petbnb offers an English interface. Always check sitter profiles to confirm language.

Are these sitters reliable?
All providers were checked for reviews and transparency. TrustedHousesitters and Pawshake offer extra peace of mind with insurance and verified users.

Can I book last minute?
Yes—especially with A4ord. Others may depend on local sitter availability.

Which platform is best for longer stays?
TrustedHousesitters and Rainbow Farm (if you’re outside the city) are ideal for extended trips.

Can I find pet sitters who specialize in cats or dogs only?
Yes. Platforms like Pawshake and Petbnb let you filter by animal type, and services like A4ord will match you with sitters who specialize in cats, dogs, or even exotic pets. Cat-only services like FeliscatSitting in Berlin also exist if your feline needs special care.

Do these platforms offer pet insurance or guarantees?
Most do. Pawshake includes insurance coverage for all bookings, and TrustedHousesitters has a global guarantee for pet and home care. A4ord offers direct support and replacement guarantees if your sitter can’t make it.

Are these pet sitting platforms available in smaller towns or rural areas?
Availability can vary. A4ord and TrustedHousesitters have broader reach, including smaller cities and towns. Pawshake and Petbnb are stronger in metro areas like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. If you live rurally, TrustedHousesitters may be your best bet.

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