Alternatives to PetBnb: Top 5 Pet Sitters in Germany

Last-minute work trip? Finding reliable pet care in Germany as an expat isn’t just hard—it’s a full-blown scavenger hunt. Between half-translated platforms, flaky sitters, and unclear booking policies, PetBnb can feel like a gamble. Yes, it’s well-known. But is it always the right fit for international pet parents? Not exactly.

If you've ever been ghosted by a sitter or stared at an all-German app at 2 a.m. before a flight, this one’s for you. Here are 5 better alternatives to PetBnb—platforms that actually work, speak your language, and show up for your pets.

Now, let’s meet the challenge tool:

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.

🐾 Looking for a Reliable Pet Sitter in Germany?

A4ord Pet Care connects expats with trusted, English-speaking pet sitters in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and more.
🔹 Find a Pet Sitter Near You

Now, let’s meet the challengers.

Top 5 Pet-Sitting Booking Platforms (in Germany)

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

Website: a4ord.de

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

Pros

• Verified professionals
• English customer support
• Bookings tailored to expats
• Fast replacements if needed

Why expats love it:

• English-speaking sitters in every city they serve
• Super fast booking (often same-day)
• Transparent pricing with zero extra platform fees
• Local support team for emergencies or 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:

• Verified sitters with bios, photos, and reviews
• Offers dog walking, cat visits, boarding, and house sitting
• Transparent rates set by the sitter
• Includes insurance and 24/7 support
• Mentioned on Reddit, Yelp, and All About Berlin

What to know:
Pawshake consistently ranks in the top 10 Google results for pet-sitting in Germany. Their mobile app is English-friendly, with most messages returned within hours. Great if you’re in a big city with lots of sitter options.

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

Website: trustedhousesitters.com
Coverage: All of Germany + international destinations

Why it shines:

• Verified sitters stay in your home and care for pets for free
• Great for longer trips or when you want someone around full-time
• Annual fee, but no per-booking costs
• Featured in Reddit threads and local expat forums
• Ranked in the top 10 for “pet sitting Germany”

What to know:
Sitters don’t get paid—they stay at your place in exchange for pet care. Works beautifully if you’re heading out of town and want your pet (and home) in good hands.

4. Rover (includes Gudog) – For the dog owner who wants tracking and variety

Website: rover.com
Coverage: Major cities in Germany (expanding from DogBuddy & Gudog)

Why it’s growing fast:

• Offers dog walking, daycare, home visits, and boarding
• Vetting includes background checks and ID
• The app includes GPS walk tracking and payment protection
• Listed in top Google results and mentioned in expat Reddit threads

What to know:
Rover is still expanding in Germany, but has strong traction thanks to the Gudog merger. It’s best for dog owners who want mobile-first bookings with lots of sitter variety.

5. PetBacker – For those who want options and don’t mind a little chaos

Website: petbacker.com
Coverage: Nationwide (Germany)

Why it’s everywhere:

• Thousands of sitters across Germany
• Includes walking, grooming, boarding, and even pet taxi
• The app handles payments and communication
• Mentioned heavily on Reddit and Yelp

What to know:
PetBacker has the reach, but not always the consistency. Some users rave, others complain about non-responses or awkward UX. If you’re willing to filter through profiles and follow up, you might find a gem. But it takes a village.

Why Consider PetBnb Alternatives?

PetBnb has wide coverage, but it’s not always friendly for expats. Here’s why many are making the switch:

• Interfaces that work in English (no broken translations)
• Real human communication—not a chatbot loop
• Faster responses and better sitter reviews
• Insurance or emergency coverage built-in
• Less risk of last-minute cancellations

Leave for that business trip with the certainty that your pet will be in good hands and will receive the best service. Sorry you had to catch the red-eye while Fluffy the Pom is having steak tartar for brekky.

How We Selected These Providers

We applied real benchmarks:

• A4ord Score: Internal score based on expat-friendliness
• Top 10 Google Results: For “pet sitting Germany” and related keywords
• Google Maps: Platforms with reviews 4.5+ when applicable
• Reddit, Yelp, and All About Berlin: Mentioned and verified
• Transparency: Clear websites with services and support in English

These platforms passed the test for reliability, language accessibility, and care quality in the German expat context.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak German to use these platforms?
No. A4ord, Pawshake, and Rover are all English-friendly. TrustedHousesitters is international. Always check profiles to confirm language support.

Are the sitters verified and safe?
Yes. All platforms listed use ID checks, background verification, or insurance. TrustedHousesitters and Pawshake go the extra mile with guarantees.

Can I book last-minute?
A4ord allows same-day matches. Pawshake and Rover also offer quick bookings depending on availability.

Which service is best if I’m gone for 2+ weeks?
TrustedHousesitters is built for longer stays. A4ord can also coordinate extended care with one sitter.

Are there sitters just for cats or just for dogs?
Yes. Filter by species on most platforms. A4ord will match you to a cat/dog specialist.

Do these include insurance or emergency cover?
Pawshake and Rover include vet/booking protection. A4ord offers in-house replacement support.

What about smaller towns or rural areas?
TrustedHousesitters has wide reach. A4ord may serve some smaller cities, while Pawshake and Rover are strongest in metro hubs.

✅ Book a Trusted Pet Sitter with A4ord

Need reliable, English-speaking pet care while you travel, work, or just need a break?
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