We’ve put together this FAQ to address questions that you, and other Pet Sitter, may have about the Deactivation Policy.

What can lead to a Pet Sitter being deactivated from the platform?

Pet Sitter who have a star rating of below 4.50 will be subject to deactivation.  Star rating and other factors are also contained in the Pet Sitter Platform User Agreement signed by each Pet Sitter. Those who violate their Pet Sitter Platform User Agreement or Woofmeets Community Guidelines may be subject to deactivation. The Deactivation Policy also states that Pet Sitter accounts may be  subject to suspension during the time Woofmeets takes to investigate a possible violation.

As a Pet Sitter, can I appeal a deactivation if my rating falls below 4.50?

No, these deactivations are not eligible for appeal.

Why is Woofmeets doing this?

Woofmeets is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and trustworthy community bringing together Pet Sitter and Pet Owners.  To help ensure a safe platform, we rely on each community member to abide by the Woofmeets Community Guidelines as well as our Pet Sitter User Agreement.  In addition to those helpful resources, we also rely on our community of Pet Owners to let us know about their service experience. Woofmeets 5 star rating system is one of the ways we leverage community feedback to help create and maintain a safe and reliable community.

As a Pet Sitter, how can I check my standing to ensure I’m not subject to deactivation?

You will be notified via email if you are at risk.  Pet Sitter can also see their star ratings in the “My Profile” section of the Woofmeets application.

When does the enforcement of this policy begin?

Beginning on October 15th, 2019, Woofmeets will send notice to Pet Sitter who are at risk via email.  Once a Pet Sitter receives this notice, they will have 30 days to improve.

As a Pet Sitter, how can I stay aware of whether I’m “at risk” for deactivation due to star ratings?

Woofmeets will send a “gentle warning”  to Pet Sitter who currently have a star rating below 4.50. This email will let them know that Woofmeets Has implemented new standards for Pet Sitter and launched a deactivation policy.  As stated in the Pet Sitter Platform User Agreement, this communication will also inform them that their current rating may be below requirement(s) and that they are at risk for deactivation.  Once a Pet Sitter has received this communication, they will have 30 days to increase their rating.

Pet Sitter who receive this notice will also receive a second update email after 14 days letting them know their status. If their rate has not increased, they will receive a notice indicating “you’re still at risk of deactivation” or if they have improved, they will receive a “your rating has increased” communication.

What if I did not receive a warning email?

Please check spam filters and ensure that the email address associated with the Woofmeets account is still active.

What if I am not available to do any walks in the 30-day warning period (out of town, busy, etc.)? Can I request an extension?

Woofmeets gives all Pet Sitter 30 days to meet community standards once they’ve received notice. Pet Sitter will not be granted an extension if they choose not to, or are unable to, participate in services with Woofmeets.

How many times can my star rating drop below 4.50?

Zero. Once a Pet Sitter’s star rating falls below 4.50, they are subject to deactivation. This is why Woofmeets sends a notice to those Pet Sitter who are at risk.

If a Pet Sitter is deactivated, will they still be paid for past completed walks?

Yes.  Any successfully completed services will be paid out, regardless of whether the Pet Sitter is subject to deactivation or has been deactivated.

If a Pet Sitter is deactivated, can they sign up again and start over?

No, once a Pet Sitter is deactivated for falling below the set criteria or for a safety issue, they will not not be allowed to re-enroll as a Pet Sitter on the Woofmeets platform.  This is done in an effort to keep the platform and its users safe and help ensure the services provided are high quality.

Are Pet Owners subject to these same standards?

This Deactivation Policy is based on criteria specific to Pet Sitter only.  Currently, Pet Owners can be deactivated from the Woofmeets platform if they violate Woofmeets Terms of Service, which includes the Woofmeets Community Guidelines. 

What if the Pet Sitter is very new to the platform and has not taken many walks?

Pet Sitter must complete at least ten services to be subject to this policy. 

Why is Woofmeets using a 4.50 star/paw rating as part of this policy?

The vast majority of Pet Sitter perform and operate above the 4.50 threshold.  Woofmeets looked at Pet Sitter and Pet Parent data to help determine what is an appropriate standard for the community as a whole.  This is done in an effort to keep the Woofmeets community operating in a safe and reliable manner.

How will this work for someone performing multiple services in the same day, are ratings calculated at the end of the day, or intraday?

Star rating calculations are tied to each service (not each day) and are collected each time a service is completed.  If a Pet Sitter’s star rating falls below 4.50, they will be sent a message. If they complete another service the same day and their rate goes back up, Woofmeets will send them a message informing them they are back on the right track.

How are recurring schedules impacted if a Pet Sitter is deactivated (Pet Parent concern)?

Woofmeets will notify Pet Owners through an automated message and will find another Pet Sitter to ensure future services are taken care of.

Star Rating Explained

What?

If a Pet Sitter’s average star rating falls below 4.50, they are subject to deactivation and will no longer be able to use the Woofmeets platform.

As a Pet Sitter, how can I see my rating to make sure I’m not subject to deactivation?

Pet Sitter can see their star rating in the “My Profile” section of the Woofmeets application.

How is the rating calculated?

Pet Sitter’s star rating is based on the total number of Bookings performed that have received ratings by a Pet Parent. They’ll need to complete at least ten (10) Bookings that are rated in order to obtain enough data for a valid star rating. Pet Sitter with average star ratings below 4.50 may be subject to deactivation.

Prior to ten (10) Bookings, they’ll still be able to see their star rating (which is based on the average number of rated Bookings to date), but they won’t be subject to deactivation until at least ten (10) Bookings with ratings have been completed.

Why?

Woofmeets is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and trustworthy community bringing together Pet Sitter and Pet Owners.  To help ensure a safe platform, we rely on each community member to abide by Woofmeets guidelines that can be found in the Community Guidelines as well as our Pet Sitter User Agreement.  In addition to those helpful resources, we also rely on our community of Pet Owners to let us know how a service had gone. Woofmeet’s 5 star rating system is one of the ways we leverage community feedback to help create and maintain a safe and reliable community.

How does this work?

After each Pet Bookings has been completed, Pet Owners are encouraged to rate their Pet Sitter by choosing a number of stars to indicate level of satisfaction with the service provided.  Timely feedback from Pet Owners helps to keep Pet Sitter accountable, reliable and consistent in the delivery of their Bookings. This helps Woofmeets maintain a safe, respectful and transparent environment for all community members.