Question 1

What makes HeyDog different from Rover or Wag?

Accepted Answer

Every provider on HeyDog must complete a Checkr background check and submit proof of commercial liability insurance before they can accept a single booking. HeyDog requires both a background check and proof of commercial insurance before a provider can accept their first booking. On top of that, HeyDog charges pet owners zero platform fees — you pay the provider directly and keep more money in your pocket.

Question 2

Is HeyDog free for pet owners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Searching for providers, messaging, and booking are completely free for pet owners. We charge zero platform fees and zero service fees. If you pay online via Stripe, standard processing fees (2.9% + $0.30) are paid by the provider, not you.

Question 3

Are providers really background-checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every provider must complete an FCRA-compliant background check through Checkr before their profile is activated. Providers who have not completed this step cannot accept bookings. However, background checks have limitations and HeyDog does not independently guarantee any provider's safety or character.

Question 4

Do providers carry insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every provider must submit proof of commercial liability insurance before accepting bookings. Insurance documents are reviewed and must be kept current. Providers whose insurance lapses are suspended until they provide updated documentation.

Question 5

How do I find a provider near me?

Accepted Answer

Enter your zip code on the homepage or go to the Providers page. You can filter by service type (walking, sitting, boarding, grooming, training, daycare), distance, rating, and price.

Question 6

How do I book a provider?

Accepted Answer

Visit a provider's profile and click "Book Now." Select your service type, preferred date and time, add your pet details, and submit the request. Providers are encouraged to respond within 24 hours. Unconfirmed requests expire after 72 hours.

Question 7

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

Providers who accept online payments will show an "Online Payments" badge on their profile. After your booking is confirmed with a price, you'll see a "Pay Now" button. Payments go directly to the provider via Stripe — HeyDog takes $0 in platform fees. You can also arrange payment directly with the provider using cash, Venmo, or any method you both agree on.

Question 8

What happens if a provider doesn't respond to my booking?

Accepted Answer

Booking requests automatically expire after 72 hours if the provider does not confirm. You'll see a countdown timer on your pending bookings. If a request expires, you can easily book with another provider.

Question 9

Can I leave a review?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After a completed booking, you can leave a review with a star rating and written feedback. Reviews help other pet owners make informed decisions. All reviews are displayed as submitted — HeyDog does not edit or remove reviews.

Question 10

What if something goes wrong during a booking?

Accepted Answer

Contact your provider directly to resolve any issues. For payment disputes on online transactions, contact Stripe through your payment receipt. For safety concerns, you can report a user through their profile. HeyDog does not mediate disputes between users but takes safety reports seriously.

Question 11

What are the requirements to list on HeyDog?

Accepted Answer

All providers must: (1) complete a Checkr background check, and (2) submit proof of current commercial liability insurance. Both requirements must be met before your profile is activated and you can accept bookings.

Question 12

How much does it cost to become a provider?

Accepted Answer

You pay for your own Checkr background check (one-time fee) and maintain your own commercial liability insurance (annual cost). These go to third-party providers, not HeyDog. There are zero commission fees on any bookings — you keep 100% of what you earn.

Question 13

What is HeyDog Pro?

Accepted Answer

Pro is an optional upgrade ($19.99/month) that gives you featured placement in search results, 3 free monthly boosts, up to 10 gallery photos, calendar, analytics dashboard, AI chat, and priority support. During launch, new providers get 6 months of Pro free with no credit card required. Pro is paid placement only — it does not indicate additional verification or endorsement by HeyDog.

Question 14

Can I use HeyDog just for booking and payments without being listed in the directory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can use our booking and calendar system as a standalone tool. Share your booking link directly with clients — no directory listing required. This is ideal for providers who already have a client base and want professional tools.

Question 15

How do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Connect your Stripe account in Dashboard > Payments to accept online card payments. Funds go directly to your Stripe account. You can also arrange payment directly with pet owners using cash, Venmo, or any method you agree on. HeyDog never holds or processes your funds.

Question 16

What are the payment processing fees?

Accepted Answer

HeyDog charges zero platform fees or commissions on any booking. If you use online payments via Stripe, standard processing fees apply (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). On a $50 booking, you keep $48.25 with HeyDog compared to $37.50-$42.50 on platforms that charge 15-25% commission.

Question 17

How do I set my availability?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard > Availability. Toggle on the days you're available and set your working hours. You can also block specific dates and set a maximum number of daily bookings.

Question 18

Am I an employee or contractor of HeyDog?

Accepted Answer

No. You are a user of this platform posting your own content, similar to posting on any social media or directory site. You set your own services, pricing, schedule, and policies. You are solely responsible for your services and interactions with pet owners.

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