How We Do Things Here

Community Standards

Howl works because both sides show up professionally. These aren't rules imposed from above — they're the baseline that makes trust possible between strangers who both love dogs.

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What We Expect From Owners

Your sitter is trusting you to be straight with them.

  • Communicate honestly about your dog's behavior, health, and needs — before and during every booking.
  • Be upfront about your dog's needs — behavioral issues, medical conditions, and household details help your sitter provide the best care and keep everyone safe.
  • Pay your sitter promptly and as agreed. They've given their time and home to your dog.
  • Respect your sitter's time — be punctual for drop-offs and pick-ups, and give advance notice if plans change.
  • Provide accurate emergency contact and veterinary information. This is your dog's safety net.
  • Treat your sitter as a professional — they run their own business and deserve the same respect you'd give any service provider.
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What We Expect From Sitters

Owners are entrusting you with a family member. Act accordingly.

  • Respond to inquiries within 24 hours. If you can't take a booking, say so quickly so owners can find another option.
  • Show up on time, every time. A late drop-off or no-show causes real stress for owners and their dogs.
  • Follow the owner's care instructions. They know their dog best — honor that.
  • Communicate proactively — if something comes up during a stay, say so immediately, not after.
  • Maintain a clean, safe environment for every dog in your care, every single visit.
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Our Commitment

What Howl promises to both sides.

  • We personally vet every caregiver before they appear on the platform — no auto-approvals, no shortcuts.
  • We investigate every reported issue promptly and fairly, hearing both sides before taking action.
  • We never share your personal information with anyone outside of an active booking relationship.
  • We continuously improve our vetting process as the community grows — your feedback shapes how we operate.
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Consequences

What happens when standards aren't met.

  • Mutual blind reviews after every booking — both parties rate each other before either review is revealed.
  • First-time issues result in a private warning and a conversation about what happened.
  • Repeated concerns lead to a profile review and potential temporary suspension while we investigate.
  • Serious or repeated violations — including safety issues, dishonesty, or harassment — result in permanent removal.
  • Howl is a curated community. We hold both owners and sitters to these standards — continued access depends on mutual respect, and we take this seriously.

Questions about our standards? Email us at hello@usehowl.com

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