How to Choose the Right Cancellation Policy as a Sitter
Your cancellation policy is one of the most important decisions you make as a sitter.
It affects how often you get booked, how protected your time is, and how you handle last-minute changes.
The goal is simple: balance flexibility with protection.
Why Your Cancellation Policy Matters
When a client books with you, they’re reserving your time. If they cancel last minute, that time is often impossible to fill.
- Protects your income
- Sets clear expectations
- Reduces last-minute disruptions
- Builds a more professional experience
Your Policy Options
| Policy | Best For |
|---|---|
| Flexible | New sitters, building reviews, maximizing bookings |
| Moderate | Balanced approach — some protection while staying attractive to clients |
| Strict | High-demand sitters or peak travel periods |
| Non-Refundable | Very high demand or specialized services |
What We Recommend for New Sitters
If you’re just getting started on SitSignal, we recommend choosing:
👉 Flexible or Moderate
These policies make you more attractive to pet parents and help you get your first bookings faster.
Early on, your priority should be:
- Getting bookings
- Building reviews
- Creating repeat clients
When Should You Switch to a Stricter Policy?
As your profile grows and you start getting consistent bookings, you can begin tightening your cancellation policy.
Consider switching when:
- You’re fully booked during busy times
- You have multiple 5-star reviews
- You start turning away clients due to availability
Many experienced sitters move from:
Flexible → Moderate → Strict
Peak Times vs Off-Season
Your cancellation policy doesn’t have to stay the same year-round.
During high-demand periods (holidays, summer travel):
- Stricter policies make sense
- Last-minute cancellations are more costly
During slower periods:
- More flexible policies can increase bookings
Think About Your Risk Tolerance
Every sitter is different.
- If you rely on this income → consider stricter policies
- If you want maximum flexibility → choose more relaxed policies
- If you're building your profile → stay flexible early on
How Cancellation Policies Affect Bookings
Pet parents often compare sitters side by side.
A more flexible policy can:
- Increase booking conversion
- Reduce hesitation from new clients
- Make you stand out in search results
A stricter policy can:
- Protect your time and income
- Filter out uncertain bookings
Final Thoughts
There’s no one “perfect” cancellation policy.
The best choice depends on where you are in your journey as a sitter.
Start flexible, build your reputation, and adjust as your demand grows.
As your bookings increase, your policy should evolve with your business.