WSJ: Finding dogsitters who host dogs in their homes

Finding a Home Away From Home for Pup

The services let dog owners browse online profiles of potential sitters, or “hosts” as the services call them, who include information such as where dogs will sleep, the layout of the backyard and favorite walking routes.

Hosts set their own prices so rates can range quite a bit depending on location and amenities (three walks a day versus one, for example). Hosts are regular people who like dogs and, depending on where they live, may be subject to the rules of a landlord or homeowners’ associations. Some people may care for pets in the pet’s home. Some services include health insurance.