Houndtrust frequently asked questions
Updated July 2026
Houndtrust is business software for solo sitters, boarders, walkers, and groomers. One link books the job, signs the forms, and puts the money on your dashboard. Houndtrust takes no cut from the clients you bring.
What is Houndtrust?
Houndtrust is dog-care business software for solo sitters, boarders, walkers, and groomers. One intake link books the job, e-signs the liability waiver and emergency-vet authorization, and shows the month's money. An AI assistant, Pip, turns your quick notes into collectible Stay Cards your clients open like a card pack. It takes no cut on the clients you bring.
Does Houndtrust take a percentage of my bookings?
No. Houndtrust takes no cut from the clients you bring. The Free plan costs nothing. Solo has a $24 monthly founding price for the first 300 pros, and the published regular price is $49. Your clients pay you directly.
How is Houndtrust different from Rover or Wag?
Rover and Wag are marketplaces. They find clients, take a cut from each booking, and keep the relationship on their platform. Houndtrust is software for running clients you already have or earn yourself. There is no booking cut on clients you bring, and the client stays yours.
Is Houndtrust good for a one-person dog-care business?
Yes. Houndtrust is built for one-person businesses. It does not include staff scheduling, payroll, or multi-location tools. A team platform will fit a larger company better.
What does the intake link actually do?
One link handles four things at once: it books the job into your calendar, e-signs the liability waiver, captures emergency-vet authorization, and feeds your month's money view. Clients fill it out once from their phone, so you skip the back-and-forth paperwork before a stay or walk.
How much does Houndtrust cost?
There are two plans. Free keeps your clients, services, rates, and calculator. Solo adds bookings, waivers, the money dashboard, Pip AI, branding, and reminders. Solo has a $24 monthly founding price for the first 300 pros, who keep Founding Operator status for life. The published regular price for later accounts is $49 a month. New accounts get seven days of full access with no card. Starting Solo adds another 30 days free before the first charge.
Do dog sitters need a liability waiver?
Most solo dog-care pros should use a signed liability waiver. It sets expectations and records that the owner accepts the normal risks of care. Requirements vary by state, so this is not legal advice. Houndtrust e-signs the waiver and emergency-vet authorization through the intake link.
What is emergency vet authorization, and do I need it?
Emergency vet authorization is the owner's written permission for you to seek care if the pet gets sick or hurt. The owner can set a spending limit. Houndtrust collects the authorization during intake.
Can Houndtrust write client updates for me?
Yes. Say a few words about the dog's day and Houndtrust's AI assistant, Pip, turns them into a warm note in your voice. It's an assist, not autopilot: you review everything before it sends. The goal is turning one-time clients into regulars.
What are Stay Cards?
Each update becomes a collectible photo card starring the client's dog and carrying your business name. By pickup day, the cards make a pack the client can save or share. The first is a Rookie Card. Rare pulls turn gold, and the 1-in-500 Best in Show card goes full holo. Open Poppy's example pack on the homepage to try it.
How do my clients pay me?
Directly, into your own accounts. You link your own Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or Stripe payment link, and Houndtrust sends the client a simple pay page for you. The money never touches Houndtrust and there's no cut on the clients you bring. You choose the timing (up front, after the stay, or a deposit plus balance), and after a stay the client can add an optional tip: 100% yours, never pre-selected.
Can I export my clients if I ever leave?
Your clients and their details are yours. Houndtrust is software you run your business on, not a marketplace that owns the relationship, and we never insert ourselves between you and a rebooking. You can export your money data (income and expenses) as CSV from the Money dashboard, and Settings has a one-click Download my data button that hands you everything (clients, pets, bookings, waivers, updates) any time. If you delete your account, there's a 30-day window to change your mind before it's permanently erased.
Do my clients get a portal?
Yes. Each client gets a pet portal for updates, photos, and messages. They do not need to download an app.
Does Houndtrust work for boarders, walkers, and groomers too?
Yes. Houndtrust works for overnight boarding, drop-in visits, dog walking, daycare, and grooming. You can set your own services and rates.
Can Houndtrust text my clients?
SMS alerts and client texting are coming soon. Today, reminders and Stay Card updates arrive by email and in the pet portal. Clients can message you in the portal without downloading an app. SMS will be included when it ships.
Less paperwork. More belly rubs.
Try everything free for a week, with no card. Houndtrust takes no booking cut on clients you bring.
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