# How do I sign up to use Wag! as a Pet Caregiver? > To sign up to use the Wag platform as a Pet Caregiver simply tap Become a Walker from the main menu of the Wag app or click here You must be Source: https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/how-do-i-sign-up-as-a-pet-caregiver-pcg-SynZKfHXc Last updated: 2026-04-25T00:04:18.719Z #### Ready to start offering pet care services through Wag!? This article walks you through the complete sign-up process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage. The sign-up process takes place in the Wag! Pet Caregiver sign-up portal and guides you through six stages: _Welcome, Tell us about yourself, Endorsements & Pet Quiz, Application Fee, Background Check, and Approved_. The active steps take just a few minutes each. Once you’ve paid the application fee, the background check typically takes **3 to 5 business days** to complete — though it can take **up to 14 business days** depending on your location and background history. #### **⚠️**  _**Important — Steps are final once submitted:**_ _With the exception of the Pet Safety Quiz, each sign-up step is final after submission and cannot be edited. If you need to correct submitted information (like email, phone, name, or address), contact Wag! Support._ # **What You’ll Need to Complete** To access the Wag! Pet Caregiver app and platform, you must successfully complete all five of the following: #### 1\. **Caregiver application** 2\. **Pet Safety Quiz** 3\. **Application fee payment** (one-time, non-refundable, and required of all applicants; amount varies by state/region) 4. **Comprehensive background check** **conducted by Vetty**, Wag!’s background screening partner 5**. Agree to the Pet Care Provider Platform Use Agreement** (completed during your first login to the Wag! Pet Caregiver app after approval) #### **💡** _**About the Platform Use Agreement:**_ _Before paying the application fee, you’ll have the opportunity to review and download the full Pet Care Provider Platform Use Agreement (PCPUA). We strongly encourage you to save a copy at that time — **once you submit payment, you won’t be able to access it again until after you’re approved and log in to the app for the first time.**_ # **Where to Start** Whether you’re a first-time applicant or returning to finish up, use the links below to jump in. ## New Applicants #### If you’re signing up for the first time, [**click here to open the sign-up page**](https://wagwalking.com/dog-walker). ## Returning Applicants #### If you’ve already started the process, return to the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup) to pick up where you left off. The portal link is also included in all email communications from Wag! throughout the sign-up process. To log in, enter the email address you used during sign-up and tap “Continue.” The portal will email you a sign-in code — enter it to access your application. There is no password; a sign-in code is used each time you log in. #### 💡 _**Not sure which email you used?**_ _If the email address you enter isn’t recognized, you’ll see an error message, or if you forgot which email you used, use “Forgot email?” on the login page and enter your last name and the phone number you provided on your application. The system will send a recovery email to the account that matches._  # **Getting Started: The Sign-Up Form** New applicants begin at the Wag! sign-up page, where you’ll create your account before entering the sign-up portal. In the form, enter the following:    Legal first name    Legal middle name    Legal last name    Email address**\***    Confirm email address    Phone number #### _**\*Email Address:**_ _Use a permanent personal email address and double-check your email is listed correctly. This email will be used for application login access throughout the process and, for those approved, will also be used to access the Wag! Pet Caregiver app. It is also the email address you will need to use when completing the Vetty background check application. School, work, government, and temporary email addresses are not recommended._ ### **About Your Legal Name** #### The name you enter in the sign-up form must be your full legal name — exactly as it appears on the government-issued ID you will provide during the background check. Your legal name is required for your background check, payouts, tax documentation, and to work on the Wag! Platform. * **No middle name?** Use a space in the middle name field. * **Prefer to go by a nickname?** You’re welcome to include a nickname in your Pet Caregiver profile bio once you’re approved — but the name fields in the sign-up form must reflect your legal name. #### ### **Eligibility Confirmations** #### Before continuing, you’ll need to check two boxes:    I agree to [**Wag!’s Terms of Service**](https://safety.wagwalking.com/terms) (including a mutual arbitration clause) and [**Privacy Policy**](https://safety.wagwalking.com/privacy).    I confirm that I am a U.S. permanent resident and am 18 years of age or older. Tap “**Get Started**” to submit your information and enter the sign-up portal. ### **Minimum Age Requirement** #### You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application. #### **⚠️** _**Important:**_ _Application fees are non-refundable for applicants under 18 whose applications are pending or denied due to age._ ### **One Applicant Per Application** #### Each Wag! Caregiver application is valid for one individual only. This policy ensures a fair, rigorous, and personalized vetting process tied to a single person’s identity and background check. #### **⚠️** _**Important:**_ _Submitting a joint application or sharing an approved account with another person violates Wag!’s Terms of Service and will result in immediate account action, including up to application rejection or permanent account deactivation._ # **Step 1: Tell Us About Yourself** After submitting the sign-up form, you’ll enter the Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal and land on the Welcome screen, which gives you a brief overview of the process. Tap “Get started” when you’re ready to begin. In Step 1, you’ll provide your personal information and indicate which document you’ll use for identity verification during the background check:    **Home address** (required)    **Unit, apartment, or floor** (optional)    **Gender:** Male, Female, or Prefer not to say    **Document type** — select **one** of the following: * I have a valid driver’s license and SSN * I have a valid US Passport and SSN * I have a valid state-issued ID and SSN _**Please Note:**_ _Each option requires both a qualifying ID and your Social Security Number (SSN). Have both ready when you reach Step 4._ #### Tap “**Submit**” to save your information and continue. # **Step 2: Endorsements & Pet Safety Quiz** Step 2 combines two tasks in one portal stage: sharing your endorsement link and passing the Pet Safety Quiz. You’ll complete them in that order. ## Request Endorsements #### **⚠️**  _**Save your endorsement link first** —_ _Before tapping “Next” to proceed to the quiz, copy and save your endorsement link. Once you move on to the quiz, you will not have another opportunity to access it during the sign-up process._ #### On the endorsements screen, you’ll find a pre-written message with your unique link that you can share via text or email. The message reads: “Please endorse my application to become a dog walker with Wag!” followed by your personal link. ### **What Are Endorsements?** #### Endorsements are recommendations from people who can vouch for your pet care skills. They help build credibility with Pet Parents on the Wag! Platform right from the start — even before you’ve received your first service review. Once you’re approved, your endorsements will appear in the “Recommendations” tab of your profile. To learn more, [**see our Help Center article on endorsements**](https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/what-are-endorsements-and-recommendations-pcg-Hkmzlm8Vq). ### **How Many Endorsements Do You Need?** #### We strongly encourage you to share your link with at least 5 people who can speak to your pet care experience. The portal will ask you to confirm you’ve shared your link with five people before you can proceed to the quiz. #### 💡 _**Keep going!**_ _You don’t need to wait for endorsements to come in before continuing. Once you’ve confirmed you’ve shared your link, proceed to the quiz. Endorsers can continue to submit endorsements as you continue on in the process._ ### **What Endorsers Need to Do?** #### Endorsers must open your link on their mobile device. If they don’t already have a Wag! account, they’ll be prompted to create a Pet Parent account — this is required to ensure endorsements come from a verified source. Endorsers will be offered three options for endorsing you, including two optional paid tiers (Super and Ultimate endorsements). Endorsers can learn more about submitting endorsements, [**at our Help Center article here**](https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/what-are-pet-caregiver-endorsements-and-how-do-i-complete-them-pp-ByZqg_EBc). ## Pass the Pet Safety Quiz #### After the endorsements screen, you’ll take the Pet Safety Quiz. Here’s what to expect:    **10 questions** (presented one at a time) * You can return to the previous question to review or change your answer.    **Passing score:** 70% or higher * If you don’t pass, you can retake the quiz as many times as needed. Before retaking the quiz, we recommend reviewing the resources in the [**Wag! Safety Center**](https://wagwalking.com/safety) to brush up on your pet care knowledge. # **Step 3: Application Fee** In Step 3, you’ll review the Pet Care Provider Platform Use Agreement and pay the application fee that initiates your background check. Both happen on the same portal page. ## Review the Pet Care Provider Platform Use Agreement #### Before paying, you’ll have the opportunity to review and download the Pet Care Provider Platform Use Agreement (PCPUA) — referred to in the portal as the “usage agreement.” This 16-page document outlines your relationship with the Wag! Platform and your rights and responsibilities as an independent contractor. _No action is required at this stage_ — you’re not being asked to sign it yet. The formal agreement step happens after approval, during your first login to the Wag! Pet Caregiver app. #### **⚠️**  _**Download before you pay:**_ _Once you submit payment, you will not be able to return to this page to access the PCPUA. We strongly recommend downloading a copy now and saving it for your records. Use the download button in the PDF viewer on the page to save a copy before proceeding._ ## Pay the Application Fee #### The application fee covers the one-time, _non-refundable_ cost of your background check. The fee amount can vary by state and will be displayed on this page in your portal. Payment is processed securely through Stripe. Tap “Checkout with Stripe” to proceed. Accepted payment methods include: * Debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) * Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) * Bank account **💡** _**Not ready to pay yet?**_ _You can return from the Stripe payment page to the Application Fee page as long as you haven’t submitted payment. Once payment is submitted, you cannot go back._ #### After payment is submitted, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Your next steps will be listed there: 👀  **Watch for emails from Vetty**. Vetty will send a personalized link to begin the background check. They may also follow up with emails requesting additional information to complete the screening. ⏳  **Wait for approval from Wag!.** Once your background check is complete and approved, Wag! will send you an email and text with instructions to download the app. #### _**Please Note:** You will not be able to access the Wag! Pet Caregiver app until your background check is completed and you receive the approval email from Wag!._ ### **Optional: Wag! Business Upgrade (Wag! Pro)** #### On the post-payment confirmation page, you’ll also see an offer to upgrade to Wag! Business — also referred to as the Wag! Pro upgrade. This is a paid membership plan with additional perks for pet care professionals, such as express onboarding, increased service payouts, enhanced profile visibility, and priority placement in Pet Parent searches. This upgrade is completely optional. You are not required to purchase it to use the Wag! Platform or offer services as a Pet Caregiver. #### _**Please Note:**_ _The price shown during the application process may be a promotional rate. If you decide to skip it now, you can still purchase the Wag! Pro membership from within the Wag! Pet Caregiver app after you’ve been approved — though the in-app price may differ._ # **Step 4: Background Check** Wag! partners with Vetty, a third-party background check provider, for **identity verification** and **background screening**. For details on what the check covers, visit the [**Wag! + Vetty webpage**](https://vetty.co/wagvetty-background-screening/). ## How the Process Works 1\. **Check your email for a link from Vetty**. After payment is processed, Vetty will send you a personalized link to their Candidate Application. 2. **Complete the Vetty Candidate Application** using your SSN and the ID document you selected in Step 1. 3\. **Vetty processes your background check.** This typically takes _3 to 5 business_ _days_, though it can take up to _14 business days_ depending on your location and background history. 4\. **Vetty shares the results with Wag!**, who performs a final review and determination of your application. 5. **Once complete, you’ll receive both an email and a text message** with instructions to download the Wag! Pet Caregiver app. #### **💡** _**Processing delays:**_ _Visit_ [**_Vetty’s court delays page_**](https://sites.google.com/vetty.co/vetty-us-courthouse-delays/home) _for information about courthouse delays that may be affecting your background check timeline._ ## Checking Your Background Check Status #### While your background check is being processed, your Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal will show a “Background Check in progress” status. The portal does not display specific status updates during this time — it will remain at this stage until Vetty completes the check. For detailed status updates, log in to the [**Vetty Candidate portal**](http://applicant.vetty.co/login) directly. For more information, see: “[**The Background Check Process for Becoming a Wag! Pet Caregiver**](https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/the-background-check-process-for-becoming-a-wag-pet-caregiver-SkOIWGhnbx).” # **Checking Your Application Status** You can check the status of your application at any time from the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup). The portal link is also included in all email communications from Wag! throughout the sign-up process. While your background check is processing, refer to the [**Vetty Candidate portal**](http://applicant.vetty.co/login) directly for updates or if you need to take action. # **After Approval: Getting Started with the App** Once Wag! completes its final review and your application is approved, you’ll receive a welcome email and a text message with instructions to download the Wag! Pet Caregiver app. You can also confirm your status in the Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal — an approved application will display: > _“Congratulations! Your access to the Wag! Platform has been approved.”_ #### ## Download the App #### Download the Wag! Pet Caregiver app on your mobile device: * [**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wag-pet-caregiver/id940738731) (iOS) * [**Play Store**](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wag.walker&hl=en_US&gl=US) (Android) _**Please Note:**_ _Access to the app is typically granted within an hour or less of your official approval. To optimize the functionality of the Wag! Pet Caregiver app, please allow all app permissions._ ### **Log In and Set Up Your Account** #### 1\. **First Login:** Use the email address from your application and the sign-in code sent to that email.  * _Sign-in codes expire within 5 minutes of receipt._ 2\. **Set Your Password:** Tap “Forgot Password” to create a permanent password for your account. 3\. **Complete Setup:** After setting your password, log in again (you’ll receive another sign-in code). On your very first login, complete these final in-app steps: * _**Agree to the Pet Care Provider Platform Use Agreement (PCPUA):**_ _This is the formal agreement step. You must agree to the PCPUA to access the platform and begin requesting services._ * _Set up your payment preferences via Stripe._ Once these steps are complete, you’ll have full access to the Wag! Pet Caregiver app. # **Using the Wag! Pet Caregiver App** **🐱 🐶** _**The Wag! Pet Caregiver app is a live environment**_ _where real Pet Parents are actively seeking services for pet care._   ## How Bookings Work #### Pet Parents can request that Wag! connect them with a Caregiver, choose one from a pool of interested Caregivers, or send a Direct Booking Request to a specific Caregiver. The Available Services feed in the app lets you view open requests, review the details, and request the services you’d like to be booked for. 💡 _**Service requests** have a processing window that allows multiple Caregivers to express interest — whether Wag! is matching or the Pet Parent is hand-selecting their Caregiver._ ## Before You Request a Service #### Take a moment to review service details carefully before requesting — it helps prevent issues down the road: * **Review all details:** Check the distance, pet profiles, and any specific care instructions before requesting. * **Understand the commitment:** Requesting a service means committing to completing it if you’re selected and booked. * **Mind your capacity:** While the app prevents double-booking, all services require travel time, parking, and time to access the pet(s). Walks and Drop-Ins can be completed alongside a Sitting or Boarding booking, but be careful not to overextend yourself. #### ## Managing Services In-App #### Once you’re approved and booked for a service, here’s what to expect: * **Before the service:** Submit your ETA in-app to notify the Pet Parent. * **On arrival:** Note your arrival in-app to receive home access instructions. * **Starting the service:** Start the service in-app to begin the timer, access live service features, and activate GPS tracking (for Walks). * **Ending the service:** Once care is complete, return the pet(s) as found (or as instructed), end the service in-app, and secure the home. * **After the service:** Submit a report card (including a photo of the pet) detailing the service for the Pet Parent. 💡 _**Actively check your “Booked” tab in the app**_ _to confirm upcoming appointments and avoid missed services or overbooking._ Pet Caregivers can cancel services in-app at any time before a service begins. Keep in mind that frequent or repeated cancellations can negatively impact your account standing. # **Troubleshooting** ## I’m not receiving emails from Wag! after signing up. What should I do? #### First, check your spam/junk, trash, and “All Mail” folders. If you find the emails there, mark them as “Not spam” to ensure future messages land in your inbox. To access your application, log in to the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup). Enter your email address and tap “Continue” — the portal will send a sign-in code to that address. ### **Not sure which email you used?**  #### Use the “**Forgot email?**” option on the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup) login page and enter your last name and phone number. The system will send a recovery email to the matching account. ### **Seeing an error that your email isn’t recognized?**  #### If the portal displays “There is no Pet Caregiver account associated with the email address you entered,” use the “**Forgot email?**” option on the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup) login page to locate your account. ### **Not receiving your sign-in code?**  #### Wait up to 5 minutes for the prior code to expire and tap “Resend code.” If you’re still not receiving the code, the email address on file may be incorrect. Contact Wag! Support via the virtual chat at [**support.wagwalking.com**](http://support.wagwalking.com) for further assistance. ## My application was rejected. Do I have to start the entire process over? #### It depends on the reason: * **Inactivity:** Contact Wag! Support at [**support.wagwalking.com**](http://support.wagwalking.com) for assistance. * **Existing Caregiver Account:** If you already have a Pet Caregiver account, any new application will be rejected. Only one account is permitted per person. Existing accounts must be in good standing to be reactivated. * **Other Reasons:** If your application was rejected for another reason, you will not be eligible to reapply. #### ## I need to correct the information I submitted during sign-up. What should I do? #### Because sign-up steps are final once submitted, corrections to information such as your email address, phone number, name, or home address must be made through Wag! Support. Contact us via the virtual chat at [**support.wagwalking.com**](http://support.wagwalking.com). ## Why can’t I sign in to the Pet Caregiver app? #### You cannot sign in to the app until your application has been officially approved. Access is granted only after you’ve completed all required sign-up steps and received your approval notification. Check your status anytime in the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup). # **General Questions** ## When and how do Pet Caregivers get paid? #### Pet Caregivers are paid via [**Stripe**](https://stripe.com/), a secure third-party payment processing system. You’ll set up your Stripe account directly within the Wag! Pet Caregiver app. For details, see: “[**Managing Your Pay with Stripe Connect**](https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/how-will-i-be-paid-pcg-SkgN_8UN5).” ## Are Pet Caregivers employees of Wag!? #### No. Pet Caregivers operate as independent contractors, not employees of Wag!. When you join, you’re applying to use the Wag! Platform to manage and grow your own pet care business. As an independent business owner, you are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable state and local laws — including obtaining any necessary business licenses, insurance, or registrations. Contact your local government officials for details on requirements in your area. ## Am I eligible for health insurance or other benefits? #### Pet Caregivers are independent contractors and are not eligible for Wag! health insurance plans or other benefits. Wag! has partnered with Stride Health to offer Caregivers access to affordable self-insurance options and personalized guidance on finding the right plan. Learn more at the [**Stride Health website**](https://wag.stridehealth.com/). ## Where can I buy Wag! merchandise? #### The [**Wag! Essentials Store**](https://stores.kotisdesign.com/wagswag/products) offers t-shirts, bandanas, fanny packs, water bowls, and other branded merchandise. Once your application is approved, you can access the store within the Wag! Pet Caregiver app or browse it directly online. _**Please Note:**_ _Wag! merchandise is not required to offer services on the platform._ ## What should I do if my Wag! Essentials Store order was mis-shipped or damaged? #### Contact [**customerservice@kotisdesign.com**](mailto:customerservice@kotisdesign.com) with your order number in the subject line and a description of the issue. ## How do I return an item from the Wag! Essentials Store? #### Visit [**this website**](https://kwf.kotisdesign.com/order_returns/search) and follow the return instructions provided.