Dog, cat & small-pet boarding between neighbours — free and trusted
Neighbourhood mutual aid — no online payment.
Pet sitting is neighbourly mutual aid
No payment goes through Pista during the pilot: sitting is volunteer-based, a free donation between individuals is allowed if you wish.How does boarding between neighbours work?
Step 1
Post a request or an offer
Describe your pet, the dates and your area — or your availability if you board. Two minutes is enough.
Step 2
Chat via masked messaging
Your contact details stay private: conversations go through Pista messaging until you choose to share them.
Step 3
Meet first, then arrange
A prior meeting is recommended. Boarding is then arranged directly between neighbours — no commission.
| Boarding kennel | €20–30 / night |
|---|---|
| Professional pet sitter | €15–25 / night |
| Subscription platforms | €10–19 / month |
| Pista, boarding between neighbours | €0 |
Preparing a boarding stay
- Meet the sitter beforehand — at your place or theirs — to introduce the pet and its habits.
- Leave the health record, your vet's number and the list of any medication.
- Write down the instructions: meals, walks, prohibitions, warning signs.
- Check the I-CAD microchip is up to date and the pet wears a QR tag.
- For a long stay, start with a one-night or weekend trial.
Frequently asked questions
- Is boarding between neighbours really free?
- Yes. No payment goes through Pista: boarding is volunteer-based. A free gift may be given between individuals, but nothing is expected or required.
- Do I need a certificate to board a neighbour's dog?
- No. The ACACED certificate is only required for commercial boarding. Voluntary mutual help between individuals is not concerned. Regularly boarding pets for payment is a declared activity — outside Pista's scope.
- What does the “Verified sitter” badge mean?
- It means the person confirmed their email and phone number and accepted the charter. It is neither an official identity check nor a guarantee: always meet the sitter before handing over your pet.
- Who is liable if an accident happens during boarding?
- Pista connects people but does not take part in the boarding itself. In practice, private civil liability insurance often covers this kind of situation — check your policy beforehand.
- What if my pet escapes during boarding?
- Create a “lost” alert immediately: the poster and your area's watch network trigger without delay.
- How does it differ from a professional pet sitter?
- A professional is paid, registered and often insured — expect €15–25 per night. Pista connects volunteer neighbours: it is free, but without guarantee or dedicated insurance.
- And for a one-off favour, without boarding?
- Dog walking, vet transport, equipment lending, kibble donations: that is the role of the Mutual aid page.