When the holiday season hits, things can get busy. For pet parents and pet sitters alike. Between Xmas festivities, New Years getaways, Easter and school holidays, the demand for pet care skyrockets.
To help make finding a trusted pet sitter easier, look for the peak period badge. It’s like a beacon for those trying to find someone available for the most in-demand times of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the peak period badges on a Mad Paws Pet Sitter’s profile.
What are peak period badges?
Peak Period (or ‘Seasonality’) badges are little icons that appear on your Mad Paws profile to show pet parents you’re available for bookings during busy holiday periods.
You’ll typically see these badges appear around major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and school holidays, and they stay active for a few weeks leading up to and during those periods.
For pet parents, peak period badges make it easier to spot sitters who are ready to help.
For pet sitters, they help increase visibility and your chance of securing a booking.
Here’s an example of what the Xmas/Summer holidays badge looks like:
FAQs for Owners:
When are peak period badges active?
Badges appear a few weeks before and during major holiday periods. Once the peak season ends, the badge is removed automatically.
How do peak period badges help me as a pet parent?
They help you quickly spot Sitters who are open for bookings – saving you time and reducing the stress of searching last-minute during the holidays. Start a new search now >
Can I still book a sitter without a peak period badge?
Yes! Some Sitters may still be available, even without a badge. Check their calendar directly to confirm or message them to ask.
Do these badges affect sitter pricing?
Not necessarily. The intention of the badge is purely to help you connect with those who are available during peak periods. Pricing is set by each sitter, though some may adjust their rates slightly during peak times to reflect increased demand.
How can I make sure I get a sitter during busy periods?
Book early! Sitters with these badges tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to secure your booking as soon as you know your plans.
I don’t see anyone in my area with a peak period badge. Why not?
Peak period badges are only visible at certain times of the year. You’ll only see these badges when a holiday period is a few weeks away.
FAQ for Sitters:
How do I get a peak period badge?
When a holiday period is approaching, Mad Paws will prompt you to update your holiday availability. If you mark yourself as available, your badge will automatically appear on your profile.
What happens if I’m only partially available?
If you select ‘partially available’, you’ll still receive the badge. When you get an enquiry from a pet owner, you can confirm the dates you are available to help.
When are peak period badges used?
They’re active during major holiday periods like Xmas/New Years, Easter, and other holiday periods and remain visible for a few weeks leading up to and during each season.
Do peak period badges affect my ranking in search results?
Yes, they can help improve your visibility! Sitters with active badges are more likely to appear in searches for holiday dates, which can lead to more bookings.
What if my badge doesn’t appear after I update my availability?
Don’t worry if you don’t see the badge appear on your profile instantly. The Customer Service team load these badges manually so it may take a day or so for it to show.
Why should I update my availability early?
Setting your holiday availability early means you’ll appear in searches before the rush begins, giving you a better chance of securing bookings from organised pet parents.
Are peak period badges permanent?
No, they’re temporary and will disappear once the peak period is over.
How do I apply for a peak period badge?
When a peak period is approaching, you’ll receive a prompt (either in the app or via email or SMS), to update your availability for the given holiday period. Confirm whether you’re fully available or partially available for the dates highlighted. Once you’ve confirmed these details, your badge will be applied to your profile within 1-2 business days.
Here’s an example of what the prompt looks like within the app:
Have more questions? Head over to our Help Centre to ask a question or to Live Chat with our Customer Service team.
