Kazi said goodbye to Bundhumani and moved on to the next participant, alongside Loki, a 4-year-old corgi named after his favorite Marvel villain. Kaji repeated the standard question.
If you think this sounds like a meet and greet with a cute dog, think again. Unless we’re talking about meeting a cute dog. This is a dog speed dating event hosted by peer-to-peer dog sitting service Pawrents, which is disrupting the kennel industry by connecting pet owners with trusted caregivers.
There are approximately 150,000 dogs living in San Francisco, according to 2022 statistics from Animal Care and Control, based on estimates from the American Veterinary Medical Association. About 22% of San Francisco voters are dog owners, while 17% have children, according to a survey conducted by The Standard. The city is home to luxury pet parlors, dog-friendly diners, and endless dog park drama.
But what’s missing for some pet parents is nighttime care. For years, pet lodging company Wag Hotels and pet sitting and dog walking app Rover have been the go-to options for people leaving the city without their pets. But these options can be hard on your wallet. Prices range from $70 to $170 (excluding tax) per night. However, recent controversies surrounding the quality of care at some of these options (e.g., Wag Hotels has been sued by owners alleging animal abuse and death) have led to some dog owners are looking for alternatives. Founded a year ago, Pawrents has grown to a 1,600-strong Facebook group with about 700 paid members across the Bay Area.
