Love pets? Borrow one near you

Walks in the park, cuddles on the sofa and a happy wagging tail. Get all the joy of a pet, without owning one. Owners near you would love the help.

See pets near you Join Bloom
Borrower walking a fluffy dog in the park

Is this you?

Borrowers are all kinds of people. Most of them just miss having a pet around.

  1. Person hugging a happy dog

    No pets allowed at home

    Your building or landlord says no pets. Borrowing lets you enjoy walks and cuddles without breaking the rules.

  2. Smiling person with a corgi

    Too busy for your own pet

    Long hours or lots of travel? Having your own pet wouldn't be fair. Borrowing fits around your life.

  3. Person relaxing on the sofa with a dog

    You miss your old pet

    Losing a pet is hard. Spending time with another one can help you smile again.

  4. Borrower walking a happy dog in the park

    You have time to give

    Retired? Working from home? A pet near you would love to spend some time with you.

Your first steps as a borrower

  1. Person making a profile

    Join Bloom

    Sign up in about five minutes and tell owners when you're free.

  2. Adding a photo and a short story

    Tell your story

    Why do you love pets? Did you grow up with a dog? Do you miss your old cat? Owners love to know.

  3. ID check for a borrower

    We check your ID

    We check your government ID and address with Stripe Identity, so owners know you're a real neighbour.

  4. Looking at pets on a map

    Find a pet

    Browse dogs, cats and other pets near you on the map, and read about each one's routine.

  5. Borrower sending a message to an owner

    Say hello

    Message the owner, ask about their pet, then meet them both in person.

  6. Borrower walking a happy dog

    Enjoy your new pet friend

    Once the owner says yes, enjoy walks, visits and sleepovers, following the owner's plan.

See how it works for everyone

Things you can do together

The owner decides what their pet needs. These are the most popular.

  1. Owner and borrower with a dog in the park

    Walks and adventures

    Take a dog to the park, the beach or a trail, the way the owner asks. Lots of borrowers say it's the best part of their week.

    Dog walking on Bloom
  2. Person cuddling a dog

    Visits and cuddles

    Visit a cat who loves a lap, a rabbit who wants to play, or an older dog who likes some company.

    Pet sitting on Bloom
  3. Owner and borrower standing with a dog

    Sleepovers

    When you know each other well, an owner might ask you to look after their pet for a night or a weekend.

    Pet sleepovers on Bloom

Why become a borrower?

  1. Worried person holding a bill next to a happy person relaxing with a dog

    No pet bills to pay

    Food, vet visits and toys can cost thousands of dollars a year. As a borrower, you pay for none of it, and nobody pays anyone for their time.

  2. Person showing a pet profile on their phone

    Try pet life first

    Thinking about getting a pet one day? Borrowing shows you what life with a pet is really like first.

    What pet sharing means
  3. Owner handing the lead to a borrower

    Get moving

    A dog is a great reason to put your shoes on and go outside, even when it's raining or snowing.

  4. Two people playing with a happy dog

    Feel calmer and happier

    Stroking a purring cat or playing with a happy dog is one of the nicest ways to unwind after a long day.

  5. Borrower chatting with an owner on their phone

    Help when it suits you

    Only free on weekends, or just in the summer? Say so on your profile. Every match is different.

  6. Neighbours spending time with pets

    Make friends for life

    Many borrowers become a favourite aunt or uncle to the pet, and good friends with the owner. You'll meet your neighbours on walks too.

How to get owners to say yes

Read our safety tips
  • Write a kind, honest profile. Owners care more about who you are than a long list of skills.
  • Be clear about when you can help. Being reliable matters more than doing lots.
  • Ask the owner about routines, likes, dislikes and what to do in an emergency.
  • Follow the owner's rules, even the small ones. They know their pet best, and they decide.

Questions people ask us

Got more questions? Read our full FAQ.

Do I need experience with pets?

No. Owners want someone kind, honest and reliable. If you're new to pets, just say so and start with something easy, like a short walk.

Does it cost anything?

Owners and borrowers never pay each other for walks, visits or sleepovers.

Can I borrow a dog for a day?

Yes, if the owner agrees. Most borrowers start with a short walk or visit, then spend longer together once they know each other. The owner decides how long.

Can I rent a dog?

Not on Bloom. Nobody rents or hires a pet here, and no money changes hands between members. Owners share time with their pet with a neighbour who loves animals.

Is it like volunteer dog walking?

A little. You help an owner because you love pets, not for pay. But it's more personal: you get to know one pet and their owner, and spend time with them again and again.

Does Bloom have insurance?

No. Bloom doesn't provide insurance or pay for accidents or vet bills. Members take responsibility for their own plans. Our Terms explain this under “Your risk and responsibility”.

Why do you check my address?

We check every member's address. It shows you live where you say you do, stops fake accounts and helps owners trust you. Owners still choose who meets their pet.

Can I borrow more than one pet?

Yes, as long as each owner knows and agrees. Lots of borrowers have two or three pet friends.

How old do I need to be?

You need to be 19 or older to join Bloom.

Have a pet who would love more company? See the owner side

A pet near you would love to meet you

Join Bloom, find a pet near you and say hello to their owner.

Join Bloom See pets near you