Everything you need to know about Bloom

New to Bloom? Start with “New to Bloom” or go straight to your role. Most answers live here.

New to Bloom

+

What is Bloom and what makes it different from a pet care app?

+
Bloom is Canada’s first peer-to-peer pet sharing companionship community. It’s not a booking app and it’s not a gig marketplace. It’s a place where the person who owns a pet can connect with someone who wants pet companionship in their life, as neighbours or friends. There are no per-booking request fees. Just verified locals who genuinely want to be there spending time with a pet.

What does “Borrow Love Out Of Moments” mean?

+
It’s the idea that the love you share with an animal doesn’t have to require full-time ownership. Pet companionship can be borrowed through a weekly walk, a regular visit, or a familiar face at the door. Those moments are real. They matter. And on Bloom, you can build a whole routine out of them.

Who is Bloom really for?

+
Bloom is for two kinds of people who are looking for the same thing, just from different directions. Pet owners who want trusted, affordable support for their animals without paying commercial rates or relying on anonymous walkers. And borrowers: people who miss having a pet, always wanted one, or can no longer commit to ownership but still want the daily joy of pet companionship. If either of those sounds like you, Bloom was built for you.

What does “peer-to-peer pet companionship” mean in practice?

+
It means you connect directly with another person, not through a booking platform and not through a paid worker. You read each other’s profiles, chat through Bloom, meet in person when you’re both comfortable, and build the arrangement together. You stay in control of every step. Bloom provides the tools; you make the decisions.

Is Bloom free to use?

+
Joining and browsing are always free. To send messages, make borrow requests, and post in the community, you’ll need verification completed (where required) and an active membership. If Bloom advertises a trial or promo offer, the exact terms will be shown at signup or checkout.

How old do I need to be to join?

+
Bloom requires members to be 19 or older. British Columbia’s Age of Majority Act sets 19 as the age of majority, and Bloom is a BC-based company.

What animals can be shared or borrowed on Bloom?

+
All animals are welcome. Dogs are the most common use case for walks and outdoor activities. Cats, birds, rabbits, and small animals can be shared for in-home visits and pet companionship. What you arrange with another member is always up to you both.

How do I sign up?

+
Click “Join Bloom” on our homepage, choose your role (Pet Owner or Borrower), and complete the 3-step registration flow. Depending on what features you want to use, Bloom may require email, phone, ID, and address verification.

For Pet Owners

+

How do I find a borrower I can trust?

+
Browse borrower profiles on the map near you. Read their full profiles, including their story, their experience with animals, and why they want pet companionship. When someone feels right, message them through Bloom to get to know them. Always arrange a meet-and-greet in person before any arrangement begins.

What happens before I let someone spend time with my pet?

+
Everything happens at your pace. You browse profiles, you message first, you suggest a meet-and-greet, and you decide if you’re comfortable before agreeing to anything. No arrangement moves forward without your say-so. Bloom also requires all members to verify their identity before they can message you.

Can I set rules and routines for how my pet is cared for?

+
Absolutely, and you should. Use the messaging system to share your pet’s routine, dietary needs, behavioural quirks, health information, and any care instructions. The more detail you share, the smoother the pet companionship experience will be for everyone, including your pet.

What if a borrower doesn’t follow my instructions?

+
If a borrower doesn’t respect your pet’s care instructions or behaves contrary to what was agreed, contact us at support@bloompetshare.ca. We review all reports and may take account-level action. You can also end an arrangement at any time. Owners always have the final say.

Is my pet protected if something goes wrong?

+
Eligible paid members may qualify for the Bloom Community Guarantee during certain qualifying arrangements. This is a discretionary goodwill programme, not insurance, and may cover limited accidental injury situations up to CAD $1,500 (subject to a $100 excess, exclusions, and programme terms). We strongly recommend pet owners also maintain their own pet insurance.

Can I stop an arrangement at any time?

+
Yes. Owners always have the final say regarding their pet. If you need to end or change an arrangement, communicate directly with the borrower and contact support@bloompetshare.ca if urgent assistance is needed.

For Borrowers

+

I had a pet and miss the companionship. Is Bloom right for me?

+
Yes, completely. Many Bloom borrowers are people who had a beloved pet and miss that bond. Bloom was built for exactly this: to help you find regular pet companionship without the full-time commitment of ownership. You can build a routine with an animal who’ll look forward to seeing you, just like they used to.

I’ve always wanted a pet but can’t commit. How does borrowing work?

+
You browse pets near you on the map, read their profiles, and reach out to owners whose pets feel like the right fit. Once you’ve connected and had a meet-and-greet, you can arrange walks, visits, or longer stays on a schedule that works for both of you. No ownership, no long-term responsibility. Just real pet companionship.

I’m older and miss having an animal at home. What can I expect?

+
Bloom is a warm, welcoming community for people of all ages. Many of our borrowers are retirees or empty nesters who miss the daily companionship of a pet. Arrangements are always tailored to what works for you, whether that’s a weekly walk, a regular afternoon visit, or a longer stay when an owner travels.

How do I find a pet near me?

+
Use the map in your dashboard to browse pets and owners nearby. Every listing shows you the animal’s personality, needs, and what kind of pet companionship the owner is looking to share. Filter by distance and explore profiles before reaching out.

Do I need experience with animals to join as a borrower?

+
No formal experience is required. What matters most to pet owners is that you’re genuine, caring, and honest about what you can offer. A warm profile that explains why pet companionship matters to you will go much further than a CV.

What does a typical borrowing arrangement look like?

+
It varies. That’s one of the things that makes Bloom special. Some borrowers walk a neighbour’s dog a few times a week. Others visit a cat on weekday afternoons. Some host a pet for a few days while the owner travels. You and the owner agree on what works, build a routine, and the pet companionship grows naturally from there.

Can I borrow multiple pets?

+
Yes. Once you’re comfortable, you can arrange to spend time with multiple pets. Always discuss this with each owner beforehand to make sure they’re comfortable and that the pet’s individual needs are met.

What do I do if a pet behaves differently than described?

+
Contact the owner through Bloom’s messaging right away. Be honest about what you’re observing, since most owners appreciate the communication. If you feel unsafe or the situation is beyond what you agreed to, it’s always okay to end the visit and contact support@bloompetshare.ca.

Verification & Identity

+

Why does Bloom require identity verification?

+
Verification is what makes real pet companionship possible on Bloom. When you know the person you’re connecting with has verified their identity, you’re not trusting a stranger. You’re connecting with an accountable neighbour. It’s the foundation the whole community is built on.

What is Stripe Identity?

+
Stripe Identity is Bloom’s identity-verification provider. You may be asked to upload a government ID and complete a liveness check. Bloom uses the result as part of its trust and access checks. Verification supports accountability. It’s not a guarantee of future conduct, but it means every person in this community is known by name.

What documents do I need to verify?

+
For ID verification: a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s licence, or similar). For address verification (required for borrowers): a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement showing your name and current address.

Why do borrowers also need to verify their address?

+
Address verification confirms that a borrower is genuinely local, a real neighbour and not a stranger from far away. It’s an extra layer of trust that helps pet owners feel confident about who they’re connecting with for pet companionship arrangements.

How long does address verification take?

+
We review submissions in under 48 hours. You’ll receive an email when verification is complete or if we need more information. Contact support@bloompetshare.ca with any questions.

Is my personal information kept secure?

+
Yes. Bloom is PIPEDA and PIPA compliant. Your data is encrypted, never sold, and you can request access or deletion at any time. Read our Privacy Policy for full details.

Pricing & Membership

+

How much does membership cost?

+
Membership is billed in CAD and prices include applicable taxes. Borrowers pay $10/month or $84/year. Pet owners pay $20/month or $168/year. Annual billing saves 30% compared to paying monthly for a full year. You’ll only see the plan that matches your account type in your dashboard.

Why do owners and borrowers pay different rates?

+
Bloom uses two membership types so pricing can reflect how each role uses the platform. Everyone gets the same core member features. The rate depends on whether you join as a borrower or a pet owner.

What’s included in a membership?

+
Full access to the map, messaging, borrow requests, and the community feed while your membership is active. Plus Canadian member perks, including discounts from pet brands, vet partners, and lifestyle partners, shared as the programme grows.

Can I cancel any time?

+
Yes. Cancel any time. No fees, no questions. You’ll keep access until the end of your current billing period.

Do promo codes work on all plans?

+
When Bloom runs a promotion, eligible codes generally apply to both monthly and annual membership for your account type. Enter your code on the membership settings page before checkout. If a code is restricted, we’ll say so in the offer terms.

What payment methods do you accept?

+
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) through Stripe. All transactions are secure and encrypted.

Are prices in CAD and do they include tax?

+
Yes. All Bloom membership prices are billed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and include applicable taxes. No surprises at checkout.

Safety & Trust

+

How does Bloom keep members safe?

+
We use multiple layers: Stripe Identity verification (government ID), proof of address for borrowers, email and phone verification, community standards, and account review processes. Every member verifies before they can message. We also provide the Bloom Community Guarantee for eligible paid members during qualifying arrangements.

What does verification actually prove?

+
Verification confirms that a member is who they say they are: a real person with a real identity and, for borrowers, a confirmed local address. It doesn’t guarantee future behaviour, and we’re honest about that. But it means everyone in this community is accountable by name, not anonymous.

What should I do before meeting someone for the first time?

+
Always arrange a meet-and-greet in a public place first. Review the member’s profile and verification status carefully. Share or ask for relevant care information. Confirm expectations, timing, and emergency contacts in advance. Trust your gut. If something feels off, don’t proceed.

What is the Community Guarantee?

+
The Bloom Community Guarantee is a discretionary goodwill programme for eligible paid members, not insurance. It may help with certain qualifying vet costs in rare accidental injury situations, subject to the published cap (up to CAD $1,500 after a $100 excess where stated), exclusions, and documentation requirements. Read the full Community Guarantee page before making any arrangement.

How do I report a safety concern?

+
Contact us immediately through the Contact page or at support@bloompetshare.ca. Safety concerns are reviewed as a priority. We investigate all reports and may take account-level action including suspension or termination.

What counts as a community guidelines violation?

+
Animal abuse, threats, harassment, fraud, misrepresentation, and any unsafe conduct are violations. So is sharing inaccurate pet health or care information that puts a borrower at risk. Violations may lead to account restriction, suspension, or termination and reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Walks, Visits & Longer Stays

+

Is Bloom a dog walking marketplace?

+
Not exactly. Bloom is more like a community than a marketplace. Think of it like finding a trusted neighbour rather than booking a service. Borrowers give their time freely for the pet companionship. They’re not paid per walk. You get to know each other first, and the arrangement grows from there.

Can I use Bloom just for walks?

+
Yes. Walks are one of the most common arrangements on Bloom, especially for dogs. You and your borrower agree on the route, the frequency, and the schedule. Bloom provides tools to connect; you and the borrower decide what a visit means.

What about overnight or multi-day stays?

+
Members sometimes arrange longer visits or in-home stays, such as a weekend or a trip away. You must agree on all details directly, including the environment, duration, and care routine. Comply with local rules (including rental restrictions). Bloom connects people; it does not run a commercial boarding operation.

Are there rules about leaving a pet alone during a borrow?

+
Bloom doesn’t set a minute-by-minute rule, but animal welfare always comes first. We recommend against leaving a borrowed pet unattended for long stretches. Discuss expectations with the owner in advance and follow any care instructions provided.

What makes Bloom different from hiring a professional walker, sitter, or boarder?

+
Bloom members are not employees or contractors. There are no per-booking fees, only a flat membership. You connect directly with verified locals, arrange pet companionship together, and build relationships rather than transactions. The focus is repeat visits and genuine bonds.

Using the Map & Matching

+

How does the map work?

+
The map shows verified members near you. Purple markers are pet owners; yellow markers are borrowers. Click any marker to view a profile and, if you’re a verified member, send a message. You can filter by distance to narrow your search.

Can I use my current location?

+
Yes. Click “Locate Me” to centre the map on your location. You’ll need to allow location access in your browser.

What do the different marker colours mean?

+
Pet Owner Purple markers = Pet Owners
Borrower Yellow markers = Borrowers looking for pet companionship

What if there’s nobody near me yet?

+
Bloom is growing across Canada. If your area is still early, try expanding your search radius on the map. You can also post in the Community Board to let nearby members know you’re looking. The community grows fastest when members share it with friends who’d love pet companionship too.

Refunds & Cancellations

+

How do I cancel my subscription?

+
Go to Dashboard → Settings → Membership, then select “Manage Billing” to view cancellation options. Cancel any time. No fees, no questions.

What happens when I cancel?

+
Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period unless otherwise stated during cancellation. You keep full access until then.

Are there refunds?

+
Except where required by law or where Bloom expressly advertises a refund or cooling-off offer, subscription fees are generally non-refundable once charged. All members have the option of starting via a trial. If you believe you were billed in error, contact support@bloompetshare.ca.

Canadian Community

+

Why is Bloom Canada-first?

+
Bloom was founded in British Columbia by a Canadian who wanted to build something real for Canadian neighbourhoods. We’re designed around Canadian privacy laws, Canadian postal codes, and a Canadian community mindset. Local trust is easier to build when people share the same streets, seasons, and values.

Is Bloom available across all provinces?

+
Bloom is open to members across all Canadian provinces and territories. Pet care rules vary by province and municipality. Bloom’s peer-to-peer model is different from running a commercial kennel business, but you’re responsible for checking what local rules apply to your situation.

Do local bylaws affect what I can arrange?

+
Yes. Local animal welfare, licensing, and housing rules still apply to anything you arrange through Bloom. If you’re unsure about rules in your municipality, check with your local government or provincial guidance before making an arrangement.

Are prices always in Canadian dollars?

+
Yes. All Bloom membership prices are billed exclusively in Canadian dollars (CAD) and include applicable taxes.

What is PIPEDA?

+
PIPEDA is Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, a federal privacy law that protects your personal data and gives you rights over how it’s used. Bloom is PIPEDA and PIPA (BC provincial) compliant.

Technical Help

+

I forgot my password. What do I do?

+
Click “Forgot Password” on the login page. We’ll send you a reset link to your registered email address.

The map isn’t loading. Help!

+
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn’t work, check your internet connection and browser settings. Contact support@bloompetshare.ca if the problem persists.

Can I use Bloom on mobile?

+
Yes. Bloom works on mobile browsers and can be installed on supported devices as an app-like web experience. Availability may vary depending on your browser and device.

Does Bloom support browser notifications?

+
Yes. On supported browsers and devices, you can enable browser notifications for new messages and visit updates. Manage notification preferences inside your account settings.

Can I turn notification emails on or off?

+
Yes. In your dashboard notification settings, you can manage email notifications for messages, visit requests, reviews, and membership-related updates.

How do I install Bloom on my phone?

+
On supported mobile browsers, add Bloom to your home screen using your browser’s “Add to Home Screen” or install option. The exact steps depend on your device and browser.

Still not sure? We’re real people. Just ask.

Our team usually responds within 6 to 24 hours, Monday to Friday.

Send us a message