Once you’ve set up your profile and have found some potential borrowers in your area, now is the time to send them a message.
Messaging a borrower is the ideal opportunity to find out whether they could be the pawfect match for you and your dog. But sending the first message can be a little nerve-wracking so we've put these top tips together to help you out.
Personalise messages
Let borrowers know you’ve read their profile, and why you think they’d be pawfect for your pooch.
Discuss availability
From the start, it’s helpful to discuss what you’re looking for, even if it’s on your profile, as this can help you find a compatible match.
Ask questions
Of course, borrowers want to find out more about you and your gorgeous pooch, but it’s great to ask some questions about them as well.
Be patient
Just like you, borrowers can be busy, so don’t expect a response straight away, give them time.
Message lots of borrowers
The more borrowers you message the more opportunities you have to get to know someone and find your dog’s pawfect match. You can always have more than one borrower too!
Always reply
Even if you don’t think a borrower would be a good match, or if you already have enough borrowers, reply to a borrower to let them know. You don’t need to go into lots of detail but it’s polite to send a simple message such as “Thank you for your interest, sorry I’m not currently looking for a borrower.”
If you are not looking for a borrower at the moment, or are getting too many messages, here’s how to set your profile to not looking.
Have an open mind
It’s worth chatting to a borrower even if you don’t think they are exactly what you had in mind. There are lots of amazing borrowers out there, and messaging them and having a chat is the best way to find out more about them.
Keep your options open
If you don’t think a borrower can help right now, but maybe could in the future, let them know and keep in touch.
Message in advance
BorrowMyDoggy is all about building relationships, so your dog is comfortable with a borrower. Don’t leave it until the last minute to send a message, give yourself plenty of time to make this connection so your borrower, yourself and your pooch are all happy when it’s time for your dog to spend some time alone with the borrower.
Check their membership
If a borrower isn’t premium they won’t be able to reply to you yet. But some are just waiting for a message from an owner with a pawsome pooch to subscribe.
Next steps
When you've messaged a potential match, got to know them and feel comfortable, the next step is to schedule your first meet and greet, the ‘Welcome Woof’. Check out our guide for your first ‘Welcome Woof’ here.
If you ever need any support or would like to talk with us about your experience please reach out to our Help Team.