Your pet deserves reliable, professional care when you're away, and finding the right sitter means asking the right questions. Whether you'll be gone for a weekend or several weeks, you'll want someone who can handle both routine care and unexpected situations. Don't risk your pet's safety and comfort with a hasty choice - these ten essential questions will help you identify a trustworthy caregiver who meets your standards.
When evaluating potential pet sitters, their experience level should be your top priority. Ask them about their years of professional pet sitting experience, the types of animals they've cared for, and whether they've handled pets with special needs or medical conditions. You'll want to know if they've completed any pet care certifications, first aid training, or professional development courses.
Don't hesitate to inquire about their experience with your specific pet breed and any challenging situations they've managed. Request references from current or past clients and follow up with them. If they work for a pet sitting company, ask about the company's screening process and insurance coverage. A qualified sitter should be transparent about their background and enthusiastic to share their credentials with you.
Beyond experience and credentials, a pet sitter's ability to handle emergencies can make the difference between life and death for your beloved pet. Ask about their emergency protocols, including their plan for injuries, sudden illness, or natural disasters. Request details about their relationship with local veterinarians and whether they're certified in pet first aid.
You'll want to know if they keep your pet's medical records on hand and how quickly they can reach you or an emergency contact. Confirm they have reliable transportation to get your pet to the vet if needed. Make sure they know where you store pet carriers, medications, and first aid supplies. Also, verify that they're comfortable administering any necessary medications and can recognize signs of distress in your specific type of pet.
Checking references from previous clients provides invaluable insights into a pet sitter's reliability and professionalism. Don't hesitate to ask for at least three references and contact each one. Request specific details about their experiences, including how long they've used the sitter's services and whether they'd hire them again.
When speaking with references, ask about the sitter's punctuality, attention to detail, and communication style. Find out if they followed care instructions precisely and kept the home secure. Inquire about how they handled any unexpected situations that arose during their sitting duties. If possible, seek references from clients with pets similar to yours, as this will give you a better idea of the sitter's experience with your specific type of animal.
Understanding exactly what's included in a pet sitting package helps prevent misunderstandings and guarantees your pet receives proper care. Ask your potential sitter about specific services like feeding schedules, walks, playtime, medication administration, and waste cleanup. Find out how many visits they'll make per day and how long each visit lasts.
Clarify if they'll provide additional services such as bringing in mail, watering plants, or sending you photo updates of your pet. Some sitters offer extras like grooming, training reinforcement, or overnight stays. You'll also want to know if they charge extra for holidays, weekend visits, or emergency situations. Don't forget to ask about their policy on multiple pets and whether that affects pricing or service delivery.
Learning your pet sitter's daily schedule and routine helps guarantee your pet maintains their regular lifestyle. Ask specific questions about feeding times, walk schedules, playtime duration, and medication administration if needed. Inquire about how many visits they'll make per day and how long each visit will last.
Request details about their typical visit routine: Will they clean the litter box immediately? When will they refresh water bowls? How much exercise or play time will they provide? Make sure they understand your pet's unique schedule requirements, such as an elderly dog needing frequent bathroom breaks or a cat requiring insulin at specific times.
You'll also want to know their backup plan if they're running late or encounter unexpected traffic, ensuring your pet won't miss important care times.
Pet first aid and CPR certification demonstrates a sitter's commitment to your pet's safety and emergency preparedness. This training equips sitters with vital skills to handle medical emergencies until veterinary care becomes available. Ask potential sitters about their certification status, when they received it, and if they keep it current.
A certified pet sitter should know how to recognize signs of distress, perform basic first aid, and administer CPR if needed. They'll understand how to handle common emergencies like choking, heatstroke, or allergic reactions. While certification isn't always mandatory, it's a valuable qualification that separates professional sitters from casual caretakers. If your pet has specific health concerns, a certified sitter's knowledge becomes even more important for ensuring proper care during your absence.
Even the most reliable pet sitters can face unexpected emergencies or situations that prevent them from making a scheduled visit. You'll want to know if they have a contingency plan in place to guarantee your pet receives proper care no matter what happens.
Ask your potential sitter if they work with other qualified professionals who can step in if needed. Find out how much advance notice they'll give you if they can't make it, and how they'll communicate this information. Make certain their backup sitter has access to your home and understands your pet's routine and specific needs. It's also important to verify if the backup sitter has undergone the same screening process and holds similar qualifications. Get the backup sitter's contact information and consider meeting them before your trip.
Understanding how your pet sitter tracks and communicates daily activities is essential for your peace of mind. Ask if they use a digital app, text messages, or written logs to document each visit. Find out if they'll send you photos or videos of your pet during their stays.
Inquire about their reporting process for feeding times, medication administration, walks, bathroom habits, and any unusual behaviors. You'll want to know how quickly they'll alert you if they notice health concerns or emergencies. Some pet sitters provide detailed end-of-day summaries, while others offer real-time updates throughout their visits.
It's also important to establish your preferred communication method and frequency. Whether you want updates after every visit or just daily check-ins, make sure your expectations align with their reporting style.
Beyond knowing how your sitter will document care, you'll want clear information about their approach to handling and managing your pet's behavior. Ask about their methods for controlling difficult situations, such as when a dog pulls on the leash or refuses to follow commands. Their response should emphasize positive reinforcement techniques rather than harsh corrections.
Discuss specific scenarios that might arise with your pet, like anxiety during thunderstorms or aggression toward other animals. Find out if they're comfortable administering timeouts or redirecting unwanted behaviors. It's essential that their discipline style aligns with your preferences and your pet's temperament. Make sure they understand your boundaries about physical corrections and know which rewards or verbal cues work best with your pet.
Professional pet sitters should carry both bonding and insurance coverage to protect you, your pet, and your property during their service. Ask to see proof of their business insurance policy, which should include general liability coverage for accidents, injuries, or damages that might occur while caring for your pet. This coverage typically protects against situations like property damage, pet injuries, or lost keys.
Bonding provides additional protection against theft or dishonest acts by the pet sitter. When checking their credentials, request their bond number and insurance policy details. A reputable sitter will readily share this information. If they're not bonded and insured, consider this a red flag and continue your search. These protections aren't just formalities - they're essential safeguards for your peace of mind and financial security.