How to Choose the Best Pet Sitter for You and Your Pet 🐾

Leaving your pet in someone else’s care is a big decision. Whether you’re heading to work for the day or planning a vacation, the right pet sitter can give you peace of mind—and keep your pet happy, safe, and stress-free at home.

Here are the most important things to consider when choosing the best pet sitter for you and your furry, furless, finned, scaled, or feathered family member.

1. Look for Experience With Your Type of Pet

Not all pet sitters have experience with every kind of animal. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, ferrets, and senior pets all have very different needs. It is important to find someone who not just understands but has directly cared for your type of pet.

You'll want to ask questions like:

• Have you cared for pets like mine before?
• Are you comfortable with shy, senior, or special-needs pets?
• Do you understand my pet’s routine and personality?
• Ask for references from clients that have your type of pet or pets with similar needs.

A great pet sitter will welcome these questions, gladly provide any information or details needed and be honest about their experience.

2. Reliability and Consistency Matter

Your pet thrives on routine. A dependable sitter who shows up on time and follows instructions carefully is essential.

Signs of a reliable sitter include:

• Clear communication
• Consistent scheduling
• Written and/or text visit summaries or updates
• Professional behavior at all times

Reliability isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing that they care at every single visit.

3. Ask About Updates and Communication

Being away from your pet can be stressful, but regular updates can make a huge difference.

Ask:

• Will I receive photos or messages after visits?
• How do you communicate if there’s a concern?
• Will I know when each visit starts and ends?

Photo updates and visit notes aren’t just nice—they’re reassuring.

By the same token, if you would rather not receive texts at certain hours or would prefer a single summary at the end of the service period, be sure to let the pet sitter know!

4. Make Sure They’re Insured and Prepared

A professional pet sitter should be prepared for the unexpected.

Things to ask about:

• Are you insured and/or bonded?
• Have you been certified or have you had education in pet care and business?
• What would you do in an emergency? What is your policy in the event of emergencies?
• Are you trained in pet first-aid and/or CPR?

Preparedness shows professionalism—and care for your pet’s safety.

5. ALWAYS Do a Meet & Greet First

A meet-and-greet is essential before booking any services. A true pet care professional knows this.

This gives you a chance to:

• See how your pet reacts to the sitter and how the sitter interacts with your pet
• Walk through feeding, medications, and routines
• Ask questions face-to-face
• Take a tour of your home and the areas that will need to be accessed for pet care
• Build trust

Your pet’s comfort level is just as important as yours. If you have a shy, anxious, or aloof pet, it may take time to build up trust, so be honest and allow appropriate time for your pet to get used to a new caregiver(and vice versa).

6. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes the most important factor is how you feel.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable leaving my pet with this person?
• Do they listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions?
• Do they seem genuinely interested in my pet?
• Do they seem rushed or unprepared?
• Do they seem confident and comfortable?

If something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking. Not all sitters will be perfect for all pets. The right sitter should feel like an extension of your pet’s family. At least be someone you can talk to and relate to.

Final Thoughts

The best pet sitter isn’t just someone who feeds your pet or lets them outside—it’s someone who treats your pet with kindness, respect, and genuine care. It should be someone who will notice details and communicate honestly and openly with you.

While some people may be inclined to hire a kid down the street or the friend of a friend because it may be cheaper than hiring a professional. Just remember that not everyone will take the time to pay attention and go to great lengths to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet. Emergencies can and often do happen after hours and require a basic knowledge and understanding of how to handle them appropriately. Your pet relies on you to make decisions for them.

Taking the time to choose the right sitter means:

• Less stress for your pet
• More peace of mind for you
• A better experience for everyone involved

Your pet deserves thoughtful, loving care—just like you’d give yourself.