20 Questions

Pet Sitting Questions to Ask Owner

Essential questions to help you understand pet care requirements, ensure pet safety, and provide the best possible care for someone's beloved companion.

1

What's your pet's daily routine and schedule?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals the pet's normal schedule and helps you maintain consistency, which is crucial for the pet's comfort and well-being.

2

What are your pet's feeding requirements and dietary restrictions?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows feeding specifics and helps you understand what food to give, when to feed, and any dietary limitations.

3

What are your pet's exercise needs and activity preferences?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals exercise requirements and helps you understand how much activity the pet needs and what types of activities they enjoy.

4

What are your pet's medical needs and medications?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows medical requirements and helps you understand any medications, treatments, or health conditions you need to manage.

5

What are your pet's behavioral traits and personality?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals the pet's personality and helps you understand their behavior patterns, preferences, and any behavioral issues to watch for.

6

What are your pet's fears, anxieties, and triggers?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows potential stress triggers and helps you understand what situations or stimuli might cause anxiety or fear in the pet.

7

What are your pet's favorite toys, activities, and comfort items?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals the pet's preferences and helps you understand what toys, activities, and comfort items will help keep them happy and engaged.

8

What are your pet's bathroom habits and house training?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows bathroom routines and helps you understand the pet's house training, bathroom schedule, and any special requirements.

9

What are your pet's social needs and interaction preferences?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals social requirements and helps you understand how much interaction the pet needs and what types of social activities they enjoy.

10

What are your pet's grooming needs and requirements?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows grooming requirements and helps you understand what grooming tasks you need to perform and how often.

11

What are your pet's safety requirements and restrictions?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals safety considerations and helps you understand what safety measures you need to take and what restrictions to follow.

12

What are your pet's emergency procedures and contacts?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows emergency protocols and helps you understand what to do in case of emergency and who to contact.

13

What are your pet's travel and transportation needs?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals transportation requirements and helps you understand how to safely transport the pet if needed.

14

What are your pet's environmental needs and preferences?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows environmental requirements and helps you understand what temperature, lighting, and environmental conditions the pet needs.

15

What are your pet's training commands and cues?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals training commands and helps you understand what commands the pet knows and how to communicate with them effectively.

16

What are your pet's health monitoring requirements?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows health monitoring needs and helps you understand what health signs to watch for and when to seek veterinary care.

17

What are your pet's sleep and rest requirements?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals sleep needs and helps you understand the pet's sleep schedule, rest requirements, and any sleep-related considerations.

18

What are your pet's play and entertainment needs?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows entertainment requirements and helps you understand what types of play and entertainment the pet needs to stay happy and engaged.

19

What are your pet's special needs or accommodations?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals special requirements and helps you understand any special needs, accommodations, or considerations for the pet's care.

20

What are your pet's favorite treats and rewards?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows reward preferences and helps you understand what treats and rewards the pet enjoys and how to use them effectively.

Best Practices for Pet Sitting Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Ask About Routine and Consistency

Focus on understanding the pet's normal routine and schedule to maintain consistency, which is crucial for the pet's comfort and well-being.

Understand Medical and Safety Needs

Ask about medical requirements, medications, and safety considerations to ensure you can provide proper care and handle emergencies.

Learn About Behavioral Traits

Ask about the pet's personality, fears, and triggers to understand their behavior and provide appropriate care and interaction.

Question Sequences

The Daily Care Sequence

1
What's your pet's daily routine and schedule?
2
What are your pet's feeding requirements and dietary restrictions?
3
What are your pet's exercise needs and activity preferences?
4
What are your pet's bathroom habits and house training?

The Health and Safety Sequence

1
What are your pet's medical needs and medications?
2
What are your pet's safety requirements and restrictions?
3
What are your pet's emergency procedures and contacts?
4
What are your pet's health monitoring requirements?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Assume All Pets Are the Same

Each pet has unique needs, preferences, and requirements. Ask specific questions about the individual pet you'll be caring for.

Don't Ignore Medical Requirements

Make sure you understand any medical needs, medications, and health conditions. Proper medical care is crucial for the pet's well-being.

Don't Skip Safety Considerations

Ask about safety requirements, restrictions, and emergency procedures. Pet safety should be your top priority.

Conversation Templates

The Daily Care Template

1
Step 1: Start with: "What's your pet's daily routine and schedule?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are your pet's feeding requirements and dietary restrictions?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What are your pet's exercise needs and activity preferences?"
4
Step 4: Connect with: "What are your pet's bathroom habits and house training?"

The Health and Safety Template

1
Step 1: Begin with: "What are your pet's medical needs and medications?"
2
Step 2: Explore with: "What are your pet's safety requirements and restrictions?"
3
Step 3: Understand with: "What are your pet's emergency procedures and contacts?"
4
Step 4: Learn with: "What are your pet's health monitoring requirements?"

Further Reading

"Pet Sitting for Beginners" by various authors
"Pet Care Guide" by veterinary organizations
"Pet Safety Handbook" by animal welfare groups
"Pet Behavior Guide" by animal behaviorists

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation