20 Questions

Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter

Essential questions to ask a pet sitter to ensure they can provide proper care for your pet and give you peace of mind while you're away.

1

What experience do you have with pets similar to mine?

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Why this works

Understanding their experience helps you evaluate their expertise and ensures they can handle your specific pet's needs.

2

What services do you provide and what's included in your care?

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Why this works

Understanding their services helps you know what care your pet will receive and what to expect from their visit.

3

What are your rates and what factors affect pricing?

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Why this works

Understanding their rates helps you budget for pet care and know what to expect financially.

4

What is your availability and how far in advance do I need to book?

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Why this works

Understanding their availability helps you plan your schedule and ensure they can care for your pet when needed.

5

What are your policies on emergency situations and how do you handle them?

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Why this works

Understanding their emergency policies helps you know what to expect if something goes wrong while you're away.

6

What are your policies on pet health and what do you do if my pet gets sick?

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Why this works

Understanding their health policies helps you know how they'll handle your pet's health needs and when to seek veterinary care.

7

What are your policies on pet behavior and how do you handle difficult situations?

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Why this works

Understanding their behavior policies helps you know how they'll handle your pet's behavior and any challenges that arise.

8

What are your policies on pet safety and what precautions do you take?

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Why this works

Understanding their safety policies helps you know how they'll keep your pet safe and secure while you're away.

9

What are your policies on pet exercise and how do you ensure my pet gets enough activity?

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Why this works

Understanding their exercise policies helps you know how they'll keep your pet active and healthy during their care.

10

What are your policies on pet feeding and what do you do if my pet doesn't eat?

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Why this works

Understanding their feeding policies helps you know how they'll handle your pet's nutrition and what to do if they don't eat.

11

What are your policies on pet medication and how do you administer it?

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Why this works

Understanding their medication policies helps you know how they'll handle your pet's medical needs and ensure they receive proper treatment.

12

What are your policies on pet grooming and what do you do if my pet needs care?

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Why this works

Understanding their grooming policies helps you know how they'll handle your pet's grooming needs and what to do if they need attention.

13

What are your policies on pet socialization and how do you handle interactions with other pets?

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Why this works

Understanding their socialization policies helps you know how they'll handle your pet's social needs and interactions with other animals.

14

What are your policies on pet training and how do you reinforce good behavior?

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Why this works

Understanding their training policies helps you know how they'll maintain your pet's training and reinforce positive behaviors.

15

What are your policies on pet comfort and how do you ensure my pet feels at ease?

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Why this works

Understanding their comfort policies helps you know how they'll keep your pet comfortable and reduce stress while you're away.

16

What are your policies on pet communication and how do you keep me informed?

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Why this works

Understanding their communication policies helps you know how they'll keep you updated about your pet's well-being and any concerns.

17

What are your policies on pet transportation and how do you handle vet visits?

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Why this works

Understanding their transportation policies helps you know how they'll handle your pet's transportation needs and emergency vet visits.

18

What are your policies on pet insurance and what coverage do you have?

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Why this works

Understanding their insurance coverage helps you know what protection you have and what to expect if something goes wrong.

19

What are your policies on pet backup care and what happens if you can't make it?

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Why this works

Understanding their backup care policies helps you know what happens if they can't provide care and how your pet will be looked after.

20

What are the most important things I should know about working with you?

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Why this works

Getting their perspective on what's most important helps you understand their approach and what to expect from their services.

Choosing the Right Pet Sitter

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

Before Meeting Your Pet Sitter

Prepare Your Questions

Create a list of questions that address your specific concerns and help you understand their services and approach.

Know Your Pet's Needs

Identify your pet's specific needs, behaviors, and requirements to ensure the sitter can provide appropriate care.

Check References

Ask for references from other pet owners and follow up to understand their experience with the sitter.

Effective Communication

Be Clear About Your Expectations

Clearly communicate your pet's needs, routines, and any special requirements to ensure they receive proper care.

Ask About Their Process

Understand how they plan and execute pet care and what you can expect from their services.

Discuss Your Pet's Routine

Share your pet's daily routine and discuss how they'll maintain it while you're away.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Avoid Sitters Who Don't Listen

If the sitter doesn't listen to your concerns or seems dismissive of your pet's needs, it may indicate problems with their service.

Watch for Hidden Costs

Make sure you understand all costs upfront and ask about any additional fees that might not be included in the initial quote.

Consider Their Experience

Make sure the sitter has experience with pets similar to yours and can handle your specific needs and requirements.

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