Questions to Ask When Hiring a Pet Sitter
Essential questions to ask when hiring a pet sitter to ensure your pet receives proper care, safety, and attention while you're away.
1What experience do you have with pets, and do you have references?
Click to see why this works
What experience do you have with pets, and do you have references?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their experience helps you assess their qualifications and ensures they have the skills and knowledge to care for your pet properly.
2What services do you provide, and what is included in your care?
Click to see why this works
What services do you provide, and what is included in your care?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding services helps you assess if the pet sitter can meet your pet's specific needs and ensures you know what to expect from their care.
3How do you handle emergencies, and what is your backup plan?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle emergencies, and what is your backup plan?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding emergency procedures helps you feel confident about your pet's safety and ensures the sitter can handle unexpected situations.
4What is your approach to feeding, exercise, and medication administration?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to feeding, exercise, and medication administration?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their care approach helps you assess if they can meet your pet's specific needs and maintain their routine while you're away.
5How do you handle pets with special needs or behavioral issues?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle pets with special needs or behavioral issues?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding special needs care helps you assess if the sitter can provide appropriate care for pets with medical conditions or behavioral challenges.
6What is your availability, and how far in advance do you need bookings?
Click to see why this works
What is your availability, and how far in advance do you need bookings?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding availability helps you plan for future needs and ensures the sitter can accommodate your schedule and booking requirements.
7How do you communicate with pet owners, and how often will you provide updates?
Click to see why this works
How do you communicate with pet owners, and how often will you provide updates?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding communication helps you stay informed about your pet's well-being and ensures you can reach the sitter when needed.
8What are your rates, and what payment methods do you accept?
Click to see why this works
What are your rates, and what payment methods do you accept?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding costs and payment helps you budget for pet care and ensures you can pay the sitter in a way that's convenient for both of you.
9Do you have insurance and bonding, and what does it cover?
Click to see why this works
Do you have insurance and bonding, and what does it cover?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding insurance helps you assess the sitter's professionalism and ensures you're protected in case of accidents or incidents.
10How do you handle multiple pets, and what is your capacity?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle multiple pets, and what is your capacity?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding capacity helps you assess if the sitter can care for all your pets and ensures they won't be overwhelmed by the workload.
11What is your approach to training and discipline?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to training and discipline?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach helps you ensure the sitter's methods align with your training philosophy and won't undermine your pet's behavior.
12How do you handle pets that are anxious or have separation anxiety?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle pets that are anxious or have separation anxiety?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding anxiety management helps you assess if the sitter can provide comfort and support for pets who struggle with being alone.
13What is your policy on visitors and other people in the home?
Click to see why this works
What is your policy on visitors and other people in the home?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding visitor policies helps you assess security and ensures your home and pet are protected while you're away.
14How do you handle pets that require special diets or feeding schedules?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle pets that require special diets or feeding schedules?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding dietary care helps you ensure your pet's nutritional needs are met and their feeding routine is maintained.
15What is your approach to exercise and playtime?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to exercise and playtime?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding exercise approach helps you assess if the sitter can provide adequate physical activity and mental stimulation for your pet.
16How do you handle pets that are not socialized or have behavioral issues?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle pets that are not socialized or have behavioral issues?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding behavioral care helps you assess if the sitter can safely and effectively manage pets with challenging behaviors.
17What is your policy on taking pets outside the home?
Click to see why this works
What is your policy on taking pets outside the home?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding outdoor policies helps you assess safety and ensures your pet's activities align with your preferences and safety concerns.
18How do you handle pets that require medical attention or have health issues?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle pets that require medical attention or have health issues?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding medical care helps you assess if the sitter can provide appropriate care for pets with health conditions and respond to medical emergencies.
19What is your cancellation policy, and how do you handle schedule changes?
Click to see why this works
What is your cancellation policy, and how do you handle schedule changes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding cancellation policies helps you plan for changes and ensures you know what to expect if you need to modify your booking.
20How do you ensure the safety and security of my home while I'm away?
Click to see why this works
How do you ensure the safety and security of my home while I'm away?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding security measures helps you feel confident about leaving your home in the sitter's care and ensures your property is protected.
Hiring the Right Pet Sitter
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Finding Quality Care
Check References
Contact previous clients to verify the sitter's experience, reliability, and quality of care before making a decision.
Meet in Person
Schedule a meet-and-greet to assess the sitter's personality and how they interact with your pet before hiring them.
Get Everything in Writing
Create a written agreement that outlines services, rates, policies, and expectations to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clear communication.