Questions to Ask When Dog Sitting
Essential questions to ask dog owners before pet sitting, ensuring you understand their pet's needs, routines, and preferences while providing the best possible care.
1What is your dog's daily routine, and how strictly should I follow it?
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What is your dog's daily routine, and how strictly should I follow it?
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Why this works
Establishes the daily schedule and expectations, helping you maintain consistency and provide care that aligns with the dog's normal routine.
2What does your dog eat, how much, and when should I feed them?
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What does your dog eat, how much, and when should I feed them?
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Why this works
Ensures proper nutrition and feeding schedule, preventing digestive issues and maintaining the dog's health and well-being.
3What are your dog's exercise needs, and how often should I walk them?
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What are your dog's exercise needs, and how often should I walk them?
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Why this works
Reveals the dog's activity level and exercise requirements, helping you provide appropriate physical activity and mental stimulation.
4What are your dog's behavioral quirks, and how should I handle them?
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What are your dog's behavioral quirks, and how should I handle them?
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Why this works
Identifies any behavioral issues or unique traits, helping you understand the dog's personality and respond appropriately to their needs.
5What are your dog's medical conditions or medications, and how should I administer them?
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What are your dog's medical conditions or medications, and how should I administer them?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand any health issues and medication protocols, allowing you to provide proper medical care and monitoring.
6What are your dog's favorite toys, treats, and activities, and how can I use them?
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What are your dog's favorite toys, treats, and activities, and how can I use them?
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Why this works
Reveals what the dog enjoys and how to keep them happy and engaged, helping you build a positive relationship with the pet.
7What are your dog's boundaries and rules, and how should I enforce them?
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What are your dog's boundaries and rules, and how should I enforce them?
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Why this works
Establishes the household rules and boundaries, ensuring consistency in training and behavior management.
8What are your dog's fears or triggers, and how should I help them feel safe?
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What are your dog's fears or triggers, and how should I help them feel safe?
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Why this works
Identifies potential stressors and anxiety triggers, helping you avoid situations that may upset or frighten the dog.
9What are your dog's bathroom habits, and where should I take them?
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What are your dog's bathroom habits, and where should I take them?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand the dog's elimination routine and preferences, preventing accidents and maintaining cleanliness.
10What are your dog's social preferences, and how do they interact with other animals or people?
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What are your dog's social preferences, and how do they interact with other animals or people?
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Why this works
Reveals the dog's social behavior and comfort level, helping you manage interactions safely and appropriately.
11What are your dog's sleep preferences, and where do they usually sleep?
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What are your dog's sleep preferences, and where do they usually sleep?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand the dog's sleeping arrangements and preferences, helping them feel comfortable and secure.
12What are your dog's grooming needs, and what should I do during your absence?
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What are your dog's grooming needs, and what should I do during your absence?
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Why this works
Identifies any grooming tasks that may be needed, helping you maintain the dog's hygiene and comfort.
13What are your dog's veterinary contacts, and when should I call them?
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What are your dog's veterinary contacts, and when should I call them?
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Why this works
Establishes emergency protocols and veterinary contacts, ensuring you can get help quickly if needed.
14What are your dog's emergency contacts, and how should I reach you if needed?
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What are your dog's emergency contacts, and how should I reach you if needed?
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Why this works
Ensures you have all necessary contact information for emergencies and questions that may arise during pet sitting.
15What are your dog's collar, leash, and ID tag requirements, and where are they kept?
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What are your dog's collar, leash, and ID tag requirements, and where are they kept?
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Why this works
Ensures you know where to find essential equipment and that the dog is properly identified for safety.
16What are your dog's household access areas, and where are they allowed to go?
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What are your dog's household access areas, and where are they allowed to go?
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Why this works
Establishes which areas of the home the dog can access, helping you maintain boundaries and protect property.
17What are your dog's special instructions or preferences that I should know about?
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What are your dog's special instructions or preferences that I should know about?
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Why this works
Captures any additional important information that may not have been covered in other questions.
18What are your dog's favorite spots in the house, and how can I make them comfortable?
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What are your dog's favorite spots in the house, and how can I make them comfortable?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the dog's comfort zones and preferences, allowing you to help them feel at home in your care.
19What are your dog's departure and arrival behaviors, and how should I handle them?
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What are your dog's departure and arrival behaviors, and how should I handle them?
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Why this works
Prepares you for the dog's emotional reactions to the owner leaving and returning, helping you manage any separation anxiety.
20What are your dog's typical activities and entertainment, and how can I keep them engaged?
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What are your dog's typical activities and entertainment, and how can I keep them engaged?
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Why this works
Ensures you know how to keep the dog mentally stimulated and entertained, preventing boredom and destructive behaviors.
Best Practices for Dog Sitting Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Take Detailed Notes
Write down all the information the owner provides, including schedules, medications, and emergency contacts.
Meet the Dog Beforehand
Arrange a meet-and-greet with the dog before the sitting period to build rapport and assess the dog's personality and needs.
Get Everything in Writing
Request written instructions for feeding, medication, and emergency procedures to avoid confusion or mistakes.
Question Sequences
The Daily Care Routine
The Safety and Health
Common Pitfalls
Don't Make Assumptions
Avoid assuming you know what the dog needs based on general dog knowledge. Every dog is unique and has specific requirements.
Don't Skip Emergency Information
Make sure you have all emergency contacts and veterinary information before the owner leaves.
Don't Forget to Ask About Medications
Always ask about medications and medical conditions, even if the dog appears healthy.