Questions to ask about pets

How do you handle cancellations, late notice, holidays and your own sick days?

Cover is where solo walkers struggle, and this is the failure that leaves your dog crossed-legged all afternoon. Ask specifically who walks your dog when they have flu.

From: Questions to Ask a Dog Walker

Who did you tell first, the last time something good happened?

This maps who is closest to them without asking about their relationships directly. A parent, a sibling, one particular friend or nobody at all are four quite different answers, and the last one is worth sitting with rather than rushing past.

From: Questions to Ask Crush the Turtle

Given her breed and her history, what is she prone to?

Some breeds carry known heart or kidney conditions, and a cat who lived outside may have infections or a lasting anxiety about food. Knowing the tendency tells you what to screen for, and roughly when to start.

From: Questions to Ask About Cats

What are you feeding them, and how often?

You want the exact brand so you can keep it going for a week and avoid an upset stomach on top of the stress of moving house. Vagueness here usually means the litter has been eating whatever was cheapest that week.

From: Questions to Ask When Buying a Puppy on Craigslist

What would you do if he got out of the house?

Listen for a sequence: search the immediate area, call you, contact the local shelters and the microchip database, post locally. Sitters who have thought about escapes usually also mention how they will manage doors and gates to prevent one.

From: Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter

Is the dog house trained, and what is their bathroom schedule?

House training is the single most common reason adopters return a dog in the first month. Ask how many hours they can actually hold it and whether accidents happen at night, when crated, or when excited.

From: Questions to Ask About Dogs