10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

Choosing the right pet sitter is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your pet's care. You're trusting someone with your home, your keys, and most importantly, your beloved companion. Whether you're hiring a pet sitter for the first time or switching to a new one, here are ten essential questions every pet owner should ask.

1. What Are Your Pet Sitting Qualifications?

This is critical. A professional pet sitter should have proper experience and references to ensure quality care for your dog, cat, or other pet. Ask about their training, years of experience, and any certifications they may have. Don't be shy about asking for proof of their qualifications.

Red flag: Sitters who hesitate to provide references or discuss their experience.

2. Do You Have Experience with My Type of Pet?

Not all pet care is the same. If you have a senior dog with mobility issues, you want someone experienced with elderly pets. If you have a parrot or reptile, you need someone who understands their specific needs. Ask about their background with your type of pet.

Good sign: They ask detailed questions about your pet's specific needs.

3. What Is Your Emergency Plan?

Things can go wrong, pets get sick, injuries happen, and emergencies arise. A professional pet sitter should have a clear emergency protocol, including:

• When they would contact you
• How they would reach your veterinarian
• Their authorization to seek emergency care
• How costs would be handled

4. Do You Offer a Free Meet and Greet?

Any reputable pet sitter will want to meet your pet before you leave. This visit allows them to:

• Learn your pet's routine and personality
• Familiarize themselves with your home
• Identify potential issues or special needs
• Build initial trust with your pet

Red flag: Sitters who are willing to start without meeting your pet first. Learn more about how to prepare your pet for a sitter visit.

5. How Will You Communicate With Me While I'm Away?

Good pet sitters provide regular updates. Ask about:

• How often will you receive updates?
• Will updates include photos and videos?
• What's the preferred communication method (text, app, email)?
• How quickly can they respond if you have questions?

6. What Is Your Backup Plan If You Can't Make a Visit?

Life happens. A professional pet sitter should have a backup plan for when they can't make a scheduled visit. Ask if they have a trusted colleague or backup sitter who can step in if needed.

7. What Services Are Included in Each Pet Sitting Visit?

Don't assume, ask specifically what each visit includes:

• How long is each visit?
• Are walks included, and for how long?
• Will they clean litter boxes/pick up waste?
• Can they administer medications?
• Will they bring in mail/packages?
• What about watering plants?

8. What Are Your Rates and Cancellation Policies?

Understand the financial side upfront:

• What is the per-visit or daily rate?
• Is there a holiday surcharge?
• What's the cancellation policy?
• Is a deposit required?
• How and when do you pay?
• Are there extra fees for multiple pets?

9. Can You Provide Client References?

A good pet sitter should have happy clients willing to vouch for them. Ask for 2-3 references and actually call them. Ask about reliability, communication, and how their pets responded to the sitter.

10. What Makes You Different from Other Pet Sitters?

This open-ended question can reveal a lot about a sitter's passion and professionalism. Listen for:

• Genuine enthusiasm for animals
• Specific training or certifications
• Personal touches they provide
• How they handle challenging situations

Trust Your Instincts When Choosing a Pet Sitter

Beyond the questions, pay attention to how you feel about the pet sitter. Do they seem genuinely interested in your pet? Are they patient and thorough in answering your questions? Does your pet seem comfortable with them?

Your pet can't tell you who they prefer, but they can show you through body language. A good match will feel right for everyone. If you're still debating whether to travel with your pet or hire a sitter, we can help you decide during the consultation.

Looking for a trusted pet sitter in Elizabethtown, PA? Big Mike's Pet Sitting provides professional in-home pet care for dogs, cats, and other pets throughout Lancaster County. We offer free meet-and-greets, daily photo updates, and experienced care for pets of all kinds, including those needing medication. Contact us for a free consultation!