10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

Choosing a pet sitter is a big decision. You're trusting someone with your home, your keys, and your pet. Asking the right questions upfront saves headaches later. Here are the ten questions that matter most.

1. What Are Your Qualifications?

A good sitter has real experience and references. Ask about their training, how long they've been doing this, and any certifications. Don't be shy about asking for proof. Any professional will be happy to show you.

Red flag: Hesitation to discuss experience or provide references.

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

If you've got a senior dog with arthritis, you want someone who knows how to handle that. If you've got a parrot or reptile, they need specific knowledge. Ask specifically about their experience with your pet type.

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

3. What's Your Emergency Plan?

Something could happen. What does your sitter do if your pet gets sick or injured? Ask about:

• When they'd contact you
• How they'd get your pet to the vet
• Whether they're authorized to seek emergency care
• How costs get handled

4. Do You Offer a Free Meet and Greet?

Any professional will want to meet your pet first. This visit lets you see their personality, lets them learn your pet's routine, and lets your pet get comfortable. It's essential preparation.

Red flag: Willing to start without meeting your pet first. That's not professional.

5. How Will You Keep Me Updated?

Ask about:

• How often you'll get updates
• Whether they include photos and videos
• What communication method they use (text, app, email)
• How quickly they respond to your questions

6. What Happens If You Can't Make a Visit?

Life happens. Does your sitter have a backup? A trusted colleague who can step in? Ask how they handle situations where they can't make it.

7. What's Actually Included in a Visit?

Don't assume. Ask specifically:

• How long is each visit?
• Are walks included? How long?
• Do they clean litter boxes and pick up waste?
• Can they give medications?
• Will they bring in mail or water plants?

8. How Much Does This Cost?

Get everything in writing:

• Per visit or daily rate?
• Holiday surcharges?
• What's the cancellation policy?
• Deposit required?
• How and when do you pay?
• Extra fees for multiple pets?

9. Can You Give Me References?

Good sitters 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?

Listen to what they say. Real passion for animals comes through. Look for:

• Genuine enthusiasm for pets
• Specific training or certifications
• Personal touches they offer
• How they handle difficult situations

Trust Your Gut

Beyond the questions, how do you feel about this person? Do they seem genuinely interested in your pet? Patient answering your questions? Does your pet seem comfortable with them? Your instinct matters.

You can't always know what your pet thinks, but you can read their body language. A good fit will feel right for everyone. If you're still deciding between traveling with your pet or hiring a sitter, we can talk through it during a consultation.

Looking for a trusted pet sitter in Elizabethtown? Contact me for a free consultation. I offer free meet and greets, send photo updates, and have years of experience with all kinds of pets. Serving South Central PA.