Choosing someone to care for your pet while you're away is one of those decisions that feels disproportionately high-stakes. And honestly, it should. Your pet is family, and the person you entrust them to needs to be reliable, attentive, and genuinely invested in your animal's wellbeing.
We're obviously biased — we are pet sitters — but we've also been on the receiving end of frantic calls from pet parents who chose the wrong sitter. We've seen what goes wrong and what goes right. Here's our honest guide to finding someone you can trust.
What to Look For
Experience with Your Type of Pet
A great dog sitter isn't automatically a great cat sitter, and neither of them may know what to do with a rabbit or a parrot. Ask specifically about experience with your pet's species, breed, and any special needs. A sitter who's handled a diabetic cat before will be far more confident managing insulin injections than one who's learning on the job.
References and Reviews
Ask for references and actually call them. Online reviews are helpful, but a five-minute phone conversation with a previous client will tell you more than fifty five-star ratings. Ask about reliability, communication, and how the sitter handled any unexpected situations.
Insurance and Bonding
Professional pet sitters should carry liability insurance at minimum. This protects both you and the sitter if something goes wrong — a broken vase, an escaped dog, a vet emergency. If a sitter can't tell you about their insurance coverage, that's a significant gap. Ask to see proof — any professional will be glad you did.
A Meet-and-Greet Before Commitment
Any reputable sitter will want to meet your pet before the first booking. This visit gives the sitter a chance to learn your pet's personality, walk through your home, and discuss the routine. It also gives your pet a chance to meet the sitter in a low-pressure setting. If a sitter wants to skip this step, reconsider.
Clear Communication Style
Pay attention to how the sitter communicates during the booking process. Do they respond promptly? Do they ask thoughtful questions about your pet? Do they confirm details clearly? The way they communicate before the job is a preview of how they'll communicate during it.
Red Flags vs. Green Flags
| Green Flags | Red Flags |
|---|---|
| Insists on a meet-and-greet before the first visit | Willing to start without meeting your pet first |
| Asks detailed questions about your pet's routine, health, and behavior | Doesn't ask many questions; seems to assume all pets are the same |
| Carries liability insurance and can provide proof | Vague about insurance or says it's "not necessary" |
| Provides references from current or recent clients | No references available or unwilling to share them |
| Has a clear cancellation and emergency policy | No written policies; everything is "flexible" with no specifics |
| Sends photos and updates proactively | You have to chase them for updates on your pet |
| Has a backup plan if they get sick or have an emergency | No contingency plan; your pet would be stranded if something happens |
| Is transparent about pricing with no hidden fees | Pricing is unclear or changes after you've already committed |
Questions to Ask
When you're interviewing a potential sitter, don't be shy about asking direct questions. Here are a few we recommend:
How long have you been pet sitting professionally? What would you do if my pet got sick or injured while I was away? Do you have a backup sitter in case of emergency? How many other pets are you caring for at the same time? Can you accommodate my pet's specific feeding/medication schedule? Will you send daily updates, and in what format?
Once you've chosen someone, our pre-trip checklist covers everything they'll need from you before you leave.
Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, trust matters. You can check every box on the list and still feel uneasy about a sitter. Pay attention to that feeling. Watch how they interact with your pet during the meet-and-greet. A sitter who gets down on the floor, speaks softly, and lets your pet come to them is showing you something that no reference check can verify: genuine care.
And if you're looking for a sitter who checks all the boxes and actually enjoys every minute of it, we'd love to meet your pet — the meet-and-greet is always free.
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