Leaving your beloved pet in someone else’s care can feel nerve-wracking. Whether you’re going on holiday, working long hours, or dealing with an emergency, choosing the right pet sitter is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. This comprehensive guide provides 21 essential questions that will help you find a trustworthy, competent pet sitter who’ll treat your furry friend like family.
Why These Questions Matter
A professional pet sitter isn’t just someone who feeds your pet and leaves. They’re a temporary guardian responsible for your pet’s safety, health, and happiness. The right questions help you:
- Assess experience and competence – Can they handle your pet’s specific needs?
- Evaluate reliability – Will they show up on time, every time?
- Verify safety protocols – Do they know what to do in emergencies?
- Gauge personality fit – Will your pet feel comfortable with them?
- Establish clear expectations – Are you both on the same page?
Let’s dive into the 21 questions every pet owner should ask before hiring a sitter.
Section 1: Experience and Qualifications (Questions 1-5)
1. “How long have you been pet sitting, and how many animals do you currently care for?”
Why it matters: Experience indicates reliability and problem-solving skills. A sitter who’s been in business for years has proven they can handle various situations.
What to look for:
- Minimum 6-12 months of consistent pet sitting experience
- Current client base (3-10+ regular clients suggests they’re doing something right)
- Longevity with existing clients (repeat customers = satisfied customers)
Red flag: Someone who’s “just started last week” or has no current clients may lack experience handling unexpected situations.
2. “What types of animals have you cared for, and what size/breed of dog are you most comfortable with?”
Why it matters: A sitter experienced with small lap dogs may struggle with a large, energetic German Shepherd. Breed-specific knowledge matters.
What to look for:
- Specific experience with your pet’s breed or similar breeds
- Comfort level with your pet’s size and energy level
- Experience with special needs if applicable (puppies, senior pets, medical conditions)
Good answer example: “I’ve been caring for large breed dogs for three years. I’m very comfortable with energetic breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds, and I have experience managing pulling on leads and high energy play.”
3. “Do you have any pet care qualifications or first aid training?”
Why it matters: While not legally required, qualifications demonstrate commitment and preparedness for emergencies.
What to look for:
- Pet first aid certification (ideal but not essential)
- References from veterinary professionals
- Breed-specific training or behavior courses
- Personal pet ownership experience
Remember: Qualifications are a plus, but genuine experience and passion often matter more than certificates.
4. “Can you provide references from current or previous clients?”
Why it matters: References verify claims and provide honest feedback about reliability, trustworthiness, and pet care quality.
What to look for:
- At least 2-3 contactable references
- Recent references (within last 6 months)
- Willingness to provide references immediately (hesitation is a red flag)
When checking references, ask:
- “How long has [sitter] cared for your pet?”
- “Have they ever missed a visit or arrived late?”
- “How does your pet react when they arrive?”
- “Would you hire them again without hesitation?”
5. “Are you insured for pet sitting, and what does your insurance cover?”
Why it matters: Insurance protects both you and the sitter if accidents occur, damage happens, or injuries arise.
What to look for:
- Public liability insurance (covers damage or injury caused by pets)
- Care, custody, and control insurance (covers the pet while in sitter’s care)
- Willingness to provide proof of insurance
Important note: Many pet sitters starting out may not have insurance yet. In these cases, verify your own home and pet insurance covers third-party care, and consider requesting the sitter signs a basic service agreement.
Section 2: Services and Availability (Questions 6-10)
6. “What exactly does your service include?”
Why it matters: Assumptions cause disappointment. Get specific about what’s included in the rate.
Standard inclusions should be:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Playtime and attention
- Medication administration (if needed)
- Litter box cleaning or waste collection
- Basic home security (lights, mail, curtains)
Common extras (may cost more):
- Dog walking
- Grooming
- Plant watering
- Home cleaning
- Multiple daily visits
Clarify specifics: “Does a ‘home visit’ mean 15 minutes or 30 minutes?” “Does dog walking include off-lead time in the park?”
7. “What’s your daily routine with pets, and how much time will you spend with mine?”
Why it matters: Your pet’s routine shouldn’t be drastically disrupted. Consistency reduces stress.
What to look for:
- Similar schedule to your pet’s normal routine
- Adequate time allocated (minimum 20-30 minutes per home visit)
- Flexibility to accommodate your pet’s specific needs
- Activity level matching your pet’s energy
Discuss specifics:
- Morning walk times
- Feeding schedules
- Evening playtime
- Bedtime routines
8. “Are you available for the entire duration I need, including any potential extensions?”
Why it matters: Last-minute cancellations are nightmares. Confirm complete availability upfront.
What to look for:
- Clear confirmation they’re available for all requested dates
- Backup plan if something unexpected arises
- Availability for last-minute emergencies or trip extensions
Ask directly: “If my flight is delayed and I return a day late, would you be able to continue caring for [pet’s name]?”
9. “How many other pets will you be caring for during my booking?”
Why it matters: Overbooked sitters can’t provide adequate attention and may cut corners on care.
What to look for:
- Manageable workload (professional sitters handle 3-8 pets per day depending on services)
- Adequate time allocated between appointments
- Clear schedule showing they won’t be rushed
Red flag: A sitter caring for 15+ pets per day is likely spreading themselves too thin. Your pet may receive minimal attention.
10. “What happens if you have an emergency and can’t make a scheduled visit?”
Why it matters: Life happens. Professional sitters have backup plans.
What to look for:
- Network of trusted backup sitters they work with
- Emergency protocol clearly explained
- Commitment to notify you immediately
- Backup always vetted and experienced
Professional answer: “I have two backup sitters I’ve worked with for years who know my clients. If I had a genuine emergency, I’d arrange for one of them to take over and notify you immediately with their contact details.”
Section 3: Safety and Emergency Procedures (Questions 11-15)
11. “What would you do if my pet became ill or injured while in your care?”
Why it matters: This reveals their crisis management skills and judgment.
What to look for:
- Clear protocol: assess situation → contact you → contact vet if serious
- Knowledge of when to seek immediate veterinary care
- Willingness to act decisively in emergencies
- Understanding of your vet’s location and hours
Good answer: “I’d first assess the severity. For anything serious like difficulty breathing, collapse, or bleeding, I’d take your pet immediately to your vet or the nearest emergency vet and call you right away. For less urgent concerns, I’d call you first to discuss symptoms and decide together.”
12. “Do you have contact details for my vet and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic?”
Why it matters: In emergencies, seconds count. They should know exactly where to go.
What to look for:
- Request for your vet’s details before the booking starts
- They research emergency vet locations beforehand
- Emergency contacts added to their phone
Your responsibility: Provide clear written information including:
- Regular vet: name, address, phone, hours
- Emergency vet: name, address, phone (open 24/7)
- Your authorization for treatment and spending limits
13. “Are you confident administering medication, and what experience do you have with this?”
Why it matters: Medication errors can be dangerous or fatal.
What to look for:
- Honest assessment of their capabilities
- Previous experience with pills, injections, topical treatments
- Willingness to be shown your pet’s medication routine
- Request for written instructions
Red flag: Someone who seems overly confident without asking specifics about your pet’s medication. Pills for a calm cat versus an injection for a nervous dog require very different skills.
Trial run: Always have the sitter practice administering medication during the meet-and-greet while you supervise.
14. “How will you secure my home when you leave?”
Why it matters: Your home security is as important as pet care.
What to look for:
- Careful attention to locking all doors and windows
- Resetting alarm systems if applicable
- Rotating lights and curtains for security appearance
- Never leaving spare keys visible
Discuss:
- Alarm codes and procedures
- Which doors they should use
- Where spare key will be kept
- How they’ll return keys after the booking
15. “What’s your policy on having other people present during visits?”
Why it matters: You’re trusting one specific person, not their friends or family members.
What to look for:
- Solo visits only (unless previously agreed)
- Clear policy on no unauthorized visitors
- Understanding that your home is private
Red flag: “Oh, I sometimes bring my partner/children along” without asking permission first.
Section 4: Communication and Updates (Questions 16-18)
16. “How often will you update me about my pet, and what’s your preferred communication method?”
Why it matters: Regular updates provide peace of mind and prove visits are happening as scheduled.
What to look for:
- Daily updates minimum (photos/videos ideal)
- Quick response to your messages (within 2-4 hours)
- Flexibility to accommodate your communication preferences
Standard expectation: Photo and short update after each visit or walk. More detailed daily summary messages.
Example update: “Bella had a great walk this morning! 30 minutes around the park, lots of sniffing and tail wagging. Ate breakfast well, and now snoozing on the sofa. All good here! 🐾 [photo attached]”
17. “Will you notify me immediately if anything unusual happens, even if it seems minor?”
Why it matters: What seems minor to them might be significant to you. Open communication prevents misunderstandings.
What to look for:
- Commitment to over-communicate rather than under-communicate
- Err on the side of notifying you about concerns
- Documented evidence (photos of concerning symptoms, behavior changes)
Examples to discuss:
- Pet not eating a meal
- Slight limping after a walk
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Unusual behavior or lethargy
- Visitors or deliveries at your home
18. “Are you comfortable with video calls so I can see my pet?”
Why it matters: Seeing your pet happy and healthy provides invaluable peace of mind.
What to look for:
- Willingness to arrange brief video calls
- Understanding that pet owners miss their animals
- Flexibility with timing given the time zone differences if you’re abroad
Set expectations: One scheduled video call every 2-3 days is reasonable. Daily video calls may be excessive unless your pet has special needs.
Section 5: Practical Arrangements (Questions 19-21)
19. “What are your rates, and what’s your cancellation policy?”
Why it matters: Clear financial arrangements prevent disputes and ensure both parties are protected.
Discuss in detail:
- Base rates: Per visit, per walk, per night
- Additional fees: Medication administration, extra long walks, multiple pets, holidays
- Payment timing: Upfront, upon completion, or split payment
- Payment methods: Bank transfer, cash, PayPal
Cancellation policies to clarify:
- Client cancellations: How much notice required? Refund policy?
- Sitter cancellations: Backup arrangements? Compensation?
Standard professional policy:
- 7+ days notice: Full refund
- 3-7 days notice: 50% refund
- Less than 3 days: No refund (sitter has turned away other work)
Holiday surcharges: Many sitters charge 25-50% more for Christmas, New Year, Easter. Clarify this upfront.
20. “Do you have a key holding policy, and how will my key be stored securely?”
Why it matters: Keys to your home are valuable and potentially dangerous if stolen or lost.
What to look for:
- Keys stored securely (not with your address attached)
- Clear policy on when keys will be returned
- Never photographing your address with keys
- Secure key safe alternative if you prefer
Options to discuss:
- Key-safe: You provide code, no physical key needed
- Key collection: Pick up from you before departure
- Key retention: Sitter keeps key for future bookings (only if you fully trust them)
- Key return: Returned immediately after final visit
21. “Can we arrange a meet-and-greet before the booking, and will there be a charge?”
Why it matters: This is the most important step. You and your pet need to meet the sitter in your home environment.
What to look for:
- Free meet-and-greet offered (standard professional practice)
- Willingness to spend 20-30 minutes minimum
- Observing how your pet reacts to them
- Opportunity to show them your home, routines, and answer questions
During the meet-and-greet, observe:
- Does your pet seem comfortable and relaxed?
- Does the sitter engage naturally with your pet?
- Do they ask thoughtful questions?
- Do they take notes about your pet’s needs?
- Do you feel comfortable with them in your home?
Trust your instincts: If something feels off during the meet-and-greet, it’s perfectly fine to say, “Thanks for your time, but I don’t think it’s the right fit.” A good sitter will understand.
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
No matter how good the answers sound, watch for these warning signs:
🚩 Reluctant to provide references or proof of insurance
🚩 Can’t commit to your specific dates without double-booking
🚩 Seems more interested in payment than your pet’s wellbeing
🚩 Gives vague answers about emergency procedures
🚩 Refuses a meet-and-greet or wants to charge for it
🚩 Your pet shows fear or anxiety around them
🚩 They pressure you to book immediately without thinking
🚩 Their Trader Street profile has no reviews or recent activity
🚩 They can’t explain gaps in their pet sitting history
🚩 Their social media shows irresponsible pet handling
Green Flags: Signs You’ve Found a Great Sitter
✅ Multiple positive reviews mentioning reliability and communication
✅ Your pet immediately warms to them (dogs greet happily, cats don’t hide)
✅ They ask detailed questions about your pet’s personality and quirks
✅ They take extensive notes during the meet-and-greet
✅ They discuss worst-case scenarios without being prompted
✅ They’ve cared for similar breeds/species long-term
✅ Their availability schedule is clear and organised
✅ They volunteer information about insurance and emergency procedures
✅ Current clients provide glowing, specific references
✅ They suggest a trial shorter booking before a longer holiday
After the Interview: Making Your Decision
Don’t rush. Take 24-48 hours to consider:
- Review your notes from the conversation
- Check references thoroughly – actually call them
- Trust your gut feeling about the person
- Assess your pet’s reaction during the meet-and-greet
- Compare 2-3 sitters if you interviewed multiple candidates
Consider a trial run: Before a two-week holiday, book them for a weekend away first. This lets you:
- Test their reliability and communication
- See how your pet responds
- Identify any issues in a lower-stakes situation
- Build trust gradually
Creating Your Written Agreement
Once you’ve chosen your sitter, formalise the arrangement with a simple written agreement including:
Pet care specifics:
- Feeding times and amounts
- Walk duration and routes
- Medication schedule with photos
- Behaviour quirks and handling tips
- Favourite toys and comfort items
Emergency information:
- Your contact details (phone, email, WhatsApp)
- Secondary emergency contact (friend/family)
- Vet details (regular and emergency)
- Authorisation to seek veterinary care and spending limits
Home care tasks:
- Which rooms can be accessed
- Alarm codes and instructions
- Plant watering schedule
- Mail/package handling
- Waste bin day reminders
Payment terms:
- Total cost broken down
- Payment schedule
- Cancellation policy
- Additional charges explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I interview multiple sitters before deciding?
Yes, interview at least 2-3 candidates if possible. This gives you comparison points and helps you identify who truly stands out. However, trust strong recommendations from friends who’ve used a sitter successfully.
How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?
For holidays and peak seasons (Christmas, summer), book 6-8 weeks ahead. For regular weekly care, 2-3 weeks notice is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) limit your options.
What if my pet doesn’t get along with the sitter during the meet-and-greet?
Trust your pet’s judgment. If your normally friendly dog hides or shows anxiety, or your cat hisses unusually, consider this a warning sign. Don’t force it – find someone your pet naturally bonds with.
Is it reasonable to ask for a daily video call?
While one daily text/photo update is standard, video calls require timing coordination. One scheduled video call every 2-3 days is reasonable for longer bookings, but requesting multiple daily video calls may be excessive unless you’re paying for premium service.
Should I install a pet camera?
Pet cameras (like Furbo or Petcube) are excellent for your own peace of mind, letting you check in independently. However, inform your sitter about cameras out of courtesy and respect. Hidden cameras without disclosure damage trust and may violate UK privacy expectations.
How do I handle keys securely?
Never label keys with your full address. Use a keysafe where possible. If the sitter retains keys for ongoing bookings, ensure they’re stored securely without identifying information. For one-off bookings, arrange key collection and immediate return.
Your Next Steps
Now that you have the complete checklist of 21 questions, here’s how to move forward:
1. Browse pet sitters on Trader Street in your local area
2. Shortlist 2-3 candidates with good reviews and relevant experience
3. Contact them through Trader Street messaging with your booking dates and requirements
4. Use these 21 questions during your conversation or meet-and-greet
5. Check their references before making your final decision
6. Book a trial shorter visit before longer commitments if possible
7. Create a written care plan covering all the topics we’ve discussed
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts
Hiring a pet sitter is a deeply personal decision. While this checklist ensures you cover all practical bases, ultimately trust your intuition. If someone seems perfect on paper but something feels off, keep looking. Conversely, if someone has slightly less experience but your pet adores them and you feel completely comfortable, that connection matters enormously.
The right pet sitter doesn’t just care for your pet – they provide you with complete peace of mind so you can enjoy your time away knowing your furry family member is safe, happy, and loved.
Remember: A professional, caring pet sitter will welcome these questions. They understand that responsible pet owners do their homework, and they’ll appreciate your thoroughness. If anyone seems defensive or evasive when answering these questions, that’s your cue to look elsewhere.
Your pet deserves the very best care, and asking these 21 questions ensures you’ll find someone worthy of that trust.
Ready to find your perfect pet sitter? Browse trusted local pet sitters on Trader Street and start your search today. With detailed profiles, verified reviews, and easy messaging, finding reliable pet care has never been simpler.
Bonus: Your Printable Pet Sitter Interview Checklist
Save or print this condensed checklist to bring to your meet-and-greets:
Experience & Qualifications
- [ ] How long have you been pet sitting?
- [ ] What types/breeds have you cared for?
- [ ] Do you have qualifications or first aid training?
- [ ] Can you provide 2-3 references?
- [ ] Are you insured?
Services & Availability
- [ ] What’s included in your service?
- [ ] How much time will you spend with my pet?
- [ ] Are you available for my entire booking period?
- [ ] How many other pets will you be caring for?
- [ ] What’s your backup plan for emergencies?
Safety & Emergencies
- [ ] What would you do if my pet became ill/injured?
- [ ] Do you have my vet and emergency vet details?
- [ ] Are you confident giving medication?
- [ ] How will you secure my home?
- [ ] What’s your policy on having others present?
Communication
- [ ] How often will you send updates?
- [ ] Will you notify me about anything unusual immediately?
- [ ] Are you comfortable with video calls?
Practical Details
- [ ] What are your rates and cancellation policy?
- [ ] How will you handle and store my key?
- [ ] Can we arrange a meet-and-greet?
My Observations
- [ ] My pet’s reaction to the sitter:
- [ ] My gut feeling about this person:
- [ ] Any concerns to address:
- [ ] Decision: Yes / No / Maybe (trial first)
Have you used these questions when hiring a pet sitter? Share your experiences in the comments below and help other pet owners make informed decisions!