Handing over the keys to your home and the care of your pet to someone else is a big deal, even if it’s “just” a few days. Most pet owners figure out what to ask a sitter through trial and error — usually after something goes slightly wrong. You don’t have to learn it that way.
This checklist covers everything worth confirming before you book a pet sitter, from the questions to ask during a meet-and-greet to the red flags that should make you keep looking. Print it, save it, or just work through it before your next trip.
Before You Start Searching
- Decide what type of care you need: drop-in visits, daily walks, or overnight stays
- Note any special requirements — medication schedules, senior pet needs, behavioral quirks, or multiple pets with different needs
- Set a realistic budget and get a sense of typical rates in your area for comparison
- Decide how far in advance you need to book, especially around holidays when sitters get booked up fast
Where to Look
- Ask friends, neighbors, or your vet for personal recommendations
- Check pet sitting platforms and apps that include verified reviews
- Look into local, independent pet sitting services with an established local reputation
- Check your community boards or local social media groups for word-of-mouth recommendations
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- How long have you been pet sitting, and do you have experience with my specific type of pet or breed?
- Are you bonded and insured? (This matters more than people realize — it protects you if something goes wrong.)
- Can you provide references from other clients?
- What’s your availability, and can you commit to the exact dates I need?
- How do you handle emergencies, and do you have a backup plan if you become unavailable?
- Will you send updates, photos, or check-in messages during visits?
- Do you have a written contract or service agreement?
- What’s included in your standard visit — feeding, walking, playtime, litter box cleaning, medication administration?
- How do you handle a pet who is anxious, reactive, or has behavioral challenges?
- What happens if my pet gets sick or injured while I’m away — do you have a relationship with a vet, or will you use mine?
- Are you comfortable administering medication, including injections if needed?
- How do you handle access to my home — key exchange, lockbox, smart lock code?
What to Confirm During a Meet-and-Greet
Never book a sitter sight unseen. A proper meet-and-greet, ideally in your home with your pet present, tells you far more than any review ever could.
- Watch how your pet reacts to the sitter — comfort level matters more than you might think
- Confirm the sitter is comfortable with your specific pet’s size, breed, and temperament
- Walk through your pet’s full routine together: feeding times, portions, walk schedules, favorite spots, quirks
- Show them where supplies, food, medication, and cleaning materials are kept
- Point out anything unusual about your home — a finicky door, an escape-prone gate, a cat who bolts when the door opens
- Discuss house rules: furniture access, areas off-limits, guests allowed or not
- Confirm exact drop-off and pickup logistics for keys or access
Documents and Details to Have Ready
- Your pet’s vet contact information and a signed authorization for emergency treatment if required
- A list of current medications, dosages, and administration times
- Emergency contacts, including a backup person who can step in if the sitter can’t reach you
- Your travel itinerary and the best way to reach you while away
- Feeding instructions written out clearly, including brand, amount, and timing
- Any allergies or health conditions the sitter should know about
- A copy of your pet’s vaccination records, especially if the sitter may need to visit a vet in an emergency
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance to do an in-person meet-and-greet before booking
- No references or reviews available, or reviews that seem generic or unverifiable
- Vague or evasive answers about insurance, bonding, or experience
- No written agreement or contract outlining services, cost, and cancellation policy
- Pushy about payment upfront in full with no clear cancellation or refund terms
- Unclear communication style during initial conversations — if it’s hard to get a straight answer now, it won’t improve once you’re away
- No clear plan for emergencies or how they’d handle a sick or injured pet
- Overpromising availability without confirming it against your actual dates
- Poor reviews mentioning missed visits, late arrivals, or lack of communication
After You Book
- Do a trial run with a short visit or single day before a longer trip if this is a new sitter
- Set expectations for check-in frequency — daily photo, text update, or app notification
- Leave a spare key with a neighbor as backup, in addition to whatever access method the sitter uses
- Confirm a specific plan for what happens if the sitter can’t make a scheduled visit
- Do a final walkthrough or call the day before you leave to confirm everything is set
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a pet sitter?
Rates vary significantly by region, visit length, and whether it’s a drop-in visit or overnight stay. Get a few quotes from local sitters or services to understand the going rate in your specific area before committing.
How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?
For regular trips, a couple of weeks is usually plenty. For busy travel periods like major holidays, book as early as you can — a month or more ahead isn’t unreasonable, since good sitters get booked up fast.
Should I use an app or an independent local sitter?
Both can work well. Apps often offer built-in reviews, background checks, and payment protection, while independent local sitters may offer more personalized, consistent care if you find someone reliable. Either way, always do your own vetting regardless of the platform.
What should I do if my pet doesn’t seem comfortable with the sitter?
Trust that reaction. Pets often pick up on things we don’t consciously notice. If your pet seems unusually anxious or avoidant during the meet-and-greet, it’s worth trying a different sitter rather than hoping it improves once you’re gone.
Is it normal to give a pet sitter a key to my house?
Yes, this is standard practice, but confirm how the sitter stores and handles keys securely, and consider a lockbox or smart lock as an alternative that avoids handing over a physical key altogether.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a pet sitter isn’t about finding someone perfect — it’s about finding someone thorough, communicative, and genuinely comfortable with your pet’s specific needs. Work through this checklist, trust your instincts during the meet-and-greet, and don’t skip the written agreement. A little diligence upfront means you can actually relax on your trip instead of checking your phone every hour.
