If you’re like most pet owners, your furry friend is a member of the family. When you travel, you want to make sure your pet is in good hands. That’s where a pet sitter comes in. A pet sitter will take care of your pet while you’re away, making sure they’re fed, walked, and loved.
But not all pet sitters are the same. To find the right one for your needs, you should ask a few questions.
45 Questions to ask a potential pet sitter to help you make the best decision for your pet:
- Do you have any professional experience caring for pets?
- What kind of pets are you comfortable caring for?
- Have you ever had to administer medication to a pet before?
- What would you do if my pet got sick or injured while I was away?
- Do you have experience with special needs pets?
- How much time are you willing to spend with my pet each day?
- What activities will you do with my pet?
- Will you keep me updated (e.g., photos, texts, emails) while I’m away?
- What’s your availability on the days I need you?
- Do you have references I can contact?
- What’s your cancelation policy?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Are you comfortable signing a contract?
- Do you have any questions for me or my pet?
- How long have you been pet-sitting?
- Do you have experience with animals of the same species/breed as my pet?
- What is your policy on walking/ exercise?
- What is your policy on feeding?
- How do you handle potty breaks?
- What happens if my pet escapes while you’re sitting?
- What is your policy on bringing food or toys from outside?
- What are your credentials?
- Have you ever had to deal with a biting animal? If so, how did you handle the situation?
- How far in advance do I need to book your services?
- Will you be taking care of my pet alone or will there be other people involved?
- If so, may I please meet them beforehand?
- Do you have training in first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation for animals?
- How much experience do you have?
- How do you charge for your services?
- What are your rates?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- Do you have any emergency procedures in place?
- How will you keep my pet entertained while I’m away?
- Do you have experience caring for multiple pets at once?
- Do you require a meet-and-greet before starting services?
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
- Do you offer any discounts?
- What areas do you operate in?
- How do you screen your employees/independent contractors?
- What kind of training do your employees/contractors receive?
- What’s your policy regarding keys, alarm codes, and other access information?
- Are there any additional costs involved?
- What are your availability and scheduling requirements?
- What should I do to prepare for your visit?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pet sitter have to do?
A pet sitter is responsible for taking care of a pet while the owner is away. This may include feeding, walking, and providing basic needs such as water and shelter.
The pet sitter must also be comfortable with handling animals, including those that can be aggressive or unpredictable. They must also be able to follow the owner’s instructions regarding the care of their pet.
Do pet sitters need a license?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t clear. While there are no specific laws requiring pet sitters to be licensed, some states may have regulations that require pet sitters to be registered with the state or meet other requirements.
It’s important to check with your local government to see if there are any specific requirements for pet sitters in your area. When you hire a pet sitter, you must ask them about their licensing and qualifications. This way you can be sure that your pet is in good hands.
Conclusion
All of these questions are important to ask before entrusting someone with the care of your beloved animal companion. Ultimately, it’s also important to trust your gut. If something seems strange or you don’t feel completely comfortable with the person, it’s probably best to keep looking around until you find someone who’s a good fit for you and your pet.
