The Ultimate Guide: How to Choose a Pet Sitter You Can Trust

Leaving your pet with someone else for the first time? Yeah, it’s kinda terrifying. The first weekend I left my dog Max with a sitter, I called to check in so many times they probably wanted to block my number. Finding that perfect person to care for your furry friend isn’t just another task to check off your list – it’s about being able to actually enjoy your vacation without worrying the whole time.

Let me walk you through how to choose a pet sitter who’ll treat your pet like family. After ten years and countless trial-and-error experiences (including one disaster involving my cat and a well-meaning but clueless college student), I’ve figured out a few things that might help you.

What Matters When Picking a Pet Sitter

Before you start scrolling through profiles or asking around, take a minute to think about what your specific pet needs. My high-energy border collie needs someone different than my friend’s elderly cat.

Great pet sitters aren’t just animal lovers. They’re reliable people who can read pet body language, stay calm during problems, and enjoy hanging out with animals.

Look for someone who has:

• Real experience with pets like yours
• A track record of showing up when promised
• The ability to listen to your instructions
• A natural way with your particular pet
• Basic knowledge about pet health issues
• The flexibility to handle whatever comes up

I learned this one the hard way. Last year, I hired a sitter who seemed perfect on paper but completely ignored my notes about my dog’s sensitive stomach. Three days of special diet and meds later, I realized how important those “picky details” really are.

Friends vs. Professionals: Which Way Should You Go?

One of the biggest questions when figuring out how to choose a pet sitter is whether to ask your buddy from work or hire someone who does this for a living.

Your neighbor might charge less, but would they know what to do if your dog ate something weird? The professional service costs more, but it comes with training and backup plans.

If you go professional, you usually get:

• Insurance if anything goes wrong
• People who’ve passed background checks
• Training in basic animal care and emergencies
• A backup person if your regular sitter gets sick
• Regular pictures and updates through their app

With friends or family, you might get:

• Someone your pet already knows and likes
• More flexibility with last-minute schedule changes
• Usually a lower price tag, sometimes free
• Someone willing to stay overnight in your home
• Care that feels more personal and less “by the book”

I’ve gone both routes over the years. For quick overnight trips, my sister is perfect for watching my pets. For my two-week trip to Europe? I definitely needed someone who does this for a living.

Starting Your Search for the Perfect Pet Sitter

Finding names of potential sitters is usually pretty easy – the hard part is figuring out which one is right for your specific situation. Here’s how I approach it.

Ask People Whose Opinions You Actually Trust

The best way to find out how to choose a pet sitter is still good old-fashioned word of mouth. But be picky about whose recommendations you take – your idea of good pet care might be totally different from someone else’s.

I usually ask:

• My vet and the vet techs (they see the good, bad, and ugly)
• The staff at my local pet supply store
• Other dog owners I’ve gotten to know at the park
• My neighborhood Facebook group
• Friends who are as pet-obsessed as I am

I found my current pet sitter through another dog owner whose Lab plays with my Golden every weekend. She mentioned that her dog would get excited just seeing the sitter’s car pull up – that told me everything I needed to know.

Online Options That Are Actually Helpful

The internet has made finding pet care so much easier than it used to be. There are entire platforms dedicated to connecting pet owners with sitters.

Places worth checking include:

• Rover or Wag if you want reviews and background checks
• Care.com for sitters who might handle houseplanting too
• Local Facebook groups specifically for your neighborhood
• Your city’s professional pet sitters association
• Recommendations from your local animal shelter

Just take those perfect five-star reviews with a grain of salt. That glowing write-up might be from the sitter’s roommate, and that terrible review might be from someone impossible to please.

Meeting Potential Sitters: Questions That Tell You What You Need to Know

Once you’ve got a few possibilities, it’s time to meet in person. Yes, this takes time, but this person will have your house keys and be responsible for a family member.

During interviews, I always ask:

• “Walk me through what you’d do if my pet stopped eating.”
• “How flexible are you with sticking to our feeding and walking schedule?”
• “What would you do if you got locked out or couldn’t get into my house?”
• “Have you handled pets with issues like mine before?”
• “Can I talk to a couple of your current clients?”

Watch how they act around your pet too. Do they get down on the floor to say hello? Do they ask specific questions about your pet’s personality? The little things often tell you more than their perfect answers to your prepared questions.

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Learning how to choose a pet sitter also means knowing when to keep looking. Some warning signs I’ve learned to pay attention to:

• They can’t tell you about specific experience with your type of pet
• They get weirdly defensive when you ask for references
• Your normally friendly pet seems uncomfortable around them
• They brush off your specific instructions as “overprotective”
• They seem annoyed at the idea of sending you updates
• They don’t ask detailed questions about your pet’s routine

Last month, I interviewed someone who kept saying “all dogs love me” but never actually engaged with my dog. Meanwhile, my dog was giving me the side-eye the entire time. Next!

Why You Should Always Do a Trial Run

Before committing to a pet sitter for your week-long vacation, test them out for something shorter. Maybe they can do a midday visit while you’re at work or watch your pet for just one night.

This gives you a chance to see:

• If they actually follow the instructions you left
• Whether they’re punctual or running late
• How your pet acts when you get home
• If their updates are reassuring or concerning
• How your house looks after they’ve been there

My current sitter passed this test with flying colors. Not only did she follow my ridiculously detailed instructions about my dog’s evening routine, but she also washed the dog bowls and left a handwritten note about how their day went. That’s the kind of attention to detail I needed.

Getting Everything in Writing: The Boring But Important Part

Once you’ve found someone you like, don’t skip the paperwork. Clear expectations protect both sides and ensure your pet gets consistent care.

Creating a Simple Pet Sitting Agreement

Whether it’s your neighbor or a professional service, having things in writing prevents misunderstandings. If you’re using a service, they’ll have their own contract. If not, write up something simple covering:

• The exact dates and times they’ll be there
• How much you’ll pay and when
• Your contact info and a backup contact
• Your vet’s name and number
• Step-by-step care instructions
• House rules (what rooms are off-limits, etc.)
• Written permission to seek vet care if needed

I keep mine in a Google Doc and update it before each trip. Even though I use the same sitter regularly, things change – my dog’s food brand, new medications, or behavior changes I’ve noticed.

Making a Quick-Reference Care Guide

Beyond the formal agreement, I always make a simple one-page “cheat sheet” with just the essential daily info. This covers:

• Food portions and timing
• Medicine instructions with photos of the bottles
• Walk routes and length
• Where to find favorite toys
• Weird behaviors that might concern them
• Foods they absolutely cannot have
• Basic commands my pets actually know

This way, your sitter isn’t digging through a 5-page document just to remember what time dinner is.

Setting Up for Success Before You Leave

Knowing how to choose a pet sitter is just step one. Making their job easier is the next part.

Home Prep That Makes a Difference

Before I head out the door for a trip, I always:

• Buy extra food and treats (more than I think they’ll need)
• Make sure medications are clearly labeled
• Deep clean litter boxes or crates
• Put away anything I don’t want the sitter to access
• Fix any household issues (leaky faucets, etc.)
• Make sure pet supplies are easy to find

I’m not cleaning because I’m worried about being judged – I’m doing it so the sitter can easily find everything and notice if something’s not right.

Communication: Finding the Right Balance

Figure out ahead of time how often you want updates:

• Morning and evening texts?
• Photos once a day?
• A phone call if you’re old-school?
• Just contact if there’s a problem?

Be clear about what you want, but be reasonable. Your sitter shouldn’t spend half their time taking photos instead of actually playing with your pet.

This schedule tends to work well for most situations:

Time of Day	Update Type	What Should Be Included
Morning	Quick text	Fed, walked, seems happy/normal
Afternoon	Photo	Pet enjoying the day or napping
Evening	Brief recap	How the day went, any questions

Paying Your Pet Sitter: What’s Actually Fair?

The money conversation is always a bit awkward, especially with friends, but fair payment is part of knowing how to choose a pet sitter responsibly.

Professional rates vary depending on:

• Where you live (big cities cost more)
• What services you need (walks, overnight, meds)
• How many pets you have
• How long you’ll be gone
• How experienced the sitter is

In most areas, the going rate is roughly:

• $15-25 for a 30-minute visit
• $45-60 per night for someone staying over
• $50-100 daily for boarding at their home

Even when using friends, I always offer something. Maybe it’s not cash – perhaps a nice gift card or bringing them a souvenir from my trip. Their time has value.

Keeping a Good Sitter in Your Life

Once you figure out how to choose a pet sitter who’s perfect for your situation, keep that relationship strong. Good sitters get booked up fast.

Some things I do to maintain a good relationship:

• Book well ahead of time, especially for holidays
• Pay promptly without being reminded
• Leave a small thank you gift occasionally
• Keep my requests reasonable
• Always leave the house clean
• Provide constructive feedback, not complaints

I’ve been using the same pet sitter for three years now. I make sure there’s always coffee she likes in the kitchen and I bring her small souvenirs from trips. She now gives my pets priority when booking gets tight around the holidays.

Other Options When Your Regular Sitter Isn’t Available

Sometimes even the best pet sitter has conflicts. Having backup options is part of knowing how to choose a pet sitter strategy that works long-term.

Some alternatives to consider:

• Well-reviewed boarding facilities
• Veterinary clinics that offer boarding
• Upscale pet hotels if your budget allows
• Pet-friendly hotels if you can bring your pet along
• Trading pet care with a trusted friend with pets

I’ve used a local boarding facility twice when my regular sitter was on vacation. It costs more, but they sent daily photo updates and my dog came home tired and happy.

People Also Ask: Real Questions About Pet Sitters

How early should I start looking for a pet sitter before a trip?

For regular weekends, 2-3 weeks is usually enough time. For major holidays or summer vacation season, start at least 1-2 months ahead. Good sitters book up incredibly quickly for Christmas and Thanksgiving, sometimes up to six months in advance.

What should I do if my dog seems scared of the pet sitter?

Pay attention to this. If your normally friendly pet seems uncomfortable around a potential sitter, try another meeting in a neutral place like a park. If your pet still seems unsure, trust their instincts. There are plenty of other sitters who might be a better personality match.

How can I help my anxious pet adjust to a new sitter?

Have the sitter come over several times before your trip for short visits. Start with just 15 minutes while you’re home, then try an hour while you run errands. Leave a worn t-shirt with your scent on your pet’s bed. Keep their routine as normal as possible, and ask your vet about calming supplements if needed.

Should the sitter stay at my house or take my pet to theirs?

Most pets do better staying in their familiar environment with all their usual smells and hiding spots. That said, some pets actually do fine going to a sitter’s home, especially if they’re social and adaptable. My dog loves going to my sitter’s house because she has a fenced yard, but my cat absolutely needs to stay in his territory.

What happens if there’s an emergency while I’m gone?

Make sure your sitter has written permission to seek vet care. Leave your regular vet’s contact info and the address of the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic. Discuss spending limits for treatment decisions and make sure your vet has a credit card on file. Some people even leave a signed blank check for emergencies.

Finding Your Perfect Pet Sitter Takes Time

Learning how to choose a pet sitter that fits your needs isn’t always quick or easy, but it’s worth the effort. Your pets are family, and they deserve someone who’ll care for them almost as well as you do.

Don’t get discouraged if your first choice doesn’t work out. I went through three different sitters before finding “the one.” Each pet and each human has their own personality, and finding the right match sometimes takes trial and error.

What you’re really looking for isn’t just someone who’ll refill the water bowl and take your dog around the block. You want someone who’ll notice the little things – like how your cat prefers the blue blanket or how your dog always needs a treat after coming in from the last walk of the day.

Take your time, trust what your pet is telling you, and soon you’ll be able to actually enjoy your time away instead of checking your phone every five minutes.