How to Vet a Pet Sitter Before Booking
The right questions catch red flags before they become problems. Here are the 15 that matter most.
Find Reviewed Pet Sitters Near Me68%
of owners don't ask enough questions
Meet & greet
is non-negotiable
Red flags
are detectable in advance
Reviews
reveal patterns human nature hides
The 15 Questions to Ask Every Pet Sitter
- 1. What experience do you have with my pet's breed and species?
- 2. How many pets are you caring for at the same time?
- 3. What is your plan if my pet has a medical emergency?
- 4. Which vet would you contact, and do you have authorization to approve emergency care?
- 5. Are you insured and bonded for pet sitting?
- 6. How often will you send photo or text updates?
- 7. Have you ever had a pet escape, get injured, or fall ill in your care? What happened?
- 8. What is your experience administering medications?
- 9. What happens if you have a personal emergency and can't provide care?
- 10. Can I see references from clients with similar pets?
What to Watch for During the Meet and Greet
- Does your pet respond positively to the sitter? Trust your pet's read.
- Does the sitter ask detailed questions about your pet's routine, quirks, and medical history?
- Do they take notes or seem to be tracking details carefully?
- Are they distracted, on their phone, or rushing through the visit?
- Do they clearly explain what they would do in various emergency scenarios?
Red Flags That Should Stop a Booking
- Refuses to do a meet and greet before the first job
- Vague or dismissive about emergency procedures ("it'll be fine")
- Cannot provide any references from previous clients
- Extremely low pricing with no explanation — may be unlicensed, uninsured
- Inconsistent communication during the inquiry process — this will only get worse
Frequently Asked Questions
Should pet sitters be insured?
Pet sitters should carry general liability insurance at minimum. "Bonded" means they've purchased a bond that covers theft. For overnight stays, both are worth verifying.
What's a reasonable number of pets to watch at once?
For in-home sitting (staying in your home), your pets only is the norm. For home-based sitting (sitter's home), 2–4 pets simultaneously is reasonable. More than 5 pets raises red flags.
How do I check references?
Ask for 2–3 references from clients with pets similar to yours. Call rather than text — you'll learn more from a conversation. Ask: "Would you use this sitter again without hesitation?"
What should be in a pet sitting agreement?
A written agreement should cover: dates, services, pet emergency authorization, vet contact, payment terms, key/access details, and cancellation policy.
