How to choose a good pet sitter: 10 questions to ask

Entrusting your pet to someone is giving them part of your family. Before you hand over your keys or your dog’s lead, take the time to choose. Here are 10 questions to ask and the signs that should reassure or alert you.

Before the meeting: read the profile

A good profile tells you a lot:

clear photos and a real presentation;
the services offered and their prices;
the available days;
reviews from other owners, ideally after real bookings.

A vague profile, without prices or reviews, isn’t necessarily a bad sign for a newcomer, but ask more questions.

The 10 questions to ask

What experience do you have with animals? Their own pets, previous sittings, training.
Have you ever looked after a pet like mine? A large dog, a senior cat, a rabbit…
Do you have other animals at home? Important if your pet doesn’t get along with others.
How many animals do you look after at the same time? Too many means less attention.
What would you do in an emergency? They should know the nearest vet and stay calm.
Can you give medication? Pills, drops, injections if needed.
How long do the walks last, and where? On a lead, in a safe place.
Can you send photos or news? Once a day is reassuring.
Is your home safe? Balconies, windows, fence, toxic plants.
What happens if you have a last-minute problem? A good sitter has a backup plan.

The meeting: watch the interaction

Before the first booking, organise a meeting with your pet. Watch:

how the sitter approaches your pet: gently, without forcing;
whether they ask questions about its habits;
whether your pet seems comfortable after a few minutes.

Trust your intuition, and your pet’s. If something bothers you, keep looking.

Warning signs

They refuse a meeting before the sitting.
They don’t ask about your pet’s health or habits.
The price changes without explanation.
They’re very vague about where your pet will be.
They don’t answer messages for long periods.

Prepare the sitting well

Even with an excellent sitter, a good handover makes all the difference:

write down meal times and portions;
leave enough food and treats;
note the vet’s contact and an emergency contact;
explain the habits: hiding places, fears, favourite games;
leave the lead, toys and blanket that smells of home.

Start small

For a first time, choose a short sitting: an evening, a walk or one night. If all goes well, you’ll be calmer for a long trip.

Prepare your pet’s info sheet

A clear sheet avoids most problems. Prepare it once, then update it before each sitting. It can include:

name, age and breed, with a recent photo;
meals: what, how much, at what time;
walks: duration, usual route, behaviour with other dogs;
health: current treatments, allergies, latest vaccines;
personality: what scares it, what it loves, its hiding places;
house rules: is it allowed on the sofa?
contacts: you, a trusted person, the vet.

Leave it printed next to the bowl, and send it by message as well. The sitter won’t need to call you about every detail, and your pet keeps its habits.

A sitter who reads this sheet carefully and asks questions about it is already a very good sign.

When you come back, take a few minutes to ask how it went and leave an honest review: it helps other owners, and it helps good sitters build their reputation.

FAQ

Should I ask for a written contract? For a long stay, a simple written agreement (dates, price, services) avoids misunderstandings.

Can I ask for references? Yes. A serious sitter will be happy to tell you about previous sittings.

What if my pet doesn’t take to the sitter? Try another meeting, or another sitter. Each animal has its preferences.

Reviews you can trust on DarPaws

On DarPaws, reviews are left after real bookings. You see the sitter’s services, prices and available days, and you chat on WhatsApp once your request is accepted. Sitters can also verify their identity.

Find a reliable sitter near you. Download DarPaws for free on Google Play.