Questions to ask before hiring a pet sitter

1. Pet sitting experience, Background & References

You want a pet sitter who understands animal behavior, is reliable, and has proven good care in the past. That’s why you should ask the following questions.

• How long have you been working as a pet sitter / dog walker / cat sitter?
• What types of pets have you cared for (big dogs, cats, puppies, etc.)?
• Can you share references (other pet owners) I can contact?
• Do you have pets yourself?
• Do you have any training or certifications (pet first aid, animal behavior, etc.)?

2. Pet sitting services

To avoid misunderstandings about what’s and isn’t included in your arrangement, you could ask the following questions.

• Which services do you offer (dog walking, feeding, overnight stays, playtime, grooming, administering medications)?
• How many pets do you accept at once?
• Do you offer drop-in visits, boarding in your home, or care in my home (in-home pet sitting)?
• Are there any types of animals or breeds you prefer not to care for?

3. Pet sitter Availability

You’ll want assurance the sitter’s schedule fits your needs and that they’re prepared for real-life conditions.

• What days/hours are you available?
• How do you handle emergency or last-minute requests?
• Are you available for holidays, weekends, or overnight stays if needed?
• Will you walk dogs during bad weather or extreme temperatures?

4. Pet Comfort, Behavior & Health

You want a pet sitter who’s not just willing but capable of handling the unique personality and needs of your pet.

• How would you approach a pet that’s shy, anxious, or reactive?
• What methods do you use to introduce yourself to a new pet?
• Are you comfortable with administering medications or special diets?
• What do you do if the pet is ill or injured while under your care?
• Will you send me updates (photos, messages) while caring for my pet?

5. Pet safety

Of course you can’t forget about your pet’s safety. Here are some questions you could ask.

• How do you manage leash safety, traffic, or encounters with other animals?
• What is your protocol if the pet escapes, gets lost, or there’s an emergency?

6. Pet sitting hourly rate & payment

• What are your rates and how are additional expenses handled (travel costs, supplies, etc.)?
• How do you prefer payment (babysits bookings*, cash, bank transfer, etc.)?

7. Pet sitter Meet & Greet / Trial Sessions

A live trial helps both you and the sitter get comfortable before full responsibility.
* Can we arrange a meet-and-greet before finalizing?
* Would you be open to a trial session (short visit or walk) to see how you and the pet get along?

Hiring a reliable pet sitter is more than just finding someone to feed or walk your pet. It’s about trust, communication, and understanding your pet’s needs. Taking the time to ask these questions helps set a positive foundation.

At Babysits, we’ve always been dedicated to helping families connect with trusted, caring, and responsible babysitters. But families aren’t just made up of people; our pets are part of the family too! That’s why, starting in 2026, Babysits will expand beyond childcare to also include pet sitting services, Petsits.

With Petsits, you’ll be able to find reliable pet sitters, dog walkers, and cat sitters directly through our platform. Whether you need someone to feed your cat, walk your dog, or look after your pet while you’re away, you’ll soon be able to connect with trusted local caregivers who love animals just as much as you do. Because at Babysits, we believe in caring for the whole family. Furry friends included! 🐾