Questions pet sitters should ask before starting a job
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Get startedAs a pet sitter, your goal is to make sure every animal in your care feels safe, happy, and loved. But to do that, you need to know exactly what your responsibilities are, and what the pet and their owners expect from you. Before starting a new pet sitting job, it’s important to ask the right questions. Not only does this help you prepare, but it also builds trust and ensures clear communication with the family. Here are some key questions every pet sitter, dog walker, or cat sitter should ask before accepting a booking.
1. Getting to Know the Pet
Every pet has their own personality, preferences, and quirks! Before you start, ask about the pet’s daily habits and behavior.
- What is your pet’s routine (feeding, walking, playtime, sleep)?
- Does your pet have any special needs, allergies, or medications?
- How does your pet react to strangers or other animals?
- Is your pet allowed on furniture, beds, or specific areas of the house?
- What are their favorite toys, treats, or activities?
Tip: The more you know, the easier it will be to help the pet feel comfortable and stick to their normal routine.
2. Safety while Pet Sitting
Safety always comes first, both for you and the pet. Asking about this beforehand helps you prepare for any situation.
- Does your pet have any medical conditions I should know about?
- Who is your veterinarian, and what’s the best way to reach them in case of an emergency?
- What should I do if your pet gets sick, injured, or goes missing?
- Is your pet microchipped, and does it wear an ID tag or collar?
- Are there any areas where I should not walk the dog or let the cat go outside?
3. Home Details
If you’ll be visiting the family’s home, make sure you know how everything works and what the expectations are.
- How will I access the home (key, code, lockbox)?
- Are there any security systems I need to know about?
- Where are pet supplies (food, leashes, litter, cleaning materials) kept?
- Are there rooms or areas of the house I should avoid?
- Should I bring in mail, water plants, or take care of other small household tasks while you’re away?
4. Walks, Playtime, and Exercise
For dog walkers and active pets, it’s important to know how much exercise they need, and what to expect on walks.
- How often and how long should I walk your dog?
- Are there specific walking routes you prefer?
- How does your dog behave around other animals or people?
- Should your dog be allowed off-leash in safe areas?
- What should I do if your dog pulls, barks, or gets scared during a walk?
5. Communication and Updates
Keeping pet parents updated builds trust and reassures them their furry friend is doing great.
- How often would you like updates or photos?
- What’s the best way to contact you (chat, call, Babysits messages)?
- Should I report small issues (like missed meals) right away or only emergencies?
- Tip: Setting expectations for communication helps you avoid misunderstandings later.
6. Pet Sitting Rate and Payment
To make sure everyone’s on the same page, discuss practical details before starting.
- What are the agreed dates, hours, and duration of pet care?
- What’s the rate for pet sitting or dog walking?
- How will payments be handled (Babysits bookings*, bank transfer, cash)?
- Are there additional costs (for travel, supplies, or extra time)?
- What’s the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
7. Meet & Greet Before Starting Pet Sitting
A short meet-and-greet helps you, the pet, and the family feel more comfortable before the actual job.
- Can we schedule a short introduction before the first sitting or walk?
- Would you like to show me the pet’s routine or favorite spots?
- Is there anything else I should know to make the pet feel safe and happy?
Pet sitting isn’t just about feeding or walking a pet. It’s about creating trust, safety, and care for every animal (and family) you work with. Asking the right questions ensures that both you and the pet owner feel confident and prepared for a smooth, happy experience.
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 start working as a pet sitter directly through our platform. Whether you want to be a dog sitter, cat sitter and/or a dog walker, you’ll soon be able to connect with families with pets that are looking for a trusted pet sitter. Because at Babysits, we believe in caring for the whole family. Furry friends included! 🐾
