Is It Safe to Hire a Pet Sitter?

Pet sitting has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and for good reason! As more people travel or work longer hours, having a reliable pet sitter ensures pets get the love, care, and attention they deserve. But with this growing popularity comes an important question: is it safe to hire a pet sitter?
The short answer: yes, if you take the right precautions.

Here are some essential tips to help you find a trustworthy and reliable pet sitter, so you can enjoy peace of mind while your furry friend is in good hands.

How to find a trustworthy pet sitter

1. Start with trusted platforms

Always begin your search on a reliable platform that verifies sitters and allows you to check profiles, reviews, and references. Using a platform adds an extra layer of safety. You can read honest feedback from other pet owners, see identity-verification badges, and communicate securely through the site before sharing any personal details.

For example, platforms like Babysits (⭐4.7/5 on Google Reviews, with over 8 million satisfied members worldwide) make it easy to connect with trustworthy local caregivers. And soon, Babysits will also include pet sitting services (Petsits), so you can find reliable dog walkers, cat sitters, or pet sitters in just a few clicks.

2. Read reviews and references carefully

One of the best ways to judge a sitter’s reliability is by reading feedback from other pet parents. Look for sitters with positive reviews, repeat clients, and references that highlight their professionalism and love for animals.

3. Arrange a meet and greet

Before confirming a booking, always meet the pet sitter in person. This helps you see how they interact with your pet and gives you a chance to ask about their experience, routine, and emergency procedures.

A short meet-and-greet or even a trial walk or visit is a great way to check if your pet feels comfortable and how the pet sitter handles them. Watch for signs like relaxed body language, gentle communication, and genuine enthusiasm. These small moments can tell you a lot about whether it’s a good match.

Taking this step not only helps your pet feel more secure but also builds mutual trust and sets the foundation for smooth, stress-free care while you’re away.

4. Ask the right questions

Find out:

• How much experience they have with your type of pet
• Whether they can handle medication or special diets
• What their availability is like during your time away
• How they would handle emergencies

A great sitter will answer openly and confidently.

5. Check for insurance and pet first aid

Professional pet sitters may have pet sitting insurance or first aid certification, which shows responsibility and preparedness. Especially for pets with medical conditions or high energy levels.
However, these documents aren’t strictly necessary for a sitter to provide excellent care. Many experienced sitters have years of hands-on experience and glowing references from other pet parents, which can be just as important. When assessing a potential sitter, consider a combination of factors: experience with your type of pet, references, communication skills, and overall comfort level.

The goal is to find someone you trust and feel confident leaving your pet with, whether or not they have formal paperwork.

6. Set clear expectations

Before you leave, create a detailed care plan. Include feeding times, walking routines, medication instructions, and your vet’s contact information. The clearer your instructions, the smoother things will go.

It’s also important to agree on the rate beforehand. Pet sitting fees can vary depending on the type of service, the duration, and the sitter’s experience. For example, drop-in visits, dog walking, overnight stays, or live-in care may all have different prices. Discussing the cost upfront helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures both you and the sitter are on the same page.

7. Stay connected

Ask for updates! Most pet sitters are happy to send photos, short videos, or daily messages so you can see how your pet is doing. This keeps you reassured and helps maintain trust.

8. Trust your instincts

If something feels off, trust your gut. A good pet sitter will make you (and your pet) feel comfortable and confident from the very first meeting.

Soon: Find a trusted pet sitter with Babysits

At Babysits, we’ve always been dedicated to helping families find trustworthy, caring, and responsible babysitters. But we know pets are part of the family too! That’s why, starting in 2026, you’ll also be able to find pet sitters directly on our platform. Simply enter your location in the search bar, use the filters to find the perfect match, and connect with a verified sitter nearby.

Babysits for kids, Petsits for pets. We’ve got the whole family covered! 🐾