Adventures with our fur baby are always a blast, but unfortunately not all travel is pet-friendly. Sometimes, it’s
best to entrust our four-legged family member’s health and happiness to a pet sitter. Pets are often happier and
less stressed when in their own environment, so finding a trusted pet sitter can reduce travel stress for the both
of you!
As devoted pet parents, we want to find pet sitters that are trustworthy, reliable and experienced. And of course,
our pets should be comfortable around them!
So how do you find a reliable pet sitter? We cover where to look, how to choose the right fit and tips for preparing
for your time away.
Where To Find A Pet Sitter
Trusted Recommendations
Rely on your community of pet parents! Your friends, family and neighbors who have pets have likely used pet sitters
and might have a recommendation for you. You might even ask your petPro! They might pet sit on the side or know
someone who does.
By using professional sitters, you protect yourself and your pet with in-home expert pet care and liability
insurance!
Your Pet’s Extended Family
You and your pet may feel the most comfortable with someone you both already know and trust. If you can, turn to
your pet’s “extended family.” Do you have an old friend who has watched your cat grow up? A longtime neighbor who
interacts with your pup every time you take them for a walk?
It’s important that whomever you rely on has pet-specific training to react to surprise situations. If your extended
family meets these requirements, someone who has a loving history with your fur baby is ideal!
Online
If you’re struggling to find someone from your community, there are several sources for finding professional pet
sitters online.
We recommend using the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) search tool. Simply enter your zip
code, and a list of potential pet sitters will pop up! You can also google ‘“professional pet sitter in [your
location].” Be sure anyone you talk to has appropriate training and experience.
How To Choose a Good Fit
Once you have a candidate or two, it’s time to get to know them! We always recommend 1) interviewing the potential pet sitter and 2) letting them meet your pet in person before you commit.
Interviewing Candidates
In the interview, ask the basics: experience, fees and any training they might have. Additionally, be sure to ask
whether they’re bonded and insured.
Here are a few other interview questions to consider:
- How do you respond if a pet behaves aggressively or snaps?
- What is your training philosophy? How do you help pets behave?
- What will you do in the event of an emergency?
- What types of animals have you worked with before?
- Do you have a contract? May I see it?
Introducing Your Pet
Once you’ve interviewed your pet sitter, it’s time to introduce them to your fur baby! Schedule a time when the
candidate can meet you and your pet in your home. It’s crucial for your cat or dog to see you interact warmly with
the pet sitter while in your home. We recommend using training treats to smooth out
the meet-and-greet.
Introductions are also a great chance to observe the candidates and see how your pet takes to them. If you have a
dog, you might even ask the pet sitter to take your pup for a walk with you present.
If the interaction is promising, you can show them around your home and walk through specific instructions.
How To Prepare For A Pet Sitter
Now that you have a pet sitter, it’s time to prepare your fur baby and your home. Leaving our fur babies for any period of time can be stressful, but following these tips will reduce stress for you, your fur baby and your sitter!
Home Instructions
- Create an extra set of keys — just in case.
- Leave clear instructions on how to get into the home, including how to disarm alarm systems, how to lock up and how to find the extra set of keys
- If in a gated community or an apartment building, let the gatehouse or security guard know your pet sitter will be coming.
- Communicate clear expectations to the pet sitter about how you expect to find your home when you return. Are they allowed to eat what’s in your fridge? Is there a window they should never open?
- Put all toxic (and breakable) items in your home up high or behind locked doors. Better safe than sorry!
Pet Care
- Create detailed instructions about your pet care expectations! Don’t forget medicine.
- Put food, leash, toys and treats in an accessible place that’s easy to find.
- Clearly indicate where cleaning supplies are, in case of an accident.
- Request that they send regular pictures and videos of your fur baby to you!
Pet Safety
- Create (or put on) ID tags with your pet’s name, your name and your contact information.
- Leave several forms of contact for you, as well contact information for your veterinarian, the closest urgent care facility and a trusted friend.
- Give your pet sitter’s contact information to your landlord (if applicable), as well as another trusted friend.
- Leave a dog first-aid kit in an accessible place.
Finding a pet sitter that you and your fur baby trust means you can travel knowing your pet is happy and healthy. Then, you can look forward to coming home to your four-legged family member with their wagging tails, sweet eyes, and the sweetest cuddles. Safe travels!
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