Updated March 2, 2026
Leaving your pets at home with someone new for the first time isn’t an easy choice! That’s why you’re probably wondering: are pet sitters trustworthy? Below, we’ll walk you through our sitter verification process to help give you peace of mind.
Why welcome a pet sitter?
First and foremost, vets agree pets are happier at home — surrounded by all the sights, smells and sounds that give them comfort. If a vet-approved pet care option sounds like the right choice for your furry family, here are a few more reasons why welcoming a trustworthy pet sitter is best for your pets:
- Pets stay in the comfort of home, without any upheaval.
- The pets’ routine is maintained, which helps to avoid anxiety.
- Pets don’t have to get used to the company of strange animals.
- Pets have 24/7, 1:1 love and care.
- Staying at home means less chance of picking up diseases or illnesses from other animals, as is sometimes the case in mixed care facilities.
- Our sitters care for animals for love, not money, which helps to give pet parents peace of mind that the person they're welcoming is here for all the right reasons.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of finding a pet sitter to care for your furry family members in the comfort of your own home, find out how welcoming a pet sitter works.
Not only do you get access to connect with loving pet sitters perfect for your home and furry family, you can also make use of other handy perks, like our vet advice line* to help you feel extra secure while you’re away.
*Available with Standard and Premium membership plans.
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Connecting with trusted pet sitters
Are pet sitters trustworthy?
Our sitters complete ID and background checks — they’re there to build trust and safety in our community, and to help reassure pet parents. Take a look below for more information.
Background checks
Our Evident background check confirms…
- National Criminal Records search has come back clear
- No county-level adverse policy violations are found
- They aren’t on any sex offender registry
- SSN Trace & Address History has been completed
- They aren’t on the Domestic & Global Terrorist Watchlists
- FCRA-compliant
ID verifications
This confirms a sitter's identity has been verified and cross-checked, using an official government ID.
References
This is a character reference that vouches for the sitter - the referee can be a pet owner, or another trusted person, such as a landlord, lecturer or employer.
Email and phone verification
This confirms that the sitter’s phone number and email address has been checked and confirmed genuine.
Reviews
People who the sitter has previously sat for have the chance to leave reviews, visible on their TrustedHousesitters profile. This gives pet parents the chance to see what like-minded others feel about their experience with the sitter. To learn more, head to our guide on our trusty review system.
Video calls
Before and after securing a sitter, pet parents have the option to arrange a phone or video call with the pet sitter. It’s a chance to get to know one another, giving peace of mind that the person they’re choosing is genuine and a true pet lover. In fact, having shared so much before meeting in person, owners often know their pet’s sitter better than those they live next door to!
Sitting for love, not money
Another way to feel safer welcoming a pet sitter is to opt for sitters who sit for the love of animals, not for money. At TrustedHousesitters, nothing is exchanged between pet parents and sitters other than loving pet care and a place to stay.
How to find a trustworthy pet sitter
While you can hire a pet sitter from an agency - opting for a professional pet sitter - another way to ensure the person you’re choosing is here for the right reasons is to opt for a sitter where nothing is exchanged but pet care and a place to stay.
For example, with a TrustedHousesitters annual membership, pet parents get access to connect with sitters who are here for the love of animals and meeting like-minded people.
So to find a pet sitter, choose an annual membership plan, create your listing, and connect with trusted pet sitters (and keep an eye on our TrustedHousesitters discount codes).
Secure a trustworthy sitter
How to find a good dog sitter
Vets agree that dogs are happier at home - as creatures of habit, it’s their familiar routine and the smells they’re used to that bring pups true comfort while their owners are away.
To find trustworthy pet sitters, owners with a TrustedHousesitters membership can create a listing, detail all their pup’s needs (quirks, habits and routines), and get access to connect with dog sitters who suit the needs of their home and furry family.
To get started, explore trusted dog sitters to see who you could be connecting with, ahead of your next vacation.
Connect with a trusted dog sitter
How to find a cat sitter
It can take a while for cats to get used to new humans and animals, which is why welcoming a pet sitter is the best option for them, over a cattery or boarding facility.
To find a cat sitter, our owner members create a listing and explain everything they’ll need from a sitter. From the catio’s latch quirks, litter box rotations, and when to expect the cat to return home, it can all be clearly stated.
Like all of our other sitters, cat sitters with TrustedHousesitters are verified, referenced, and will be building up their bank of reviews. So ahead of your next vacation, why not connect with a trusted cat sitter?
Connect with a trusted cat sitter
Questions to ask a pet sitter
- Have you had any pets in the past?
- What is your experience looking after cats/dogs/rabbits/horses/guinea pigs/tropical fish?
- What are your main motivations for pet sitting?
- What do you enjoy most about pet sitting?
- What would you do in ‘x’ situation?
Are pet sitters trustworthy? FAQs
How do I know if my pet sitter is real?
Pet sitters from reputable platforms like TrustedHousesitters have to go through a thorough verification process to ensure they are who they say they are. As well as this, owners and sitters should always arrange a chat before confirming the sit so they can find out a little more about each other and what’s expected. Take a look at our post, 7 things to look for in a pet sitter, for more details.
Is it okay to leave my dog to a sitter?
It’s a well-known fact that pets are happier at home, and with the help of a loving, in-home pet sitter, you can jet off on vacation knowing that your four-pawed pal’s got a best buddy for his staycation. At TrustedHousesitters, our community of pet-loving sitters give precious pets all the love and attention they deserve while their pet parents are away.
Useful resources for pet parents
Feel like we’ve cleared up the question - are pet sitters trustworthy? Great - take a look below for more house sitting know-how.
