20 essential questions to ask a pet sitter

Thinking about welcoming a pet sitter to care for your pets at home, where vets agree they’re happiest? Great decision! Now onto the task of finding the right sitter, and getting prepared before your sitter arrives. 

To help you narrow down your search and get organised before the sit begins, below find 20 essential questions to ask a pet sitter. Notepads at the ready - these are inspired by experienced pet parents who’ve welcomed countless pet sitters of their own.

Questions to ask a pet sitter: interview questions for before confirming 

To help you secure a sitter who’s just right for your pets and home, we’ve gathered ideas from pet parents experienced in welcoming sitters of their own. So below, find questions to ask a dog sitter, cat sitter (and all other types of pet sitters!), plucked directly from our trusty Community Forum.

1. What experience do you have with my type of pet? 
2. Do you have experience in administering pet medication?
3. Are there any deal breakers I listed, e.g. non smokers or no visitors?
4. What is your overall experience with animals, such as dog walking?
5. How would you describe your cleanliness standards around the home?
6. Do you have any questions for me about our home, pets or requirements?
7. Will you need somewhere to park during the sit?
8. How do you handle any behavioral issues with pets?
9. What are your motivations for pet sitting?
10. Can you meet all of my home and pet’s care requirements? (It’s super important you’re confident you’re leaving your pet with someone who is confident they can meet all of your pet’s care needs).

Questions to ask a sitter: before the sit begins

Once you’ve found the right pet sitter, you’ll want to plan ahead and ask your sitter all the right questions before they arrive. Below, find a list of questions which are inspired by ideas from experienced pet parents over on our Community Forum.

1. What day and time will you be arriving? (Some of the experienced pet parents here in the TrustedHousesitters community recommend your sitter arrives a day before your trip, to give them time to interact with your pet and get to know where everything lives).
2. How will you arrive? Do you need a car parking space, or picking up from a local bus stop or train station?
3. Are there any groceries you’d like us to stock up on? (Please note that this isn’t essential).
4. Do you have any dietary requirements? (This is important if you decide to prepare a meal or snacks for your pet sitter).
5. How do you plan to communicate with us during the sit? (e.g. WhatsApp)
6. What kind of phone service do you operate on? (This can help you to stay connected).
7. Are you okay with us having the gardener or cleaner here during the sit?
8. Are you confident with our plan if an emergency should occur?
9. Do you have any questions about the local area?
10. What day and time will you be departing?

How to find a trusted pet sitter

Securing the perfect pet sitter for your home and pets is simple! Follow the steps below and you’ll soon be enjoying peace of mind that your furry family are being cuddled and cared for at home, while you enjoy time away.

1. Choose your pet parent membership plan. This gives you access to unlimited sitters - all year round, plus free video calls with vets*, a Home & Contents Plan* and dedicated member support *(and so much more!).
2. Create your listing. Tell sitters about you, your home, pets and their care needs.
3. Choose your sitter. Review sitter applications before committing.
4. Travel with peace of mind. Enjoy your trip away, knowing your pets are safe and happy at home.

*Available with our Standard and Premium Pet Parent membership plans.

Useful resources

Now that you’re equipped with questions to ask your cat sitter, dog sitter (and the list goes on!) with these pet sitter interview questions, get prepared for welcoming your next sitter with our useful resources below.

• The ultimate pet sitter checklist: essentials and to-dos for pet parents
• How much does TrustedHousesitters cost?
• What do dogs think when you leave them with a sitter?