Ten Top Tips to hiring a pet sitter
Hiring a pet sitter when going away for a day, a short break or a holiday can be stressful.
Hiring a professional pet sitter is often the best solution for gaining peace of mind when you need to leave your pet for a long period of time.
Friends, family and neighbours can be a short-term solution, but what if something happens and they must let you down at the last minute?
It can seem quite daunting to find the right person, almost like an HR function to interview someone to look after your family pet in the family home. So many risks and considerations. All of a sudden, your anxiety levels become too high to focus on anything else.
Based on my experience, I have compiled my ten top tips for making the process easier for you, your pet, and the sitter.
1. Have a meet and greet with your sitter.
It is essential that both you and your pet feel comfortable with the sitter. To ensure this, avoid making last-minute bookings. Take the time to research, looking for the right person as a referral from other pet owners, or local adverts, social media, or Google search, for example.
Verify that the sitter understands your pet's needs and can provide care in a professional and experienced manner.
Ensure the sitter has public liability and business insurance, a current DBS certificate, and a valid Pet First Aid certificate.
2. Share the knowledge
Discuss your pet's routine, preferences, and any special needs. Write down and show where the coats, leads, collars, treats, food, feed bowls, towels, and toys are. If there is a cat, where are the litter tray and shavings? Where do you empty the tray?
This list can go on, so ask the sitter if they have a checklist to share. I have one in the Blog called Checklists.
Does the sitter know where your pet can sleep or if they need a toy or blanket?
If your pet sleeps in a different room, make sure the sitter knows how to keep them comfortable overnight. Some pets may prefer extra blankets, while others may need access to their favourite sleeping spot.
Remember to show the sitter where they are sleeping, provide a towel, and let them know if food is available.
I always take a camp bed, duvet, and towels for convenience. I like to sleep in the same room as the dog, as sometimes it can be unsettling for them to experience a human swap.
3. Where to walk
Share the details about your dog's favourite walks; sticking to its routine and familiar scents benefit your dog. Always prioritise safety by asking the sitter to keep your dog on a lead, which helps reduce risks and accidents.
The sitter should check the area on a map beforehand to familiarise themself for safety and eliminate any stress the dog could sniff out if the sitter gets lost.
My dogs can behave unpredictably with recall, depending on who is walking them and the treats available. Please double-check that the dog’s collar has ID tags attached. Additionally, I use a thin collar with tags displaying my mobile number and name, indicating that I am the dog sitter.
4. Emergencies and Contact Information
Provide the sitter with the best way to reach you while you're away. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, and any local contacts.
Ensure you have left out vaccination cards with the Vet’s details and any necessary health and medication details.
Let the sitter know how to access your home and any specific instructions regarding the heating system, driveway access, alarms, etc. Plus, give them a key! Notify the neighbours that you have a sitter and that they may call for a spare key if they are key guardians.
On a recent pet sit, there were several power cuts during a recent storm, and I didn't have a torch. I had to use my phone for light, and then I scrabbled around an unfamiliar house in the dark for matches and candles. So make sure you have a small box with a torch, first aid kit, candles, matches, notebook and pen, for the sitter.
5. Update Your Pet's Emergency Information
Ensure your pet's medical information is up-to-date, including vaccinations, allergies, and medications. Double-check that the medication is current, too. Safely dispose of any medication that is no longer in use or date.
6. How much exercise?
Let the sitter know how much exercise your pet typically gets and needs, whether it's indoor playtime, walks, or outdoor activities. The weather and temperatures may impact that, too. Some pets, especially dogs, may need more stimulation if they are indoors for extended periods, especially if it is too hot, cold, or wet, etc. Leave out puzzle toys or interactive games to keep them occupied.
7. Peace of Mind Communication
Check-in regularly with your sitter. This helps ensure everything is going smoothly and that your pet is comfortable. Many pet sitters are happy to send photos or updates to ease your mind while you're away.
Let the sitter know as soon as possible if there are any changes to the arrangements. They may have time-sensitive commitments, and if you are returning later than expected, this needs to be managed so that it does not impact your pet.
As a pet sitter, I do build in a late return contingency. I rarely have commitments other than a cuppa with my husband and catching up on his news.
8. Being too generous
You are not obliged to provide food and refreshments for the sitter, but it is always welcome. You do not need to go overboard. The sitter should be self-sufficient and provide their own food unless they have travelled lightly for overnight sitting.
I have often arrived at a feast to devour during my stay as a sitter and alcohol. My rule is not to drink so I can quickly attend to an emergency if necessary. A pet is a family member and should have the same care and priority as if looking after a human. Would a babysitter be comfortable indulging in a sherry or two?
9. How to say thank you
You have been able to spend time away, and your pet has been pampered and looked after, which has given you that promised peace of mind. Whilst it is not expected to think of a thank you, I can share that all business people like to receive a glowing testimonial.
If anything happened that prevented you from giving that 5-star Google review make sure the sitter is aware. They should welcome the feedback and build it into their plans to avoid a repeat.
Written testimonials help other people looking for a sitter make an informed choice about using your sitter's services.
Consistency is also key for your pet, so another way to say thank you is to book your sitter's services again. You also have peace of mind as you know what to expect, and the building blocks have already been laid, such as where everything is the walks, and all your pet's quirks.
10. Create a checklist
You probably made a list of everything you needed to do before you left and another for the sitter. So why not check up on the notes, add to them, and then store them somewhere safe. Next time, you won't have to spend the time fretting about what to do and prepare. Why not share it with your friends, neighbours, and family? They will thank you for saving them some time and a headache. Why not also include the details of your pet sitter and make an introduction
Looking for a pet sitter?
I am a professional pet sitter, dog walker, and wedding dog chaperone. I live in Reading, Berkshire, but I connect with reliable pet service professionals across the UK. I also travel for pet sitting and chaperone services. Feel free to call or email me to chat.
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