Hiring a Pet Sitter? Ten Things to Check Before You Hand Over the Keys

A profile with cheerful pet photos tells you very little about what will happen if your dog refuses dinner or a cat slips toward an open door. Hiring a pet sitter means trusting somebody with your animal, your home and your access information.

Judge the process, not just the ratings. A reliable sitter should be able to explain normal visits, unusual situations and emergency decisions without improvising.

Ten checks that matter

1. Experience with your species and temperament. A sitter who handles calm adult dogs may not be the best match for a fearful cat, reactive dog or animal requiring injections.
2. Meet-and-greet behavior. Watch how the sitter approaches your pet, accepts boundaries and asks about routines.
3. References and consistent reviews. Look for specific evidence of reliability, not only star ratings; when appropriate, contact a recent client.
4. Insurance and business terms. Ask about liability coverage, bonding where applicable, cancellation terms and who is responsible for damaged property.
5. Who actually performs the visit. Check whether another employee or subcontractor can substitute, and whether you will approve changes.
6. Exact schedule and service scope. Confirm arrival windows, feeding, walking duration, litter cleaning, play, medications and what happens if a visit is delayed.
7. Keys, codes and privacy. Agree on how access information is stored, who receives it and when keys will be returned.
8. Emergency authorization. Provide your vet, a local emergency clinic, backup contact and written instructions for seeking urgent care.
9. Visit records. Request a short report on appetite, water, toileting and behavior rather than only a photo.
10. Backup plan. Ask who covers illness, traffic delays, weather disruption or a phone outage.

A written agreement protects both sides. It should describe service boundaries and who covers additional veterinary or transport costs.

What to test during the first meeting

Ask the sitter to perform a normal task: prepare a meal, clip on your dog's leash or refill the cat's water. Observe whether they read instructions and take time to check the latch. Demonstrate where cleaning supplies and the carrier are stored. If your pet is anxious, do not force a physical greeting; calm distance can be more respectful.

For dogs, explain walking triggers, which routes are acceptable, and whether greeting strange dogs is permitted. For cats, show hiding places and explain how to confirm the cat is present without pulling it out.

Make a useful emergency page

Include your pet's name and description, microchip details if relevant, routine medications with prescribed instructions, allergies you know about, regular vet, closest emergency service, your contact information and a backup who can make decisions. Sign any required treatment authorization before departure and establish spending instructions if you choose to do so.

Do not leave doses to guesswork. A sitter who cannot confidently administer a medication should say so in advance.

Common booking mistakes

Booking only from photos: Pictures show companionship, not punctuality or emergency judgment.

No written routine: A vague message such as "feed twice" does not specify amounts, timing or storage.

Assuming smart devices replace visits: Automatic feeders, cameras and litter cleaners can fail. An in-person welfare check is still essential.

Leaving no spare access method: If one lock or phone fails, the sitter needs an agreed backup that does not compromise home security.

For a cat-specific handover plan, use our vacation cat-care checklist.

During the booking

Make a brief trial booking before a long trip if possible. Check that reports arrive as agreed, then clarify concerns early. If a sitter reports refusal to eat, illness, repeated vomiting or trouble urinating, follow veterinary guidance promptly; some symptoms need urgent attention.

Should I give my sitter a house key?

Only after agreeing on secure handling, permitted access and return. A temporary smart-lock code can help if you trust the technology and have a backup.

Is a camera enough to check on my pet?

No. A camera cannot reliably assess water quality, litter output, breathing, or an animal hidden outside its field of view.

What is the most important question?

"What exactly will you do if my pet needs emergency care and I cannot answer the phone?" Ask for a concrete plan.

For a related preparation checklist, read Leaving Your Cat While on Vacation.

Further reading and safety guidance

• AVMA — travelling safely with pets