How to choose the right pet sitter

3rd July 2019

If you are going on holiday and you are unable to take your pet with you, you will need to find a suitable pet sitter to look after your furry friend while you are away. Hiring a pet sitter rather than putting your cat or dog into a cattery or kennel means that your pet can be cared for in your own home, which will be much more relaxing for your pet.

You shouldn’t rush into a decision when choosing a pet sitter. Start thinking about it long before you have booked any holidays so that you have plenty of time to find the right one and to ensure they are available when you need them.

Friends and family

A friend or family member is a good option to use as a pet sitter as you know them well and your pet might already feel comfortable in their company. Choose a friend or family member who likes pets or better still, has a pet themselves.  

Whoever you choose, make sure they are up to the task of caring for your pet. For example, if you have an energetic Labrador, your grandmother might not be able to offer the right level of care that they need.

Professional pet sitters

Professional pet sitters should be pet lovers but they should also be proper pet care professionals. Find out if they have any pet care training or if they’re qualified in pet first aid. Find a pet sitter who has good references and meet them before you hire them so that you can introduce them to your pet and see what they are like around them.

Ask the pet sitter specific questions about how they plan to care for your pet and how much time they will spend with them. Find out if they have any pets of their own and ask them how they care for their own pets. Be sure to tell the pet sitter any specific needs your pet has. If your pet has a medical condition, find out if the pet sitter has cared for a pet with that condition before.

If you know other pet owners, find out if they use a pet sitter that they could recommend. It’s also worth asking your vet for recommendations.