5 Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

There are many great options for pet care to keep your furry family members safe and happy while you are away. Many people choose in-home pet sitting, where a sitter cares for your pet in your own home. Selecting the best sitter for your pet’s needs is extremely important. Once you’ve found someone that you and your pet are fond of, there are a few questions you should ask during the interview process to help determine whether they will be the best fit for you and your family.

1. Are you insured?

A professional pet sitter will always be insured. While having insurance does not guarantee that the pet sitter is a good fit for you, it’s a good start to your interview. A pet sitter who is insured not only covers your pet and your home in the event of an unforeseen incident, but also shows you that the pet sitter takes his or her business seriously.

2. How much notice will you need for scheduling?

It is important to know how quickly your sitter will be booked and if he or she will be someone you can rely on for future trips. Likewise, a sitter that is always booked solid will have little time for unexpected situations that may require extra attention (e.g. a sick pet).

3. How will my key(s) be treated?

The trust you put in your pet sitter with your home and pets is of the utmost importance. You should understand and be comfortable with the way your keys (and alarm code) will be handled.

4. How can I ensure the accuracy of my schedule?

When you request a specific schedule, you need to be confident that your sitter has correctly added your visits to his or her calendar.  A professional pet sitter should always confirm your schedule in detail, in advance.

5. Is there a plan in the case of emergency with my pet or home?

A professional, experienced pet sitter will have a plan in place for any situation that may arise, whether it is a sick pet, a flooded basement in your home, or even if the pet sitter himself or herself has a personal emergency that prevents him or her from visiting your pet during a scheduled visit. It is important to discuss these plans in advance so you can understand the kind of care your pet and home will receive, even in less-than-ideal-situations.

The relationship between you and your pet sitter should be rewarding and fulfilling for both you and your pet. Be sure to leave your interview with an equal dose of peace of mind and the warm fuzzies.