Questions to ask When Hiring a Pet Sitter
Hiring a pet sitter is a crucial and important choice to safeguard your beloved pets' welfare while you're away. It's essential to entrust this responsibility to someone with the necessary tools, experience, and expertise to ensure your furry friends are well cared for in your absence.
Unfortunately there are some individuals who do not possess these essential qualities and may try to undertake this responsibility, and this could potentially jeopardise the welfare of your cherished pets.
Therefore, here are some questions you may consider asking when considering a potential pet sitter, to make sure they are the right fit for you:
Experience and Qualifications:
How long has the person been a pet sitter/how long has the company been trading for?
We learn valuable lessons along the way in a pet sitting career. Those that have just started out may not be as experienced.
Do they have any formal training or certifications in pet care?
Although these are not the making of a good pet sitter necessarily, it may bring you comfort to know they have formal qualifications in pet care.
Do they have DBS checks?
A “Disclosure and Barring Service Check” in the UK ensures that this person does not have a criminal record.
Can they provide references/do they have reviews from previous clients?
Probably the best indicator of a good pet sitter, and it may bring reassurance to hear from pet owners just like you who have used the service.
All pet sitters should be DBS checked.
It’s important to read client reviews
Availability:
What is their availability for the specific dates and times that you need pet sitting?
For example how many visits are they able to carry out a day, and how long will each visit be?
Do they have any commitments that may affect their availability during a live-in care period?
These commitments might include work obligations, family events, personal travel, or other engagements that demand one's time and attention. Make sure you are fully aware of how much time they will be spending outside of the home.
Are they operational every day of the year (even Bank Holidays, Christmas Day etc.)?
It is a big commitment to be available 24/7, 365 days a year. Lots of sitters/sitting compainies aren’t, so double check this prior to booking.
Not all pet sitters will carry out services on Christmas Day
Services and Responsibilities:
What services do they offer as a pet sitter? (e.g., feeding, walking, playtime, administering medication)
These will normally be listed on their website/social media page, but if they aren’t, it might be indicative of a lack of care/thought.
Are they comfortable handling special needs or specific requirements your pet may have?
All pets are different. Some require very specific levels of care, which may intimidate a less experienced sitter.
One of our sitters Katie medicating an elderly cat
Emergency Preparedness:
How do they handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
For example; do they have forms for you to fill in your emergency veterinarian information, emergency contacts and second keyholders to the home? Do they require your prior consent to take your pet to the vets? Are they equipped and willing to potentially stay late into the evening to wait with your pet at the vets, or look after them at home until you return? All questions that need to be asked.
Is your sitter able to get your pet to a vet in your absence?
Communication:
How will they communicate with you while you are away? (e.g., daily updates, photos, texts)
This one is crucial! Communication is key, and is ultimately what will bring you comfort when you are away from your fur babies (and your home). One text or WhatsApp message a day may not be sufficient.
Can they provide regular updates on your pet's well-being?
Sending pictures is great, but what about a detailed report as to your pet’s wellbeing, health, how much they ate, how often they went to the toilet and what they got up to today? These details are key.
Our app means we can remain in constant communication with our clients
Pet Compatibility:
Have they cared for a pet similar to mine before?
With such a variety of pet breeds, sizes and personalities out there, this is important to consider.
Are they comfortable with the specific breed, size, or temperament of my pet?
Make sure to ask them if they have prior experience looking after a pet similar to yours. If they don’t, look out for how eager they seem to learn about the potential differences in the care they require.
We are insured with PetPlan Petsitters Insurance
Insurance:
Do they have suitable pet sitters’ insurance for pet sitting services?
If there are any emergencies while you’re away, you want to be certain that every eventuality is covered.
Contract and Terms:
Do they have a pet-sitting contract/Terms of Service are they available to view?
These should equip you with all of the information you need ahead of using their services.
What is their cancellation policy?
Most small businesses need to employ the use of a Cancellation Policy to protect themselves from lost income.
Make sure to thoroughly read their Terms of Service
Security Measures:
How do they ensure the security of your home while you are away?
For example; are they able to keep your key safe and secure between visits? Where is it stored, and do they label it?
Are they comfortable with any security measures you have in place?
Are they able to set your alarm system, operate your key safe, and lock all of the required doors?
Make sure to ask how they look after your keys
Meet and Greet:
Do they offer a free Meet & Greet with your pet(s) before the booking?
This is an absolute must before hiring any pet sitter.
Do they come across as reliable, conscientious and interested in your requirements at the Meet & Greet?
Take note of how their demeanour. Do they seem in a rush and are just ‘ticking the box’ by visiting you, or do you feel they are genuinely interested and absorbing what you tell them.
Charges and Payment:
What are their charges, and what do they include?
These will usually be on their website/social media pages, but if they aren’t or if it isn’t clear, make sure to enquire before booking in.
Do they charge more for Bank Holidays or busy seasonal periods?
Many pet sitting companies will employ a surcharge on certain days/periods of the year. Make sure you are aware of this prior to booking.
How do they take payment from you?
Do they take card payments online, bank transfer, cash or PayPal? Look out for a pet sitting company that is flexible and offers a few methods of payment.
We offer Apple Pay within our Time To Pet app
Remember to trust your instincts and choose a pet sitter who not only meets your practical requirements but also establishes a positive connection with your pets. It's important to feel confident in the person taking care of your beloved animals, knowing that they not only have the necessary skills and experience but also truly care for the well-being and happiness of your pets.