What to ask a pet sitter before you meet
Start with reviews from owners who also went away for several days. What did they hear about their dog while they were away? What did the sitter do when something didn’t go to plan? Once you’ve found someone with relevant experience, tell them about a typical day with your dog. That gives you both something to go on.
You might ask if they’ve ever looked after a dog who wouldn’t eat on the first evening. Do they remember how that went? Do they ask whether that happens with your dog and when you’d want to hear about it? “That hasn’t happened to me yet.
Is it something your dog does?” is a perfectly good answer. It’s easier to make plans with someone who’s comfortable saying what they don’t know.
If someone offers to cure your dog of pulling while you’re away, ask how. We’d keep looking if their answer involves lead corrections, a prong collar or punishment. You should know how someone plans to handle your dog once you’ve gone.
Introducing your dog to the sitter on a walk
Meet outside, especially if your dog barks at visitors in the doorway. Give them a moment to approach and sniff if they choose. Once you’re walking a familiar route, pass the lead to the sitter and walk alongside. If your dog backs away from an outstretched hand, does the sitter give them space or keep reaching?
You’re getting to know each other on that walk too. Say you ask the sitter to give the dog park a miss. It’s reasonable for them to ask why. What matters is what happens once you’ve explained. If they still take your dog over to the gate “just for a minute”, that’s worth remembering before you hand them the lead for a week.
When your dog will board at the sitter’s home
After the walk, visit the place where your dog would stay. Ask to see where the sitter will put the bowl and where your dog can sleep in peace. Who else will be there on your dates? If other dogs will be staying, discuss introductions and whether they can eat separately. For an older dog, even the stairs down to the street can matter several times a day.
Before booking a stay at the sitter’s home, ask about an ordinary working day there. When do they go out, and how long would your dog be alone? If yours is only comfortable alone for an hour, this is the time to say so, while you can still make other arrangements.
When the sitter stays at yours: agreeing on access and keys
You can show the sitter around when you meet and hand over a key later, once you’ve confirmed the booking. Agree on who will be coming and staying overnight, which rooms are private and whether anyone else will be dropping by. Mention any indoor cameras before booking. With overnight pet sitting in your home, both of you should feel comfortable with the arrangement.
Agree on how you’ll get your keys back, too. Say you’re due home on Sunday evening and your flight is delayed. Who can take the dog out, and who will keep the key? Leave your vet’s number and the number of a friend who can pick up while you’re in the air. If the hours of care need to change, contact your Alvis coordinator.
What an overnight pet sitting report tells you
On the first evening away, the things you want to ask are usually quite simple. Did he eat? Has he settled down yet? In Night’s update his sitter mentions that he had a drink after his walk and lay down beside her. If your own dog tends to skip dinner when you’re away, ask the sitter to include a word about his appetite.
Read Night’s full update
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How do you decide whether to trust the sitter?
Think back to a moment when something you said changed what the sitter did. They took a different route without fuss, waited for your dog to approach or mentioned that they’re out for longer on Tuesdays. Those details give you something to base your decision on.
If the person and the arrangements feel right, add what you agreed to the booking. If a week still feels like a big leap, try a short visit. And if the sitter brushed aside a rule that matters to you, it’s fine to leave it at one meeting.
Questions owners ask before booking a sitter
What should I write down after meeting the sitter?
Include the things the sitter will need on day one. Perhaps a short walk is enough in the evening, meals are already portioned out and your sister has a spare key. Leave her number if she’s agreed to be your backup contact.
I like the sitter but I’m still nervous. What can I do?
Start with a single walk or a short visit. Seeing how your pet greets the sitter the second time can make it easier to decide about a whole week.
Can I meet a pet sitter before handing over my keys?
Yes. You can meet outside and walk your dog together first. Hand over the keys once you’ve chosen the sitter and agreed on dates. Decide who will collect them after the final visit if you’re due home late.
How do I find out whether other dogs will be boarding with mine?
Give the sitter your exact dates. Ask about their own pets as well as dogs staying for just part of your trip. If the dogs will share a home, ask to see where they can eat separately and where yours can go for a quiet rest.
How can I tell whether a sitter will suit a dog who is nervous around strangers?
Start with a short walk somewhere familiar. Watch whether the sitter gives your dog room to step away when they don’t want contact. If your dog still seems tense, arrange another meeting before you travel. You don’t have to decide on day one.
