Leaving your dog at home while you travel can be a stressful experience. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway, on a business trip, or just working late every day, you want to know that your dog is well taken care of while you’re away.
That’s why it’s so important to hire the right sitter. But how can you find the best dog sitter for your home?
A reliable in-home dog sitter should be responsible, experienced, and communicative. After all, they will be taking care of your beloved pet and entering your home. In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for when hiring a dog sitter, what questions to ask, and what mistakes to avoid.
Why You Should Hire an In-Home Dog Sitter
Many dogs feel the most comfortable in the familiar setting of their own home. Hiring a dog sitter to care for your dog in your home can be beneficial for your dog as well as your home.
There are many reasons to hire an in-home dog sitter including:
Less stress for your dog
Consistent daily schedule
Familiar sleeping area
Reduced risk of illness from other dogs
Personalized care
Home security while you’re away
If your dog is a senior, a puppy, or has separation anxiety, staying at home is often the best option.
Know What Your Dog Needs
Before you start looking for a dog sitter, you should think about what your dog needs. Ask yourself the following questions:
Does my dog need multiple walks per day?
Does my dog need any medications?
Does my dog have separation anxiety?
Is my dog comfortable around strangers?
Does my dog get along with other animals?
Are there any special instructions for my dog?
The more specific you are, the better.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a reliable dog sitter is to ask for recommendations. You can ask your friends, family, neighbors, veterinarian, dog trainer, groomer, or other pet owners you know. If you use a professional pet-sitting service, you can also ask for recommendations from other customers.
When looking for reviews, be sure to read the comments as well as the ratings. Many professional dog sitters will have reviews from past clients discussing their experiences with the sitter. Look for reviews that mention the sitter’s reliability, communication, punctuality, emergency care, dog behavior, home cleaning, and repeat business.
Interview Every Dog Sitter You’re Considering
Never hire a dog sitter based solely on an online profile. Set up a phone call or video chat and ask them questions. Ask them about their experience, senior dog care, and emergency situations. Ask them how they will keep you updated. Ask if they’re bonded or insured. Ask for references.
A reliable dog sitter should be able to answer your questions confidently.
Arrange a Meet-and-Greet
Before you hire a dog sitter, set up a meet-and-greet. This will allow you to see how the sitter interacts with your dog. Pay attention to how they treat your dog, follow your instructions, and build trust. You should also ask questions and observe how your dog reacts to the sitter. Most dogs will be wary of a new person in their home, but many will quickly realize that the sitter is trustworthy.
Ask for References
Most professional dog sitters will ask for references before they book a sit. When talking to references, ask them if the sitter was reliable, punctual, and communicative. Ask if they provided photo updates and if the home was cleaned. Ask if they would hire the sitter again. Repeat customers are often the best source of information.
Discuss Your Expectations
Having clear expectations is the best way to avoid misunderstandings. Give your dog sitter clear instructions regarding your dog’s care. You should also give them instructions about your home and any security systems. The more information you provide, the better prepared your sitter will be.
Ask for Regular Updates
A reliable dog sitter will understand that you want to know how your dog is doing. Ask for regular photo and video updates. Ask for updates on your dog’s meals, walks, bathroom breaks, and behavior. Most professional dog sitters will update you frequently so that you know that your dog is safe and comfortable.
Make Sure They’re Prepared for Emergencies
Ask your dog sitter how they would handle emergency situations. Ask them what they would do if your dog became sick, ran away, stopped eating, or got hurt. A responsible dog sitter should have a plan for emergency situations.
Avoid These Red Flags
If a dog sitter seems untrustworthy, continue your search. Never hire a dog sitter if they refuse to meet you, don’t have any references, avoid your questions, offer absurdly low prices, take too long to respond, don’t ask about your dog’s routine, or seem uncomfortable around dogs.
Consider Their Professional Experience
While many dog sitters are fantastic without any formal experience, you may want to hire someone with professional experience. Look for dog sitters with experience in veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, dog training, and pet first aid. Experience with a variety of animals can also be beneficial.
Prepare Your Home
Make sure your home is prepared for your dog sitter. Leave them food, medications, leashes, waste bags, cleaning supplies, emergency contact information, and house keys. The more prepared your sitter is, the less stress there will be for you and your dog.
Should I Get a Pet Camera for My Dog?
Many pet owners choose to install a pet camera in their home so that they can check in on their dog while they’re away. A pet camera can help you feel more comfortable about leaving your dog with a sitter. You can use the camera to make sure your dog is safe and that the sitter is doing their job. If your camera has a two-way audio feature, you can talk to your dog through the camera. If you decide to install a pet camera, be sure to let your dog sitter know. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I know if a dog sitter is trustworthy?
Look for positive reviews, ask for references, and hire someone who has experience with dogs. A trustworthy dog sitter should also ask you questions and want to meet your dog before they start caring for them.
Is it better to hire a professional dog sitter or ask a friend?
A professional dog sitter often has more experience with emergency situations, medications, and different types of dogs. However, a friend may be a great option if they know your dog well and can provide references.
Should I meet the dog sitter before I leave?
Yes. It’s important to meet the dog sitter before you leave so that you can ask questions, discuss your expectations, and make sure that your dog is comfortable with them.
What should I leave for my dog sitter?
You should leave your dog sitter with food, medications, instructions, emergency contact information, vet information, walking supplies, and any other information regarding your dog’s care.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to find a trustworthy dog sitter for your home can be time-consuming, but it’s well worth it. The right dog sitter will provide comfort, companionship, and care for your dog while you’re away. By knowing what to look for, asking the right questions, and avoiding red flags, you can hire a responsible dog sitter who will take great care of your dog and your home. A little bit of preparation can make all the difference when it comes to in-home dog sitting.
