Choosing who will take care of your dog is not just about finding someone who loves animals. You are entrusting that person with the life of your animal companion and possibly your home. Asking the right questions before your first meet and greet is one of the best ways to find a reliable dog sitter.
A professional dog sitter should welcome your questions, as their answers will tell you a lot about their experience, communication skills, and preparedness. They should also help you determine if they are a good fit for your dog.
Below are the most important questions to ask a dog sitter before your first meet and greet, plus some tips on evaluating their responses and red flags to watch out for.
Why the First Meet and Greet Matters
When you schedule a meet and greet, it is not just about giving your dog a chance to meet their sitter. It is also your opportunity to learn more about them and determine if they are right for your animal companion.
During the meet and greet, you can:
- See how they interact with your dog
- Ask them about their experience and what to expect
- Discuss any concerns
- Clarify what services are included
- Ask any questions you may have
A professional dog sitter should always treat the meet and greet as an essential step in the hiring process.
Questions About Experience
- How long have you been caring for dogs? While experience does not always equal quality, a professional dog sitter with years of experience is likely to have encountered and dealt with a wide range of situations and dogs. Follow-up questions: Do you do this as a full-time job? How many dogs do you care for on average?
- Have you taken care of dogs like mine before? Every dog is different, so it is important to hire someone with the right experience. Ask if they have taken care of: Puppies Senior dogs Big dogs Small dogs Rescue dogs Anxious dogs High-energy dogs
- Can you give me any references? A professional dog sitter should always have references. Ask if you can speak to any of their past clients. You may also want to ask if they have any testimonials or repeat customers. A sitter with repeat business is a good sign.
Questions About Daily Care
- What does a typical visit look like? Make sure you fully understand what services are included in the sitter’s care. Ask if they provide: Feeding Fresh water Walks Playtime Potty breaks Medication Cleaning up after the dog Basic grooming Ask how long a typical visit is.
- How many walks will my dog get? The number of walks a dog needs will vary depending on their breed and age. Ask them about the: Length of each walk Walking routes Whether the dog will be on a leash or off-leash How they handle the weather This should be based on your dog’s needs.
- Can you give my dog medication? If your dog requires medication, ask if the sitter can administer it. Ask if they have experience with: Pills Liquid medication Eye drops Ear medication Injections (if applicable) Comfort is important.
Questions About Emergencies
- What would you do in case of an emergency? This is one of the most important questions to ask a dog sitter. Ask them what they would do in case of: Illness Injury The dog escaping Bad weather House problems A professional dog sitter should be able to give you specific examples rather than vague reassurances.
- Are you certified in pet first aid? While it is not a requirement, a professional dog sitter should have at least some basic knowledge of pet first aid. This could be crucial in case of an emergency before you can get your dog to the vet.
- Which vet would you take my dog to? Make sure they know: Your preferred vet Whether they will contact you or the vet first in case of an emergency The nearest vet in case of an emergency Whether they have transportation Preparation is key.
Questions About Communication
- How often will you update me? Many pet owners appreciate being kept up to date on their pet’s wellbeing. Ask if they will send you: Photos Videos Meal updates Walk updates Bathroom updates Behavior updates Communication is key while you are away.
- How will I be able to contact you? Ask if they prefer: Phone calls Texts Emails Messaging apps You may also want to ask how quickly you can expect a response.
Questions About Your Home
- Have you done in-home pet sitting before? If the dog sitter will be staying overnight, ask them about their experience with in-home pet sitting. Ask them about: Home security Locks Mail Watering plants Bringing in any deliveries You want someone who is trustworthy around your home.
- Are you insured or bonded? Most professional dog sitters carry insurance, which can provide you with some peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Questions About Scheduling
- How many pets do you care for at one time? A professional dog sitter should not have too many pets at once. This will allow them to provide the individualized care your dog needs.
- What happens if you are unavailable? Ask them if they have: A backup sitter Emergency coverage A cancellation policy A professional dog sitter should always have a backup plan.
Questions About Your Dog
A professional dog sitter should ask you questions about your dog. Ask them if they ask you about: Feeding schedules Medical needs Toys Walking schedules Behavior Commands Emergency contacts If they do not ask you about your dog’s needs, it may be a red flag.
Observe Their Interaction with Your Dog
The conversation is only part of the evaluation. Observe how the dog sitter interacts with your dog. A professional dog sitter should know how to: Approach the dog calmly Let the dog come to them Speak softly Avoid forcing the interaction Dogs can be good judges of character.
Red Flags During the Meet and Greet
You should steer clear of any dog sitter who: Does not answer your questions Arrives late Is not focused Does not interact with your dog Does not have any references Does not ask you about your dog Makes unrealistic promises Avoids talking about emergencies Trust and transparency are key.
Meet-and-Greet Checklist
Before hiring a dog sitter, make sure to discuss: Their experience with dogs similar to yours References Their daily routine Feeding schedules Medication The number of walks and their length What to do in case of an emergency How often you will communicate How they will care for your home Whether they are bonded or insured If they have a backup sitter What their cancellation policy is Their pricing
Checking these boxes before the meet and greet will help avoid any unpleasant surprises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a dog sitter meet and greet be? Most meet and greet sessions last between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the sitter’s experience. This should give you enough time to ask them about their experience and what to expect while you are away, as well as give your dog a chance to meet them.
Should I pay for the meet and greet? Many professional dog sitters offer the meet and greet as part of the service, while some charge a small fee. Always ask them what their policy is before scheduling the appointment.
What if my dog does not like the sitter? Some dogs take time to warm up to a new person, so it may be best to give them some time. However, if your dog seems fearful or uncomfortable after the meet and greet, it may be best to look for another sitter.
Can I ask for updates every single day? Most professional dog sitters are happy to provide photo and text updates, especially for first-time clients. You may want to ask them how often they can send you updates.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what questions to ask a dog sitter before your first meet and greet can help you make an informed decision rather than relying on gut instinct. The best dog sitters are those that welcome your questions and are transparent about their experience, communication methods, and emergency procedures.
A meet and greet is all about trust, both from your end and the dog sitter’s. By discussing your expectations, what to do in case of an emergency, the daily routine, and communication before hiring a dog sitter, you will feel much more confident leaving your animal companion in their care and know they will receive the individualized attention and care they deserve while you are away.
