For many dogs, staying home with a trusted sitter is less stressful than boarding. They keep their own bed, their own yard and their familiar routine. But a sitter is also someone you are trusting with your dog and your home, so it pays to choose carefully.
Where to look
Start with people and businesses you already trust. Ask your veterinarian, groomer, trainer and neighbors for recommendations. Some veterinary technicians and clinic staff pet sit on the side. Professional pet-sitting businesses and online platforms are also options; read reviews carefully and ask for references.
Decide what kind of care your dog needs. Drop-in visits a few times a day may work for some adult dogs. Others, especially puppies, seniors, anxious dogs and dogs who need medication, may be better off with a sitter who stays overnight.
Questions to ask a potential sitter
- How long have you been caring for dogs, and what kinds of dogs have you worked with?
- Are you insured or bonded? Do you have any pet first aid training?
- How many pets do you care for at once during busy seasons?
- How long are your visits, and what happens during them?
- How do you handle walks in hot weather?
- What would you do if my dog got sick, injured or lost?
- How will you send updates?
- Who covers for you if you get sick?
- Can you provide references from current clients?
Pay attention to the questions the sitter asks you, too. A thoughtful sitter will want to know about your dog’s habits, fears, health and household rules before agreeing to anything. Listen for answers that show experience and common sense, especially about heat, escape prevention and emergencies.
Schedule a meet-and-greet
Before you book, invite the sitter over to meet your dog. Watch how they interact. Do they let your dog approach at their own pace? Do they ask good questions? Does your dog seem comfortable with them?
Walk them through your home: where supplies are kept, how the locks and alarm work, which doors your dog might try to slip through and where the leash and waste bags live. Show them your dog’s routine, including feeding amounts and any medications.
Set the arrangement up for success
- Book early. Summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.
- Leave written instructions, including your veterinarian’s information and the nearest emergency clinic.
- Let your veterinarian know who will be caring for your dog, and ask how to authorize care if you cannot be reached.
- Make sure your dog’s ID tag and microchip have current information.
- Leave extra food, medication and supplies in case your return is delayed.
- Provide a local emergency contact who can step in if needed.
Consider a short trial run, such as a single overnight or a day of visits, before a long trip. It gives everyone, including your dog, a chance to get comfortable with the arrangement.
