Finding the right person to look after your dog while you’re away is one of those decisions that can keep you awake at night. It’s hard to leave your furry friend behind, I know. You want someone who’ll care for them like you do, someone who sees that wagging tail and feels the same joy you do. Trust me, isn’t just about convenience. It’s about peace of mind for you and safety for your pup.
Whether you’re jetting off for a quick weekend or planning an extended vacation, your dog deserves excellent care from a reliable sitter. Think about it: this person will be responsible for your dog’s meals, walks, playtime, medications, and emotional wellbeing. That’s a big deal. Let’s dive into eight essential tips that’ll help you make the right choice.
Look for Proper Certification and Training
Here’s something a lot of folks overlook: not all dog sitters are created equal. Professional certifications like the CPPS (Certified Professional Pet Sitter) from Pet Sitters International provide knowledge-based assessments specifically designed for professional pet sitters. This isn’t just a fancy piece of paper on the wall.
Certification programs typically include training in animal CPR and first aid, marketing, and business operations. Think about what that means in a real emergency. Would you want someone fumbling around in a crisis, or someone who’s trained to handle it? The ability to perform animal CPR and first aid, plus working knowledge of animal behavior, makes a significant difference.
I think it’s also worth noting that investing in pet sitter training and pet first aid certification improves knowledge and ability to care for animals, instilling confidence in clients. When you meet potential sitters, ask about their training background. If they’ve taken the time to become certified, it shows they’re serious about their profession and your dog’s safety.
Experience matters too. Someone who’s worked at veterinary clinics, grooming businesses, or animal shelters brings valuable knowledge to the table. Let’s be real: you want someone who can read your dog’s body language and understand when something’s off.
Verify Insurance and Liability Coverage
Liability insurance is incredibly important because if something does go wrong, insurance policy can cover costs of damages and legal fees. Things happen. Dogs get sick, accidents occur, emergencies pop up at the worst times. You need to know your sitter is covered.
Pet sitters working for services may already be covered by insurance, but these plans are often sparse and only provide bare-minimum protections, so anyone pet sitting full-time should consider their own pet care liability insurance policy. This protects both you and the sitter.
Don’t feel awkward asking about this upfront. Any professional sitter should be happy to provide proof of insurance and bonding. Think of it like this: would you hire a contractor to work on your home without checking they’re insured? Your dog is way more precious than your kitchen cabinets.
Conduct a Thorough Meet and Greet
Never, ever skip this step. Chemistry between your dog and their potential sitter is crucial. In the weeks and days leading up to your sit, visit the owner and dog together, let the dog get used to the sitter and spend time together on your own, starting for short periods and building it up.
Watch how the sitter interacts with your dog during this meeting. Do they get down to your dog’s level? Are they patient? Do they let your dog approach them first, or do they rush in? These little things reveal a lot about someone’s understanding of canine behavior.
If the dog’s issue is separation anxiety, showing that the sitter is a safe person accepted by owners will help the dog start to feel comfortable around them. Your dog is an excellent judge of character. If they seem uncomfortable or anxious around a potential sitter, listen to that.
Use this time to ask questions too. What would they do if your dog refused to eat? How would they handle an aggressive dog at the park? Their answers will tell you if they’re prepared for real-life scenarios.
Prepare Comprehensive Emergency Instructions
Give your pet sitter a comprehensive list of contacts including cell phone number, numbers of nearby relatives or friends, veterinarian’s contact details, nearest emergency veterinary clinic, and contact information for backup pet sitter. This isn’t being paranoid. It’s being prepared.
Emergencies can be overwhelming for sitters, so provide detailed instructions, being specific about what qualifies as an emergency like trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, accidents, or any sudden severe symptoms. Crystal clear instructions prevent confusion during stressful moments.
Ensure you have a veterinary release form on file for each client, because there’s always a chance you won’t be able to reach someone in an emergency, and having a signed veterinary release form indicates permission to take pets to the veterinarian for emergency care. Without this, your sitter’s hands might be tied.
Leave a well-stocked first aid kit in an easily accessible location. Include your vet’s after-hours number, the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic address, and even directions if needed. Honestly, when seconds count, this preparation could save your dog’s life.
Provide Detailed Medical and Behavioral Information
A sitter may not know your pet’s health history well, so make it easy to access a list of current medications, dosages, schedules, any known allergies or chronic conditions, vaccination records and recent medical history. Don’t assume anything is too minor to mention.
Behavioral quirks matter just as much. Does your dog get anxious during thunderstorms? Are they reactive to other dogs on walks? Do they have food allergies or eating habits the sitter should know about? Speaking to the dog’s owner about their routine including when they get into their dog bed, night time routine, what time they eat and what they eat, and their favourite toy is crucial because dogs are creatures of habit.
Make a list of any medications your pet is currently taking, the dosage, when medication should be given and how often, and if possible, go over this information with your pet sitter in person before leaving. Written instructions are good, but a face-to-face walkthrough is better.
Understand How They Handle Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs pick up on everything. The most common signs of canine anxiety are trembling, excessive barking, hiding, panting, pacing, destruction of property, and elimination in the house because dogs experience stress and fear in many different situations. Your sitter needs to recognize these signs immediately.
If they notice signs that your dog is stressed, first remove them from the stressor and find a quiet place to regroup. A knowledgeable sitter knows not to force interactions or overwhelm an anxious dog. They understand that resisting the urge to overly comfort and instead asking the dog to follow routine commands for treats provides a positive distraction.
Long walks help with anxiety because exercise relieves stress, tires the dog, helps them relax upon returning home, and walking is a great way to bond. Ask potential sitters how they’d calm an anxious dog. Their answer reveals their level of experience and empathy.
Some dogs need extra support. Using tools like Comfort Zone plug-ins and sprays in the environment to help ease anxiety should be mentioned with the owner before they leave. A sitter who knows these calming techniques is worth their weight in gold.
Check References and Read Reviews Thoroughly
This might seem obvious, but dig deeper than just glancing at star ratings. Call previous clients if possible. Ask specific questions: Was the sitter punctual? How did they communicate? Did their dog seem happy and well-cared-for after the sitting period? Were there any issues, and if so, how did the sitter handle them?
Online reviews on platforms or social media can reveal patterns. One bad review might be a fluke, but multiple complaints about the same issue should raise red flags. Look for comments about reliability, communication, and how the sitter handled unexpected situations.
Professional sitters should be happy to provide references. If someone hesitates or makes excuses, that’s a warning sign. Honestly, I’d rather spend extra time vetting someone than come home to discover my dog wasn’t properly cared for.
Pay attention to how sitters respond to negative feedback too. Do they get defensive, or do they address concerns professionally? This tells you a lot about their character and accountability.
Establish Clear Communication Expectations
Before you leave, set up a communication plan that works for both of you. How often do you want updates? Would you prefer texts, photos, videos, or phone calls? Establish a communication plan with your sitter for updates and check-ins during emergencies, deciding on the best way to stay in touch considering possibility of power outages or network disruptions.
Make sure your pet sitter knows how to reach you in case of emergency, and give your pet sitter an itinerary of your trip to help your sitter know when you may or may not be available. Nothing’s more stressful than trying to reach someone urgently and getting radio silence.
Professional sitters understand the importance of keeping you in the loop. Regular updates aren’t just nice, they’re essential for your peace of mind. Photos of your happy pup can turn a worrying day into a relieved one.
Be realistic about your availability too. If you’re going somewhere with limited cell service, let your sitter know. Give them alternative contacts who can make decisions if you’re truly unreachable. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and builds trust.
Conclusion
isn’t something to rush. Your dog depends on you to find someone trustworthy, capable, and genuinely caring. The right sitter becomes an extension of your family, someone your dog is excited to see and you’re grateful exists.
Take your time with these eight tips. Ask the hard questions, trust your instincts, and listen to your dog’s reactions. When you find that perfect match, you’ll know it. Your dog will be safe, happy, and well-cared-for, and you’ll actually be able to enjoy your time away knowing your furry best friend is in excellent hands.
What’s your experience with dog sitters? Have you found someone amazing, or learned any lessons the hard way? Your fellow dog lovers would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
