Your pets are part of the family, and unfortunately, work and travel can cut into quality time with your critter. Neighbors and friends are helpful, but professional pet sitters offer better, more reliable care. The pros don’t just stop in and refill your pup’s kibble and water. They can also watch your home, walk your dog, take in the mail, water plants, and even provide regular doggy day care. Here’s how to find the perfect sitter for your pet.
How to Find a Pet Sitter
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Establish what you need
Before you start your search, consider what kind of services you need. If you’re going out of town for a couple of weeks, you may need a pet sitter for afternoon walks or drop-in visits. It all depends on how much care your pet needs. If you aren’t comfortable with someone visiting your home, you can find sitters to board your pets while you’re gone. Like any service, you’ll need to spend a little, but it’s all worth it to know your pet is getting belly rubs from good hands.
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Use reliable sources
People often turn to friends and neighbors first when they need a sitter. While they may be available and happy to help, they might not know how to handle an emergency or serious situation. Start “vetting” your search through animal care professionals in your area. Ask your veterinarian, groomer, or trainer if they have any reliable contacts to recommend.
You can also check professional organizations like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. These organizations have chapters across the US and Canada that can connect you with certified sitters in your area. If you go through these sources, you’re more likely to find a professional with medical training and insurance.
Sit! Speak!
Once you find a potential pet sitter, reach out to set your schedule and expectations. Now is your chance to tell your sitter about any special medications, dietary requirements, or routines your pet needs to be happy. Many professionals come with experience and emergency training that’s perfect for animals that need extra care.
Enjoy your new sitter
The best sitters send regular updates while you’re out of town, take in mail and packages, water plants, and go that extra mile to ensure your home and pets are safe and happy when you return. Whether you’re gone for two weeks or only two hours, a great pet sitter can provide care for both you and your pets.
Consider a pet cam
Pet cameras are another good solution if you’re gone often. You can also use a pet cam to keep an eye on your house or your pet sitter.
Pet sitter FAQs
Friends and neighbors are a great resource when you go out of town, but professional pet sitters are often experienced, insured, and certified in emergency and medical situations. While they may cost a little more, hiring a pet sitter is worth the peace of mind.
They don’t have to be a full fledged veterinarian to be a good sitter, but certifications in animal emergencies or CPR are a huge plus. If you found your candidates online, look through pictures and reviews from previous clients to learn more about them. In the end, if you still can’t choose, let your pets decide by meeting the candidates.
The same way you’d find a dog sitter! While cats don’t need the same careful attention as dogs, there are plenty of options for cat lovers online as well. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian if they know any reliable sitters in the area.
Sure as turtles have shells and birds have wings, there’s someone in your area qualified to watch your exotic pets. Just be sure to chat with your potential sitter about special care requirements, handling, feeding routines, or medicine.
There are several companies that offer insurance for pet care professionals. Just like groomers, professional boarders, and trainers, pet sitters need to be responsible for anything that could happen under their watch. Most pet sitter insurance companies cover liabilities, medical visits, and serious accidents. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential pet sitter if they have insurance.
Final word
Nobody likes leaving their pet behind—but a professional pet sitter can make sure your babies are happy and well cared for. If you want someone with experience, training, or liability insurance, resources like Rover and Care.com can help you fetch a great sitter faster than you can say “good boy.”
Compare the top pet safety products
Product | Best for | Price | Standout feature | Learn more | Read review |
| Affordable pet insurance | Starting at $10/mo. | Deductible: $100–$500 (annual) | Get quote | Read review | |
| Affordable GPS pet tracker | $49.99 | Collars for cats and dogs | View on Tractive | Read review | |
| Best pet camera | $178.00 | Motion and bark sensor Treat dispenser | View on Furbo | Read review | |
| Best pet-friendly security system | Monitoring starts at $29.99/mo. | Adjustable motion sensitivity | View Packages | Read review | |
| Best dog harness | $49.95 | Reflective; 4-point adjustment | View on Amazon | Read review | |
| Best pet gate | $74.99 | Cat door | View on Amazon | Read review |
Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
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