Choosing a pet sitter – what you need to know and ask

When you’re looking for a pet sitter for your dog or small animals, you want the absolute best care for them. Our pets are our family – we get it! At Pet Stop we are all pet people. You want to know that your pet is going to get the same love, care and attention as if they were in your home.

The good news for you is that today, there are endless choices! It’s no longer a case of kennels or nothing. And kennels today are not the same as the picture of kennels you might have in mind. Some even call themselves dog hotels!

But where they stay is just as important as the people they’re saying with.

So we thought we’d put a little guide together so if you’re new to this, all the considerations we’ve had over the years we can share, so you can be confident you’ve done your due diligence and go away on holiday totally at ease and enjoying yourself knowing your pet is having fun too.

We can’t promise no wobbles when you leave them though. That’s normal. Not from them of course – it’s always us left standing there waving as they go off wagging their tail with their new friends!

What are the options when it comes to pet sitting?

There are a lot more options now when it comes to pet sitting, and a simple search online near you will bring up a range of options.

Kennels

Dog kennels can be a great option for some dogs. They have facilities like:

Separate exercise fields for different types of dogs, often grouping them into personality types. Some kennels will be happy to walk dogs separately if they struggle with other dogs.
Heated kennels with indoor and outdoor areas. Kennels are usually modern facilities with everything a dog needs including heating and access to an outdoor space.
Secured and gated. Being in a kennels might be a good option for dogs that like to escape! Kennels tend to be very secure with high fencing and double doors to ensure dogs can’t escape, giving them a chance to be off lead during exercise times.

Home boarding

This option is where you take your dog to someone else’s house. Like a “home from home” environment.

The set up varies from one home boarder to another so you’ll need to do some investigative work.

Some home boarders take only 2-3 dogs, others more. Some have a crate and pen set up so dogs aren’t mixing from other households, whereas other home boarders will let dogs sleep on their beds.

Some home boarders specialise in reactive dogs and so know exactly how to handle your dog safely. Which for a lot of reactive dog owners is a welcome relief!

The set up you look for and need will very much depend on what you and your dog needs.

House Sitting

House sitting involves someone staying in your home while you’re away and caring for your pets in their familiar surroundings.

This can be an excellent option if you have multiple pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits or other small animals, as they can all stay in their usual environment and routine.

It does require a little more planning, as you’ll need to ensure the house sitter has somewhere comfortable to sleep and provide them with all the information they’ll need about your home and your pets’ daily routines.

There are also websites that connect homeowners with house sitters. Some people travel around the country – or even internationally – house sitting in exchange for accommodation rather than payment.

Unlike home boarding businesses, house sitters staying in your home don’t require a local authority licence in England. If you’re using a professional house sitter, look for someone who’s insured, has positive reviews or references, and ideally belongs to a reputable house-sitting platform or professional organisation. If you’re arranging a house sitter privately, it’s worth carrying out your own checks and if you can, arrange a meet-and-greet before your trip to make sure they’re the right fit for both you and your pets.

What makes a good pet sitter

Here are some of our top things to look for when looking for a pet sitter.

Does your pet sitter offer a trial?

If your pet sitter doesn’t know your dog, then it’s always a good idea to have a trial before the big event.

The last thing you want is to be halfway to your holiday destination and have to come back because your dog wont settle or is struggling without you. A trial means they can take some time to get to know your dog for a short while before staying for a longer period.

They’ll have more time to pick up and understand their quirks. And of course it will help your dog with adjusting too. If it turns out your dog isn’t a good fit don’t see it as a failure, but information. For example, some dogs really don’t do well in a group setting where the dogs are all free together. If that’s your dog don’t worry! There are plenty of other home boarders who keep the dogs separately.

Is your pet sitter registered with the council or have insurance?

The regulations vary by council and of course things change over time, but generally, if someone is home boarding your dog in their own house they will need a licence. This means that they’ve bee inspected and the council have confirmed they follow all the necessary regulations. They’ll also have had to confirm with the council that they have public liability insurance.

If however, they’re sitting in YOUR house, generally they don’t need a licence. But you’d still expect them to have their own insurance.

Is the pet sitter trained in first aid?

A professional first aid certificate is not required by law, but many pet sitters do choose to have one to demonstrate their commitment to your dog’s safety.

Kennels and home boarders will have first aid kits as part of their licence. If you have someone coming to your house, make sure they know what to do in an emergency and where your local vets are. All good pet sitters will make you sign a form to say you’re happy for them to take you to their vets in an emergency and give your pet and treatment as deemed necessary by the vet.

Does your pet sitter have good reviews?

Reviews are a great way to find out more about what people love about your pet sitter. Look for reviews on Google and Trust Pilot. Website reviews are great but external reviews are more trustworthy. Often pet sitters are more than happy to connect you with other customers so you can ask questions and put your mind at ease.

Questions to ask your pet sitter

Sometimes it’s useful to have a list of questions to hand you can ask. Here are a few things we’d recommend:

Are you insured?
Do you have reviews or references?
How many dogs do you care for?
Will my dog be kept separated from the other dogs?
Will my dog ever be left alone and how long for?
Are you licensed for home boarding (if your dog is staying with them)?
Can I see your licence?
Are you trained in pet first aid?
What happens if my dog becomes ill?

Will my dog be okay with a pet sitter?

This is probably one of the biggest questions that people ask. Will my dog be okay?

And wouldn’t we all love to have that certainty?!

But with the tips in this article, you’re going to have the best possible chance of being able to say yes. If they have a trial and come away happy, clean and rested, and all your questions have been answered satisfactorily, then there’s no reason why they wouldn’t be happy.

Although our dogs do love us very much, they are also very situational. While you’re not there, they’re likely more interested in their new environments and having fun with their new human friends!

If you’d like to get your dog some new toys to take away on their new trip we have so many to choose from! Take a look here at the toys we have in our pet shop.

Q&As about choosing a pet sitter

How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?

It’s always best to book as early as possible, especially during school holidays, Christmas and the summer months when a lot of pet sitters become fully booked. If you know your holiday dates, make sure to arranging a meet-and-greet or trial well in advance so you’ve got time to arrange an alternative if needed,

Can pet sitters look after small animals as well as dogs?

Sure. Many pet sitters care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and other small pets as well as dogs. Always check what species they have experience with.

Can I leave my reactive or nervous dog with a pet sitter?

Sometimes – it depends. Some pet sitters specialise in caring for reactive, anxious or nervous dogs and could offer separate exercise, individual care or quieter environments. Always discuss your dog’s behaviour honestly so the sitter can recommend the safest option. The last thing you want is to out your dog or the sitter in a situation that could results in a snap or bite.

What should I give my pet sitter?

All the things you usually provide day to day, so your pet’s usual food, treats, medication (if needed), favourite toys, bedding, emergency contact details and their vet information in case of an emergency. They should have given you a form to complete. The more information you provide, the easier it is for your pet sitter to keep your pet comfortable and happy!

Will my dog miss me?

It’s always a worry! But honestly, most dogs settle as soon they become familiar with their surroundings and new friend. Your pet sitter is experienced enough to know how to keep them calm, settled and happy as they do this all day every day!

What’s the difference between dog boarding and pet sitting?

Dog boarding is where your dog stays at someone else’s home or in kennels. Pet sitting usually means that someone is going to stay at your house (or visit you house) while you’re away. Which option you choose will depend on your pets needs.

How can I trust my pet sitter?

Look for someone with genuine reviews (look at Trustpilot and Google) insurance and the relevant licences if needed from the council. Good communication and plenty of experience. A reputable pet sitter will happily answer your questions and encourage you to arrange a meeting before booking.

Can I leave my puppy with a pet sitter?

Yep – a lot of pet sitters will still look after puppies, but check they have experience as puppies need more toilet breaks, supervision and training.

Choosing a pet sitter – what you need to know and ask