- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Finding the right pet sitter is important for your pet’s safety and happiness—and knowing you have a sitter you can trust can provide some peace of mind while you’re away.
Paying attention to any red flags that show up in your search for a sitter can help you find the right match for your pet. Red flags don’t automatically mean ruling a potential sitter out, but they can be a sign to listen to your gut and ask more follow-up questions.
We read through pet sitting forums and reviews from both sitters and pet parents to find the most common red flags when hiring pet sitters. Read more for important considerations when hiring a pet sitter and how to follow up on your instincts.
1. Empty or Vague Profile and Website
If a sitter’s “About” page or profile doesn’t include information like the types of pets they’ve cared for or what their service covers, you’ll have a harder time determining whether they’re a good fit.
That said, some sitters may prefer to work through word-of-mouth—a very common practice on Facebook. Others may not have the time or ability to maintain a website.
What to do: If you’re interested in hiring a sitter, consider green flags like a professional messaging tone and pet-related certifications. Then, you can reach out to ask about their experience—and pay attention to their willingness to answer questions!
2. Poor or Inconsistent Communication
If you can’t get a reply from your sitter while you’re away, you may spend more time worrying about your pet than anything else. It’s a red flag when a sitter consistently delays answering questions, avoids direct responses, or dismisses key details or concerns, like other jobs or pets.
A sitter who matches your communication style with transparency may be a better fit. One pet parent on Trustpilot said that strong communication made them feel comfortable and safe throughout the process. After all, you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re teaching your sitter how to communicate!
What to do: Clearly explain the kind of communication you expect from your sitter. Their response may help you feel more at ease with hiring them—or encourage you to keep searching.
3. Lack of Interest or Curiosity about Pets
“The best sitters are the ones who ask you the right questions,” says a sitter on the r/RoverPetSitting subreddit.
If a sitter doesn’t ask specific questions about your pet’s habits or needs, they might not fully understand the responsibility involved. Dismissing pet care with comments like “How hard can it be?” can be a major warning sign.
What to do: If a sitter seems uninterested or uninformed and your pet has specific needs, we recommend reviewing more options to find someone who wants to learn about caring for your pet. Asking clarifying questions is a green flag that shows attention to detail.
4. Frightened or Anxious Pets
Ideally, a pet sitter will stay calm, patient, and gentle in order to earn your pet’s trust. If a sitter acts annoyed, dismissive, or unsure of what to do, they might have a hard time meeting your pet’s unique needs.
If your dog hides or your cat hisses when meeting the sitter, this can sometimes be a red flag. Of course, some pets are nervous around new people. But if your pets are usually friendly, this can mean the sitter isn’t a great fit.
What to do: Ask the sitter if they can do a drop-in trial to give your pet time to adjust to their presence. Keep in mind, though, that you know your pets best, and their reaction can tell you a lot about their comfort with the sitter.
5. Refusal To Follow Your Pet’s Routine
Abrupt changes in routine can cause pets and pet parents alike to become stressed or anxious. If a sitter changes feeding times, walks, or training methods without consulting you, this can mean they’re incompatible with your pet’s needs or schedule.
One pet parent shared on Trustpilot they felt peace of mind because their sitter stuck to the routine and sent updates every few hours.
What to do: For ongoing pet care, send a reminder to the sitter about your pet’s routine. If the sitter pushes back or doesn’t stick with it, you may want to choose a different sitter next time.
Red flag statements
When you review potential sitters, take note of how they respond to your pet’s details and care routine. Sometimes, their communication (or lack of communication) can make it very clear they’re not a great fit.
Examples of red flag statements include:
- “Oh, I don’t need to meet your pets first. Animals always love me!”
- “I don’t have references. It’s too hard to get in touch with my past clients/I haven’t done any pet sitting for a while.”
- “I’m not sure of the specific time I’ll arrive, but don’t worry—I’ll be there!”
- “Your dog’s routine sounds really complicated. I’m not sure I’ll remember all of that.”
- “I just follow my own routine when pet sitting. I’m sure your dog will adjust!”
- “I have a lot of clients that week, but I can squeeze you in.”
- “I can’t promise to send text or photo updates. I’m not great at texting.”
- “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out!”
Listen for vague statements, a general lack of interest, or any signs they’re not listening when you describe your dog’s needs or care routine. Trust your instincts! If something seems off, you’ll probably feel more comfortable with another sitter.
6. Unsafe or Unclean Environment
A sitter’s home should be pet-proofed, pet-friendly and clean. It’s always best to ask for a tour or photos of where your pet will stay before booking a sitter.
Check for potential risks like open gates, loose wires, toxic plants, or signs of overcrowding. If a sitter has other pets or kids, ask how they monitor their spaces for safety.
What to do: If you feel uncomfortable with the environment or the sitter’s answers, you may want to continue your search for a sitter or ask if they’ll consider house sitting instead.
7. Lack of Photos and Client Reviews
A sitter with no reviews or pet-related photos might be new to the business or simply have clients who didn’t leave feedback. However, photos are important, since they give examples of the activities, care, and attention your pet may receive.
Some sitters may not put up photos on their website or profile but will share them if you ask.
What to do: Ask for references or examples of past pet care. If they’re responsive and share details, that’s a green flag. If they’re vague or dismissive, you may want to continue your search for a better match.
8. No Matching Pet Experience
Each pet is unique, so make sure your pet sitter has relevant experience. This can make a big difference in your pet’s safety and comfort!
For example, if a sitter has only cared for small dogs but you have a giant dog, they may not realize how much strength a large dog has and struggle with walking them or keeping them from running outside.
Similarly, you’ll probably want a sitter with cat experience to care for your cats, particularly if you have a senior cat or cat with special needs.
What to do: Ask direct questions about your sitter’s experience. If they haven’t worked with pets like yours, it’s worth considering someone who has.
9. No Local Knowledge for Emergency Plans
Local knowledge and pet care experience matter—but these traits become especially important if you have senior pets or need pet sitting during the busy holiday season.
If your sitter doesn’t know the nearest vet or emergency vet clinic or how to handle a crisis, this could be a serious problem.
What to do: Ask sitters how they handle emergencies or disasters. If a sitter seems unsure about emergency procedures or is unfamiliar with your neighborhood, provide a clear plan for them to follow or consider finding a sitter who knows what to do in a crisis.
10. Misrepresented or Exaggerated Experience
It’s a major red flag if a pet sitter exaggerates or misrepresents their qualifications.
For example, some people may claim to have plenty of experience caring for pets when they’ve only lived with animals who belong to other people. Others may say they have expert credentials they don’t actually have.
What to do: If you’re concerned, you can ask for references or examples of their work and proof of their experience and certifications. A trustworthy sitter or reliable dog walker will be ready to provide details and documentation.
11. Won’t Do a Meet and Greet
Most pet parents agree it’s essential to meet a sitter before hiring them.
If a sitter doesn’t want to meet you beforehand, you may miss out on opportunities to clarify expectations or provide specific instructions. Meeting before booking a service gives you a chance to build trust, not to mention observe how your pet interacts with the potential sitter!
One sitter shares on the r/RoverPetSitting subreddit they like to take dogs on a quick walk during the Meet and Greet to help the dogs get comfortable with them.
What to do: If a sitter refuses to do a Meet and Greet or isn’t available when you’re free to meet, you may want to keep searching for a sitter who wants to meet you—and your pet—ahead of time.
12. Missing or Failed Background Check
A missing or failed background check can be a serious concern, especially if the sitter will stay in your home. Aim to choose sitters who have completed a background check and display it on their Rover profile.
What to do: If your sitter doesn’t have a background check displayed, ask them about it. They may have a good explanation or agree to complete one.
If you’re searching for a sitter who isn’t on Rover, protect your pet’s well-being by checking for other green flags, like pet sitter insurance or previous clients who provide excellent references.
FAQs
My sitter didn’t ask anything about my pet, is that a red flag?
It’s not automatically a red flag. Depending on where in the evaluation or booking process you are in, a sitter may not have extensive questions just yet. Some sitters may wait until the booking is confirmed before they get into the details.
Is it a red flag if my sitter turned off my pet camera and tracker?
In this scenario, context, such as the location of the camera, matters. Undisclosed cameras can feel invasive and spoil any earned trust for both parties.
If the camera is a room where a sitter should be able to expect privacy, such as the bedroom, it is not a red flag for them to turn off the camera. If the camera is in the living room, front door, or yard and has been disclosed during the Meet & Greet or prior to the booking, it is reasonable to reach out to the sitter for an explanation.
My pet is acting weird after the sitter left. Is this a red flag?
There are many reasons for a pet to act differently after being cared for, so an immediate change in behavior is not automatically a red flag. What makes weird pet behavior a red flag is if the behavior indicates pain, fear, or increased anxiety around new or existing triggers. Behaviors that last more than a few days without improvement may worth considering or following up on before rebooking with your sitter.
What are tell-tale signs a sitter is a good fit?
Signs of an excellent pet sitter will depend on your specific needs but you can count on good communication skills and familiarity with animal body language as foundation skills to look for.
