- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whether your dog is a rambunctious puppy or a mellow senior, leaving them alone for any duration longer than they’re used to can be stressful. As a pet parent, finding reliable pet care can be a game-changer, providing peace of mind when you can’t be at home.
A reliable sitter is committed to keeping your dog safe, keen on sending updates, and willing to ask questions as they get to know your pet. Though sitters come with different experiences and expertise, one quality should always remain the same: you feel comfortable leaving your furry friend with them.
“When leaving a dog with a pet sitter, communication is key,” says Dr. Kirsten Plomin, Managing DVM with Old Town Animal Care Center. “The more informed your sitter is, the better they can care for your dog and recognize any potential problems.”
Alison Farrell, a kennel supervisor at VCA Plymouth Animal Hospital and Pet Resort, shares similar advice. “Be honest when talking about your pet’s needs,” says Farrell. “The more information you provide about your dog and their needs, the better chance you have of finding a caregiver or facility that can meet those needs.”
Ready to find a dog sitter? Here’s where to look, what to look for, and how to make sure you can feel great about your choice.
1. Search for a Sitter
Online platforms such as Rover, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), and Pet Sitters International (PSI) feature a host of trusted sitters who are ready to step in and aid pet parents in need.
Because the safety and well-being of your dog is top priority, these sites include detailed sitter profiles, reviews, and the ability to filter for the services you need, like overnight stays, medication administration, or special needs care.
You can also filter for sitters that provide the kind of care you’re looking for. Consider whether you need:
2. Read Qualifications, Licensing, and Background Checks
Once you’ve found some candidates, the next step is to check their profile to learn more about their experience and qualifications. Different kinds of services benefit from different qualifications.
| Provider | Qualifications |
| Overnight boarding or daycare facilities |
|
| Overnight sitting or daycare in a sitter’s home |
|
| House sitting and drop-in visits |
|
| Walking services |
|
| Board & train programs |
|
3. Read Reviews
Trusting a stranger with your pet can feel scary, which is why reviews and references make a world of difference. Many pet care platforms allow you to filter criteria such as location, services, and expertise when searching for a sitter. Rover, for example, allows you to peruse the sitter’s profile, which houses verified reviews from past clients.
Reading reviews (and looking through any photos posted with them) can ease your mind when booking a new sitter and help show if a sitter has provided positive, responsible care.
Look for shared philosophies on pet care
Reviews that go in-depth about the care provided can paint a more accurate picture of the sitter and their philosophy. For example, if a pet parent mentions that a sitter walked their dog regularly, kept the home tidy, and gave their pet plenty of attention, it shows that the sitter has a good track record of responsible, high-quality care.
Find situations similar to your needs
If you’re looking for a house sitter, for example, it’s helpful to choose someone with reviews specific to that service. Positive feedback can offer peace of mind, showing that the sitter is experienced with longer stays and can be trusted in someone else’s home.
Read about experiences with similar pets
A great place to start is finding a sitter with experience caring for pets similar to yours. Reviews from pet parents with high-energy dogs, senior dogs with health issues, anxious pups, or even dogs of a certain size can show that the sitter understands how to handle your dog’s unique personality and needs.
AnnaStills via iStock
4. Tailor Care to Your Dog’s Needs
Finding the best sitter that can accommodate your dog’s needs is crucial. If you’re not seeing your dog’s situation described by fellow reviewers, consider reaching out to a prospective sitter to learn more about their ability to accommodate your pup. Here’s what to look for.
Puppies
“Puppies require structure, patience, supervision, and plenty of mental stimulation,” says Farrell. “Their caregiver should be familiar with early socialization, basic obedience training, and ready to keep the environment safe from choking hazards or other dangerous items.”
Make sure your sitter is privy to your pup’s feeding schedule, sleep schedule, and any behavioral training you’re working on. Puppies typically require around-the-clock care, so an option like house sitting can provide constant companionship.
Senior dogs
A senior dog is especially likely to enjoy sticking to their usual routine. If you’ll be away from home for long hours, a couple of drop-in visits during the day can be a great way to provide your older dog with extra TLC. If you’ll be gone overnight, consider boarding or booking a house sitter.
“A calm and patient caregiver can be great for senior dogs,” says Farrell. “It’s helpful if the person or staff has a history of caring for older dogs, as they may need to be cared for separately from other pets.”
Farrell recommends finding a sitter with experience administering medications, checking that the house or kennel is mobility-friendly, and choosing a sitter or staff who can recognize signs of decline or medical emergency.
Dogs with health conditions
For a dog with health issues, prioritize finding a sitter with experience administering medication, who’s available for 24/7 care, and who could get your pup to the vet quickly in an emergency.
It’s important to do your part too: “Write down the name of each medication, the exact dosage, the time it needs to be given, and the method (i.e., with food or hidden in a pill pocket). I highly recommend using a pill organizer and pre-sorting the medications for each day you’ll be away,” Dr. Plomin says.
Dr. Plomin also notes that it’s worth educating your sitter on any warning signs. “For example, if your dog has kidney disease, an increase in thirst and urination might be a sign of a problem. If they have heart disease, a sudden cough or difficulty breathing is an emergency. Give them a list of specific symptoms that would warrant a call to you or a vet visit.”
Reactive dogs
Reactive dogs can get great care too. They key is to be transparent about reactive behaviors up front—that way, you can make sure you have a sitter who can do a good job.
Ensuring that your dog’s caretaker is comfortable handling a leash-reactive dog, for example, will help keep your dog safe in your absence. You’ll also want to make sure that the sitter can provide solo care without the presence of other pets.
High-energy dogs
A well-socialized dog with lots of energy might fare well at a boarding facility or doggy daycare. This provides ample opportunity to roam with other dogs and get plenty of attention. You’ll want to find a facility or sitter with safety standards set in place (e.g., all dogs require vaccinations) and that can manage the care of your playful pup.
Anxious dogs
“Dogs with anxiety need time to build trust,” says Farrell. “Having familiar caregivers will help, so try to establish a relationship with a single sitter or facility.”
A quiet, low-stress environment is typically best, so you might consider booking a house sitter or boarding your anxious pup at a sitter’s pet-free home for one-on-one care.
Tuning your sitter into any anxious behaviors and letting them meet the dog ahead of time can be a helpful first step. “Look for a caregiver or facility that is familiar with dog behavior and reading body language.”
Aiman Dairabaeva via iStock
5. Set Up a Meeting and Trial Run
Once you find a sitter who seems like a good fit, it’s time to schedule an in-person meeting. This allows you to observe how the sitter interacts with your pet before making a decision—and gives the sitter a chance to see if your dog is a good fit for them.
“The first time your sitter visits your home, show them your dog’s routine firsthand,” says Dr. Plomin. “This gives them the opportunity to ask questions and see your dog in a comfortable setting. It’s a great way to ensure everyone is on the same page.”
If you’re considering a boarding or daycare facility, Farrell suggests taking a tour of the facility, asking about vaccination policies, and even having your pet spend a few hours at the facility before booking for a longer duration.
Green flags
A great pet sitter should show genuine interest in your dog and ask thoughtful questions about their care and routine. The best sitters will be communicative and respond to messages promptly. It’s a good sign if they are receptive to concerns or anxieties you may have about leaving your dog. In addition, observe if your pet seems comfortable and happy around this newcomer.
Red flags
It can be a major red flag if a sitter appears disinterested in your questions. It can also be a bad sign if they are unwilling or hesitant to set up a meet and greet, indicating a lack of commitment or professionalism.
6. Prepare for Your Sitter
Preparing for your dog sitter sets everybody up for success. Make sure to provide the following information:
- Contact information for your veterinarian
- Contact information for the nearest emergency veterinary hospital (in case a problem arises after regular business hours)
- A detailed list of your pet’s health conditions, including allergies
- A complete and current list of all medications (medication name, dose, frequency, and the last time it was administered)
- Diet information (brand, amount, frequency, feeding instructions)
- Your contact information and an alternative contact if you cannot be reached
It takes a lot of work to feel comfortable leaving your dog with a sitter—but finding a trusted sitter or two is a worthwhile investment. The up-front time it takes to choose, vet, and meet with a caretaker is more than made up for by the peace of mind of knowing your pup is in good, loving hands.
