The Essential Pet Sitter Check List

If you don’t have a relative or trusted neighbor available to care for your pets while you’re away, who can you rely on?

That’s where house sitters come in! If you’re still searching for a trustworthy sitter, check out this list of house sitting sites to find reliable options.

For homeowners, choosing the perfect house and pet sitter can feel overwhelming—and that’s completely understandable. After all, this person will be responsible for your home, belongings, and, most importantly, your pets. So how do you know when you’ve found the right one?

Should you trust your gut? Give them a trial run while you’re still home? Take a leap of faith? Selecting a house sitter is a big decision, and it’s worth taking the time to find the best fit.

To help you navigate the process, we’ve put together a Pet Sitter Checklist with the top 10 questions you should ask any potential sitter before making your choice. Stay informed and feel confident knowing your home and pets are in good hands!

10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Potential Pet Sitter

1. Can You Provide House Sitting References?

You might think this is an obvious one, but it is overlooked.

Some people talk a big game, but the proof is in their references. Ask the potential sitters personally for their references. If they are hesitant to hand over references, that is a sign they have something to hide.

If they have a website or an account on Trusted House Sitters, log on and see what previous clients have said, even better, as for a previous client’s email/ phone number. You might just find out the deciding factor.

2. Do You Provide a Criminal Record Check?

Criminal record checks are straightforward to obtain. Most countries even do them for free. New Zealand will send a physical copy to your home address or an email copy. The process usually takes about a month.

For homeowners, a criminal record check is the ultimate peace of mind. If your potential housesitter does not provide one, we recommend choosing another candidate; there is a good chance they have something to hide.

If you’re looking into international house sitting, this is a really important point to cover.

3. What Is Your Favourite Part About Pet Sitting?

There is no right or wrong answer here. This question is about getting a good feel for your potential house sitters. Make sure their reasoning sits well with you and what you believe house sitting should be about.

The last thing you want your house sitter to like house sitting is to get free food or house-sitting for free rent. When your top priority is your pet being well cared for while you are away,

The last thing you want is for your house sitter to ‘get free food’ when your top priority is your pet’s well-being while you are away.

4. What is Your Experience With (your pet here) Pets?

This one is important. You want sitters who have grown up around pets and have good first-hand experience.

You want to leave your pets in capable hands. This ensures you have a good trip and spend less time worrying about what is happening at home.

5. Can You Spend Time With My Pets With Me?

Having your potential pet sitter spend time with your pets with you around is the best way to ensure your pets will be in good hands while you are away. You want them to build a good relationship built on trust with your animals

You know your pets best and know when they are not comfortable around someone. Again, you will appreciate the peace of mind of knowing your pet is relaxed and happy.

6. Do You Have Any Relevant Qualifications?

Does your pet sitter have any relevant skills? Are they pet first aiders? Are they human first aiders? Are they trained in using a fire extinguisher in case of a house fire?

Do they know how to clean a house properly? These are other essentials to find out. The last thing you want is for your pet or home to be in danger and the house sitter to be useless in the situation.

7. How Often Will They Be at Your House?

Some pets require a lot of attention, so you want to ensure your pet sitter can accommodate all your pet’s needs.

If your dog needs four walks a day, make sure your pet sitter does not work a 9 – 5 with two hours of travel time a day. You want your pet to stick its routine as much as possible.

8. How Often Can You Communicate With Me?

Your pet is a part of your family. Some homeowners want daily updates on their pets. You want to ensure your house sitters know how many updates and photos you want.

Also, make sure they know how to use your preferred messaging platform. If you want 10 picture updates daily, get a tech-savvy housesitter who has all the equipment needed.

9. How Do They Handle Pet or Home Emergencies?

How would your potential sitter react to a home or pet emergency? You want to ensure your sitter will not overreact to a small problem or underreact to a big one.

Remember they are there to make your life easier and less stressful, not the other way around!

10. Can You Care For Pets With Special Needs?

Some animals require special diets, exercise programs, attention, or vet schedules. Ensure your potential house sitter is OK with any special requirements your pet may have.

Finally

There are plenty of questions you can ask potential sitters, but we believe these 10 questions are essential before considering anyone.

In our years of house sitting, we’ve been asked a wide range of questions before taking on a job. As sitters, we don’t find it intrusive or offensive—after all, you’re trusting us with your home and beloved pets, and it’s important that you feel completely comfortable.

To make things even easier, having clear written instructions can help ensure a smooth experience. Use this Printable Pet Sitter Instructions Template to outline your pet’s routine, house rules, and emergency contacts. A well-prepared guide sets everyone up for success and gives you peace of mind while you’re away.