How to find a pet sitter you trust

First, decide the kind of care

Walks

A set walk while you're at work: twenty minutes, half an hour, or an hour.

Drop-in visits

Someone stops by to feed, let them out, play for a bit, and check that all is well.

Pet sitting at your home

A sitter stays with your pet in your house, for an evening or overnight while you're away.

Boarding

Your pet stays at the sitter's home. Ask about their yard, other pets, and house rules.

Six steps that work

1. 1

   Start with recommendations

   A sitter someone you know has already trusted with their own pet is the best place to start. Here's who to ask, and what to ask them.

2. 2

   Meet with your pet there

   A meet-and-greet at your home tells you most of what you need. Watch how they greet your pet, and how your pet takes to them.

3. 3

   Ask about pets like yours

   Size, age, energy, medications, a dog who pulls or a cat who hides. Ask what they'd do if your pet got out, wouldn't eat, or seemed unwell.

4. 4

   Check what matters to you

   References, pet first aid, how they handle keys and your home. For boarding, expect to share vaccination records.

5. 5

   Start with a short visit

   A single walk or drop-in before a long trip lets your pet, and you, get used to them.

6. 6

   Leave the details in writing

   Feeding and treats, medications, walks and the route, the vet, what they're scared of, and what to do if they get out.

Questions for the meet-and-greet

Keep it a conversation, not an interview. A few that tell you the most:

• What pets do you usually care for, and have you had one like mine?
• How would you handle a dog who pulls, or one who won't come back when called?
• What would you do if my pet got out, or got hurt?
• Have you given medications before? Pills, liquid, or shots?
• How do you like to send updates, and how often?
• For boarding: who else lives at your home, and where will my pet sleep?

Questions