How to find a trustworthy dog sitter
We build strong bonds with our dogs, and love them like family. So leaving them in someone else’s care can be daunting. But life needs to happen – whether that’s going away on holiday, heading off on a work trip, or just spending long hours away from home.
To help make sure your dog’s safe, comfortable and well looked after, here’s how to choose a trustworthy dog sitter.
Another way to make sure they’re well protected is with peace-of-mind dog insurance.
Begin with recommendations
Word of mouth is often the best way to find a sitter. If you have dog-owning friends or family locally, ask them if they use a sitter they trust. Likewise neighbours, or follow dog walkers at the park.
Otherwise, you can check noticeboards at local vets, groomers and pet shops. This is a bit more of a roll of a dice than personal recommendations, but will give you a flavour of what’s available in your area.
Check out dog-sitting platforms online
Next stop: the internet! There are several platforms that connect owners with vetted sitters, usually with reviews from previous clients. These sites often offer background checks and insurance options. Before choosing a sitter, always check the reviews. If sitters have repeat customers, this shows reliability too – although bear in mind that owners and sitters will often take their relationship outside the app after they’ve met. As such, sitters who don’t seem to have repeat customers isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Check the sitter’s credentials and insurance
A trustworthy sitter should have experience handling dogs. Ideally they’d also have some form of training, like pet first aid. If you find them on an online platform, they’ll usually list these credentials on their profile.
Professional sitters may also be members of organisations like the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters (NarpsUK). Plus anybody running a business boarding dogs in their house needs a licence from their local council.
It’s also worth asking if they’re insured, although this isn’t mandatory. It’s reassuring though if they have public liability insurance. This provides cover for accidental injuries to pets, people or property. If they don’t and your dog ends up hurting someone, another pet or damaging property, you could end up footing the bill.
Some sitters may also have vet cover in case of emergencies. Sites like Rover offer this cover as part of their service.
Arrange a meet and greet
Before booking, arrange for a meet-up with the sitter and your dog, so they can get to know each other. This way, you can see how they interact, and whether your dog feels comfortable around them.
Watch their body language, and how patient the sitter is. An experienced sitter will approach calmly and let the dog come to them. During this time, ask questions about:
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Their experience with dogs of your breed
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How they handle emergencies
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What a typical day looks like under their care
It’s also important to establish they can stick to your dog’s routine – such as when they’re fed and exercised. Ask if they’ll go for walkies, how often they’ll walk your dog and for how long. Also ask about administering medication if they need it.
Also make sure they’re happy to give you updates. A good dog sitter will be happy to send you photos or videos during your time away, giving you peace of mind that they’re in good hands.
Check their home environment
If the sitter’s hosting your dog in their own home, be sure to visit ahead of time. Check it’s secure, clean and dog-friendly.
Look for safe outdoor spaces, secure fencing, plus whether other dogs, pets or children will be there. This will help you judge whether your dog will be comfortable there.
Depending on what your dog’s like, think about things like:
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Whether they’re good with kids, or if children might be too much for them
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If they’re likely to get on with cats or other pets the sitter may have
Also consider how many dogs will be there. Some sitters take on multiple dogs at the same time. If this is a problem – such as if there are too many dogs in too small an environment – don’t be afraid to bail. Your dog’s comfort and safety is the number -one thing here. And on that point…
Trust your instincts
Finally, go with your gut. If something feels off, don’t ignore it – your dog’s welfare is too important.
It’s worth taking the time to find someone you feel completely comfortable with, even if it means interviewing several sitters. You’ll get there eventually!
P.S: Taking your dog on holiday
If you’re going away and decide you actually want to take your dog with you, here are some guides you might find useful:
- Written by
- Owe Carter
- Approved by
- Owe Carter
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About the Author
Owe Carter is a writer specialising in insurance and pets. After a 10-year shift as lead copywriter at Confused.com, he's written for numerous consumer, motor and personal-finance businesses - including Go.Compare, Admiral, AA Driving School, Ageas, Principality, MoneyWeek and Look After My Bills. He has two cats, Niblet and Slinky, and a cavalier named Momo.
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