House Sitting Guidelines: Pet Parents Edition
These house sitting guidelines are designed to help you and your pet sitter arrange a safe, successful, and stress-free sit—so you can travel with true peace of mind. For most pets, staying in their own home with loving care is far more comfortable and reassuring than boarding at kennels or other pet care facilities.
Creating Your Listing
As the first thing a pet sitter sees, your listing plays a vital role in attracting the right person to care for your pet and home. Here’s what to include to set yourself—and your furry family member—up for success.
Who Are You Looking For?
Be specific about your ideal sitter. Do you need someone experienced with high-energy dogs who can drive them to the beach? Or perhaps a calm, hands-on couple comfortable managing multiple pets? The clearer you are about your preferences, the more likely you’ll find a perfect match.
What Are Your Pet’s Needs?
Describe your pet’s personality, daily routine, medical needs, and any behavioral quirks or sensitivities. Include details like feeding schedules, medication instructions, favorite walks, and how they react to strangers or other animals. Also note local regulations—such as whether dogs must wear identification tags or muzzles in public spaces.
This transparency helps sitters anticipate challenges and provide thoughtful, consistent care while you’re away.
Pet Safety & Eligibility
For everyone’s safety, FurPetVo does not permit listings that involve inherently dangerous animals—including venomous reptiles, primates, wolves or wolf hybrids, non-domesticated felines, or alligators. Pets with a documented history of aggression toward people or other animals are also ineligible for placement through furpetvo.com.
Where Will Your Sitter Stay?
As part of the mutual trust at the heart of house sitting, pet parents must provide a clean, safe, private, and comfortable space for their sitter. No other guests or residents may occupy the home during the sit unless explicitly agreed upon in advance.
Be sure to disclose any home monitoring systems (e.g., security cameras or smart doorbells) in your listing—and clarify which areas are monitored and why. Respect for privacy is essential.
Include accurate, well-lit photos of the home—and highlight key features: quiet bedrooms, pet-friendly outdoor access, proximity to parks or trails, and anything else that makes your space welcoming.
You may also ask your sitter to handle light home responsibilities, such as watering plants, collecting mail, or maintaining the pool filter. However, you must not request professional services—like home repairs, deep cleaning, or running a business from your property.
When Do You Need a Sitter?
You can list as many date ranges as needed via your FurPetVo dashboard. Click “Add Dates” to create new availability windows.
FurPetVo Tip: Always factor in handover time. Some families prefer a quick 2-hour orientation; others schedule an entire day to walk through routines, introduce pets, and answer questions. If you need a full handover day, set your sit start date to the day before your departure—and mention this clearly in your listing.
Why Would Someone Want to Stay With You?
Remember: sitters exchange free pet care for complimentary accommodation. Make your listing irresistible by highlighting what makes your location special—scenic hiking trails, beloved local cafes, historic landmarks, or seasonal festivals. Share neighborhood tips and personal favorites to help sitters feel welcomed and inspired.
After You Publish
Your listing will be reviewed by the FurPetVo team and typically goes live within 12 hours. While you wait, head to your dashboard and begin building your Welcome Guide—a crucial tool for seamless transitions.
This guide should include everything your sitter needs: your pet’s vet contact and emergency plan, feeding instructions, medication schedules, milk or grocery delivery times, Wi-Fi passwords, alarm codes, and even notes on your pet’s favorite toys or bedtime rituals. Think of it as handing over the keys—not just to your home, but to your pet’s daily world.
Choosing Your Pet Sitter
Once your listing is live, sitters will begin applying. You may receive many applications—so take your time, stay organized, and use these proven strategies to find your ideal match.
- Take your time. Resist the urge to accept the first applicant. This is about finding the right person—not the fastest one. Thank each applicant promptly and keep them informed as you review options.
- Communicate early and often. Messaging through furpetvo.com keeps your personal information secure while allowing rich, meaningful conversations. Review each sitter’s profile thoroughly—their references, verified reviews, and membership level (Standard or Premium members receive automatic pet sitting and/or home & contents insurance). Then ask questions: experience with similar pets, comfort with medications or grooming, plans for exercise and enrichment. Whenever possible, meet face-to-face—or over video call—to observe how your pet responds. That “sniff test” matters!
- Confirm only when you’re certain. You’re never obligated to confirm a sitter—even after meeting them. Likewise, sitters aren’t required to accept. Both parties must independently confirm the sit in writing via the platform to ensure shared commitment and clarity.
Preparing for Your Pet Sitter
Once confirmed, work closely with your sitter to prepare for a smooth transition. Share your Welcome Guide, provide physical keys or smart-lock access, and schedule your handover session. Walk through your pet’s routine step-by-step—and let your sitter practice feeding, administering meds, or using the leash harness. Introduce them gradually to your pet in calm, neutral settings.
During the Sit
Stay available for brief check-ins—but avoid micromanaging. Trust the plan you’ve built together. Encourage your sitter to send occasional updates or photos (if both agree), and make sure they know how to reach you in case of urgent questions.
After the Sit
When you return, thank your sitter sincerely—and leave a thoughtful, detailed review on furpetvo.com. Honest feedback helps strengthen the entire community. Reflect on what worked well—and what you might adjust next time—to refine your process and build even better connections.
