20 Essential Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter
Thinking about welcoming a pet sitter to care for your pets at home—where veterinarians agree they’re happiest? Great decision! Now comes the important work of finding the right sitter and preparing thoughtfully before they arrive.
To help you narrow down your search and get fully organized, here are 20 essential questions to ask a pet sitter. Grab your notepad—we’ve grouped them by timing so you know exactly when to bring each one up.
Questions to Ask Before Confirming a Sitter
These questions apply whether you're hiring a dog sitter, cat sitter, or caregiver for any other type of pet.
- What experience do you have with my type of pet?
- Do you have experience administering pet medication?
- Are there any requirements I listed that are non-negotiable—for example, no smoking or no visitors?
- What is your overall experience with animals, such as dog walking or handling shy or senior pets?
- How would you describe your cleanliness standards around the home?
- Do you have any questions for me about our home, pets, or specific care routines?
- Will you need a parking space during the sit?
- How do you handle behavioral issues—like anxiety, barking, or litter box avoidance?
- What motivates you to pet sit? (This helps gauge genuine passion and reliability.)
- Can you confidently meet all of my home and pet’s care requirements? (It’s vital that both you and the sitter feel fully confident in this alignment.)
Questions to Ask Before the Sit Begins
Once you’ve selected your sitter, use these questions to finalize logistics and ensure a smooth, stress-free handover.
- What day and time will you arrive? (Many experienced pet parents recommend scheduling arrival one day before your departure—this gives your sitter time to bond with your pet and learn the home layout.)
- How will you travel to our home? Do you need parking, or would you like a pickup from a local bus stop or train station?
- Are there any groceries or household essentials you’d like us to stock up on ahead of time? (This is optional—but thoughtful.)
- Do you have any dietary requirements we should be aware of? (Helpful if you plan to leave snacks or a welcome meal.)
- How would you prefer to communicate during the sit? (e.g., WhatsApp, text, email)
- What kind of phone service do you use? (Ensures reliable connectivity for check-ins.)
- Are you comfortable with routine visits from our gardener or cleaner during the sit?
- Are you confident with our emergency plan—including vet contact info, medical records, and nearby clinic directions?
- Do you have any questions about the local area—like nearby parks, walking routes, or emergency services?
- What day and time will you depart?
How to Find a Trusted Pet Sitter with FurPetVo
Finding the perfect pet sitter for your home and pets is simple—with FurPetVo, you gain peace of mind knowing your furry family stays happy and safe at home while you enjoy your time away.
- Choose your FurPetVo membership plan. This gives you access to verified sitters tailored to your pets’ needs—and includes perks like free video consultations with licensed vets*, home and contents coverage*, and dedicated member support*.
- Create your listing. Share details about your home, pets, routines, and any special care instructions.
- Review and choose your sitter. Read profiles, watch video introductions, and schedule interviews—all through furpetvo.com.
- Travel with confidence. Relax knowing your pets are receiving loving, consistent care in their own familiar environment.
*Available with FurPetVo Standard and Premium Pet Parent memberships.
Helpful Resources
Now that you’re equipped with smart, practical questions for your next sitter interview, explore these FurPetVo resources to prepare even more thoroughly:
- The ultimate pet sitter checklist: essentials and to-dos for pet parents
- How much does FurPetVo cost? A transparent breakdown of plans and value
- What do dogs really think when you leave them with a sitter? Science-backed insights
