10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

Quick answer: Before handing over your keys, ask a pet sitter about insurance, their backup plan, how they’ll update you, emergency procedures, and experience with your specific pets — then always do a meet-and-greet. The ten questions below cover everything that matters.

The 10 questions

1. Are you insured and bonded?

This is the first question for a reason. Liability insurance covers accidents; bonding covers theft. A professional answer is immediate and specific. Hesitation or vagueness here is a red flag.

2. What’s your backup plan if you get sick or have an emergency?

Even the best sitter can get the flu or a flat tire. You want to hear a concrete plan — a named colleague, a partner sitter, a documented handoff — not “I’ll figure something out.”

3. How will you update me, and how often?

Photo updates after each visit are the norm now. Agree on the cadence before you book (every visit? once a day?) so you’re not wondering — or pestering — mid-trip.

4. Have you cared for pets like mine?

A sitter who adores Labradors may have never given a cat insulin or handled a reactive dog. Ask about your species, breed traits, age, and any medical or behavioral needs specifically.

5. Can you administer medication?

If your pet needs pills, injections, or topical meds, confirm the sitter has actually done it — and build a practice run into the meet-and-greet.

6. What do you do in a pet emergency?

Listen for: they’ll contact you first (or your emergency contact), they’ll take the pet to your vet or the nearest emergency clinic, and they’ll ask you to sign a vet authorization form before you leave. Ask this before it matters.

7. What exactly is included in each visit?

“Drop-in” can mean 15 minutes or 45. Get the visit length in writing, plus what’s covered: feeding, water, walks, litter, play, medication, bringing in packages.

8. Will anyone else enter my home?

Some sitters bring partners or subcontract visits. You’re owed a straight answer about exactly who will have your keys and access to your house.

9. Can you share references or reviews?

Established sitters can point you to reviews or references from past clients. Read for patterns: reliability, communication, and how problems were handled.

10. What are your rates, cancellation policy, and holiday fees?

Get the full pricing picture up front — per-visit or per-night rates, per-pet add-ons, holiday surcharges, and what happens if you need to cancel or extend the trip.

Always do the meet-and-greet

Questions 1–10 screen candidates on paper; the meet-and-greet tells you the rest. Watch how the sitter approaches your pet (calm, unhurried, lets the animal come to them) and how your pet responds. Trust what you see.

Red flags worth walking away from

• No insurance, or evasive about it
• No backup plan
• Won’t do a meet-and-greet
• No written agreement or confirmation of services
• Communication is slow or sloppy before you’ve even booked — it won’t improve after

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SuitePet connects Houston-area pet owners with local sitters. Share your pets, ZIP code, and dates on our homepage inquiry form to get started.