What Pet Parents Should Look For in a Pet Sitter (Beyond “Likes Animals”)
Choosing a pet sitter isn’t just about finding someone who’s available.
It’s about trusting someone with your pet’s safety, routine, and emotional wellbeing.
Yet many pet parents are forced to make decisions based on profiles, prices, or availability; without knowing what actually matters most.
Here’s what experienced pet professionals know pet parents should be looking for.
1. Observation Skills (Not Just Affection)
Anyone can pet, feed, or walk an animal.
A skilled sitter notices change.
Strong pet sitters pay attention to:
Shifts in energy or behavior
Changes in appetite, water intake, or bathroom habits
Subtle signs of stress, pain, or discomfort
Deviations from a pet’s normal routine
They don’t just report what happened they notice what’s different.
This is often the first line of defense in catching issues early.
2. Respect for Your Pet’s Individual Personality
Not all pets want the same kind of care.
A thoughtful sitter:
Adjusts to shy, anxious, or independent pets
Respects boundaries instead of forcing interaction
Understands that trust may take time
Reads body language and responds appropriately
The goal isn’t to “win over” your pet, it’s to make them feel safe.
3. Calm, Confident Energy
Pets respond more to energy than words.
Experienced sitters bring:
Steady body language
Predictable routines
Calm responses to unexpected moments
This matters especially for pets who are:
Anxious
Sensitive to change
Older or managing health concerns
Calm care creates calm pets.
4. Clear, Consistent Communication
A good sitter doesn’t disappear once the door closes.
Look for someone who:
Provides timely updates
Shares meaningful observations, not just photos
Communicates concerns early, not after the fact
Knows when to escalate and when to reassure
You should feel informed, not anxious or in the dark.
5. Respect for Routine (Not Convenience)
Pets thrive on routine.
Strong sitters understand that your pet’s schedule matters.
This includes:
Feeding times and preferences
Walk timing and pace
Medication protocols
Sleep and rest habits
Consistency reduces stress and supports emotional balance, especially when you’re away.
6. Comfort With Responsibility (Not Just the Easy Moments)
Ask yourself:
Would this person know what to do if something didn’t go as planned?
Professional sitters are comfortable with:
Administering medications as instructed
Handling minor incidents calmly
Knowing when veterinary care may be needed
Following emergency protocols
Experience shows not in perfect visits, but in how challenges are handled.
7. Boundaries and Professionalism
Reliable pet sitters:
Follow agreed-upon instructions
Respect your home and privacy
Understand the limits of their role
Don’t overpromise or improvise outside scope
Professional boundaries protect everyone, especially your pet.
8. A Support System Behind Them
One of the most overlooked factors:
Who supports the sitter?
The best care often comes from sitters who are part of a larger, organized system, where there is:
Backup support
Clear standards
Ongoing education
Accountability
This ensures continuity of care, even when the unexpected happens.
The right pet sitter doesn’t just “watch” your pet.
They:
Observe
Adapt
Communicate
Respect
And care intentionally
When pet parents know what to look for, they’re better equipped to choose care that truly supports their pet’s wellbeing, not just fills time.
At Dogs On The Run, we believe exceptional pet care starts with informed pet parents and professionals who take the responsibility seriously.
