10 questions to ask before pet sitting

As they taught us in the Scouts, it’s always best to Be Prepared. Before you accept your new pet sitting assignment or even think about your house sitting packing list, it’s a good idea if you know what to expect, and to fill your brain with (expert) pet sitting tips.

Now, our fantastic pet parents aren’t suddenly going to drop an unusual and awkward pet on you (there are no big cats on our books!), and you won’t get any startling surprises. However, it's still helpful to know whether Max likes the park or the beach (pack your swim stuff) and whether you’ll mostly be on play or cuddle duty. And of course, it's especially important to ask pet parents the right questions if it's more of a unique sit, like boat sitting, or a particularly old house.

To help you build a picture of your new companion, here are a few helpful questions to ask before pet sitting and to help you along the way with your sit handover preparation, and to tick off your house sitter checklist.

Pet parents, you can plan ahead too, by creating a helpful checklist for your pet sitter. This provides your pet sitter with all the essential information they need, and you can send it to them in advance. You can also organise a video call with your sitter, covering all the questions to ask before dog sitting, cat sitting, or something else sitting!

If you’re new to this and are wondering how to be a dog sitter, read on. This will give you plenty of tips about the wonderful world of pet sitting.

1. How many pets will I be taking care of?

This is a really important question to ask when pet sitting, and one of the things we always list at the top of our assignments (look out for the cute little animal logos). There’ll be a big difference in your TrustedHousesitters experience between strolling around the park with one pooch and having to manage a pack of four!

So, depending on your experience, you may decide that a multiple pet sit isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you’re never happier than when you’re surrounded by animals, go for it!

2. What is the pet's temperament?

This is a really important cat and dog sitting tip. If you’re new to this, a timid, territorial or generally tricky pet might feel a bit more daunting to care for. It’s so important (and we’ll keep saying this) that you're comfortable with your new companion. However, as an animal lover, we’re confident that you’ll take most temperaments in your stride!

Knowing the pet’s usual demeanour is also helpful for identifying problems. For example, if you know the cat is scared of strangers, it won’t worry you when they stay under the bed for your first day together. However, if a normally boisterous dog suddenly wants to sleep all the time, it could be a sign that they don’t feel too good.

3. How do you deal with bad behavior?

Pets need consistency, and pet parents have their own ways of managing their pets’ behaviors. Make sure you know what to do if the pet does something they shouldn’t during your house sit. One of the key questions to ask when pet sitting is 'are there certain commands you need to use', for example?

It’s also helpful to know what boundaries have been set for the pets. For example, some owners may be happy for the dogs to sleep on the beds, whereas for others, this counts as going against the house rules.

4. How do you reward good behavior?

And of course, we want to positively reinforce good behavior too, with a reward. It could be a cuddle or playtime with a favorite toy. Some owners give foodie treats for extra-good behavior, whereas for some dogs, this is a real no-no.

5.  Are there any medical issues or allergies? In that case, do they need any medication?

Our owners make sure that the sitter has all the health and veterinarian information. All our pet sitters have very clear guidance on any health issues or allergies. But, that doesn't mean you don’t want to feel prepared before you take on the sit!

As anyone who’s ever had to medicate a cat knows, routine pet medical care isn’t always easy. Make sure you’re comfortable and confident with giving any regular medication and that the instructions you’re given are clear.

Ask about allergies. Are there any foods or plants that you simply need to keep out of the home? 

If you’re asking yourself “How can I become a dog sitter if I am worried about giving meds?”, don’t worry. Most if our pet sits don’t involve anything stronger than flea treatment, so don’t let this put you off. Find out what’s needed before you commit to the sit (which is why questions like this are super-important).

6. What is the pet's daily routine?

Our cats and dogs can be creatures of habit. Having routines makes them feel secure and will help to settle them while their pet parents are away. And unlike many other pet sitting apps, there are many other types of pets here, so you'll need to know what to do, to make sure you're sticking to their daily routine.

So, ask about their schedule. Mealtimes, walk time, grooming time, meds time, play time, bed time… Where do they like to sleep? Is there a specific bowl they like for breakfast? Do they prefer one park in the morning and another in the evening? Pets can be incredibly specific with their wants and all these little details can really make a difference.

Ask about longer-term routines. Does the dog need a regular bath? What about flea and wormer treatments?

7. Who should I contact in an emergency?

Again, this will be on your sitters’ checklist, as one of the most important questions to ask before house sitting. As well as the owner's number, you’ll need the contact details for the vet, the emergency vet (if different), a helpful neighbor you can call on, and the insurance company should the pet need treatment.

8. What are your pet’s triggers? What are they scared of? What will they react to?

Most animals have something that scares them, so one of the pet sitting questions to ask the owner of the house should be around things to avoid doing so that the pet doesn't get scared, retreat or become triggered. The sound of the vacuum cleaner or a thunderstorm are common ones, but your new furry friend may have some unusual triggers.

You’ll need to know what they are so you can avoid upsetting the pet (which is so easily done in the case of more uncommon triggers), and also so you know what makes them feel better. A dog may need cuddles after hearing unexpected fireworks going off outside, but a cat might feel happier simply hiding under the bed for a while.

Ask about triggers away from the home. How are they with other pets? Can they be petted by kids? How do they feel about being in the car?

9. Can the pet be left alone? For how long?

This question to ask when house sitting is really important to know as a house and pet sitter. Will you and the dog be together 24/7 or will you only see the cat at dinnertime? This helps you get a clearer picture of what the sitting assignment will be like for you.

Some pets (usually dogs) can experience separation anxiety. Ask the owner if this is an issue for their dog, and if so, ask for tips about going out for groceries or even for a jog around the block. Pet sitting for an animal who loves your company can actually be the most rewarding type of assignment of all, but you will need to do some logistical planning around this.

10. Is there anything else I need to know about your pet?

Having taken care of the emergencies and the daily routines, this is the cute part. What does the pet love to do? Do they have a favorite toy, game, or place to play? Is there a special soft toy or blankie that they snuggle up to at night? Where are your cat’s purr points?

We love to find out about our pets’ quirks, and please ask the owner to describe any funny habits. If the cat loves to jump in the shower or the dog has a must-see show on Netflix, it’s good to know this stuff. 

Most of our animal friends have one unusual quirk or other (it’s part of what makes them so wonderful), and you’ll have great fun getting to know your temporary pet.

Hopefully, the owner can answer all your questions, and you’ll have a much better idea about what the pet sitting assignment involves. If it looks like it’s the right job for you, and the owner and pets agree, then go for it!

So, now you're all set with the questions you need to ask before pet sitting, take another step closer to your adventure and learn how to register as a house sitter.

Tips from super sitter and TrustedHousesitters member, Karen

And if our tips didn’t quite cut it, Karen Schuppert - global house and pet super sitter with over 50 sits under her belt and nutritionist by trade, shares her thoughts on what sitters should be asking, over on our community forum.

“As outlined in my article, from the initial contact to the completion of the sit, open and clear communication is crucial.

• Inquire about the pet parents’ expectations and what they would consider an ideal sitter, which can reveal important details not covered in written instructions.
• If a live meeting isn’t possible, a video walk-through helps familiarize the sitter with the home and pets, adding another layer of comfort and preparation. Also, you might ask how to enter the home if that hadn’t already been explained.
• Create a list of questions covering essentials like feeding, activity, elimination, behaviors, and emergency contacts to ensure you’re well equipped.
• With regards to expectations of home care and cleanup, inquiries about watering plants, pool or spa instructions, laundry and location of cleaning supplies can also help facilitate a smooth experience. And don’t be afraid to ask about certain needs you may have… hairdryer, public transportation or favorite things like a bathtub.
• Again, much of this will be covered in the Welcome Guide, but I find it so helpful to have visual contact in advance.

This thoughtful approach helps create a smooth and successful experience for all parties involved.”

How can I become a pet sitter?

If you’re not already one of our members and you've settled the question - is TrustedHousesitters worth it, and this article has made you think “I want to be a dog sitter!”, read the How It Works page on our website.

This explains how to be a pet sitter for TrustedHousesitters, and if you want to have some first-hand accounts, check out our TrustedHousesitters reviews on TrustPilot and our Community Forum.

And if you're a first time pet sitter, explore our advice on how to become a pet sitter with no experience, and check out our TrustedHousesitters discount codes - you might get lucky!