Choosing a Pet Sitter – Questions Owners should Expect to be Asked

So you’re thinking of starting a pet sitting business or doing pet sitting as a side gig?

What are the questions you should be asking the owner of the dog if you decide to do this?  Because the questions you ask are what is going to make you in demand. As the owner of four pups, if I hired a pet sitter, I would expect the person to ask me these questions, with the main question being, what is your contact information? For the other questions, I’ve broken them down into five categories.

Or, if you prefer, you can check out my YouTube video:

Food

1. Do you have a feeding schedule? What food is fed to whom, how much, and what is the process i.e., process as in combo wet dry, supplements, dog biscuits, water changing?
2. Do you have any picky eaters or any that require special handling, e.g., have to be fed separately, resource guarding? (Example, my Ophelia eats from her bowl, but the last third you have to hold the bowl for her. Don’t ask me why. And Nabucco never touches his bowl with two Milkbones broken up inside.)
3. Is there a protocol for exercise before / after eating?  (Reason: prevent Bloat)
4. Are any dogs on any medications and if yes, when are they given. Do any need to be masked, like e.g., metronidazole?

Potty/Accidents

1. What is potty schedule; how many times do they go out, for how long, where are the pickup bags?
2. Can I expect any accidents in the house, and where are the cleaning supplies? For example, Thumper has SIBO, and he hurls unexpectedly throughout the day.

Exercise/Play Time

1. Where are their leashes, collars, harnesses, etc.?
2. What is their walking schedule, do they all walk together, separately or paired?
3. What is the walking route? Do they ever walk on/off leash? 
4. Is there wildlife in your area, e.g., skunks, coyotes
5. Do you take your dogs to dog parks?
6. Are your dogs allowed to stop and sniff?
7. Do you have an invisible fence?
8. What toys are they allowed to have and for how long?
9. How do you play with your dogs?
10. Are there any activities they should not participate in?

Health

1. Do they currently have any illnesses, injuries?
2. Is there any place on your dog that is sensitive, i.e., they don’t like to be touched or there was a recent injury?
3. Do you have any dogs in heat?
4. What is the name and phone number of your vet(s) —  emergency & non-emergency?
5. In case of emergency, how do I reach you? What do I do if I cannot reach you?

Behavior

1. Does your dog have a bite history? If yes, what were the circumstances?
2. Do all your dogs get along?
3. What commands do your dogs understand?
4. How do you discipline your dogs if they misbehave?
5. Are your dogs allowed on the furniture?
6. Are there any dogs, other animals that your dog doesn’t like?

Insurance

This is for the pet owner. Pet sitters should have proof of insurance before you allow them to care for your dog. They are liable for any injury to your dog while in their care, damage to property, or injury to another dog or animal.

You may also be held financially and legally liable if your dog injures another person or pet. So be very careful when choosing a pet sitter.