What should I look for in a pet sitter?

What should I look for in a pet sitter?

When looking for a pet sitter, it is important to choose one that fits your situation perfectly. But what should you look for on a profile when choosing a reliable pet sitter that clicks with you and your pet? Here are five things you should always expect when looking for a pet sitter: 

1) Clear and relevant pictures

A great picture says more than a thousand words. Beautiful, well-lit and high-quality photos convey a positive feeling and show your sitter's personality.

A pet sitter should have a clear profile picture: no sunglasses, filters or effects. The first impression you get from a sitter is very important, and something as simple as a great profile pic can make all the difference.

A good pet sitter also shows who he or she is by showing with gorgeous gallery pictures, which might be photos of the pet sitter playing with pets or walking dogs in a local park. If a pet sitter offers services in their home, their gallery pictures must include the environment where your pet will stay, both inside and outside.

2) A detailed introduction

A detailed description explains who the pet sitter is and why he or she chose to start taking care of pets. Where does the love for pets come from? What is the personality of the pet sitter, in what kind of household does he or she live? It is important that your most pressing questions are already answered in the description on the pet sitter's profile. For example, what specific animal care experience does this person have? Does the sitter have pets of his or her own? What is their education and training? Did the sitter study animal care, or volunteer in a shelter?

Of course, there is plenty of room in a description for other interesting facts about work and hobbies. You are, of course, looking for a pet sitter with whom you have some chemistry, so a personal touch is also very important!

3) A description of the sitter's services

At the top of each profile, you will always see services provided by the sitter, such as doggy daycare, pet boarding, house visits (often used for cats) or dog walking service, and their corresponding prices. But how these services are put into practice might be different for each sitter. Can you understand from the description what the pet sitter has to offer exactly: for example, how long does a home visit take on average? How often and where does the pet sitter plan to walk with your dog? Any extra tasks such as watering plants or bringing in the mail?

Many sitters will also tell you what kind of pets they accept. Only small dogs, for example. Some sitters have lots of experience with anxious or aggressive animals, others are looking for more easy-going pets. Aim for a pet sitter who fits the personality of your pet.

4) Practical information

A lot of practical information is needed when you are looking for a dog sitting service near you. Think of key transfers, pick up/drop off, whether to bring food or your dog's favourite toys, exchanging emergency contacts and your local vet and so on. In a great profile, you can see which practical logistics you would have to consider and what the pet sitter requires from you as a pet owner.

You will also find pet sitter's cancellation policy on their profile. This determines whether you will receive a full, partial or non-refund of your money in the event of a cancellation. 

Finally, a good profile contains an updated calendar so you can easily tell if the pet sitter is available during your requested period.

5) Excellent communication

No matter how gorgeous a pet sitter profile is, you can only get to know each other properly when you meet in person. Clear, friendly communication is essential in a good sitter/owner relationship. It's crucial that your pet sitter can communicate quickly in dealing with keys and pick-up/drop-off, but most importantly, in an emergency situation.

So take the time to get to know each other. This can be done via the 'contact' button and is obligation-free for both parties. You can also see the average response time on the pet sitter's profile: great sitters respond quickly and clearly to your messages.

Peace of mind is the most important thing. Do you and your pet have a great connection with the pet sitter? Perfect - it's a match! Do you have doubts about whether this pet sitter can fulfil your requirements? Do not feel bad to say 'no, thanks', as another great sitter is not far away. Your pet deserves the very best.

Want to find a pet sitter now? Look for a sitter in your area!