7 Tips to Finding the Best Pet Sitter

Seven tips to finding a reliable pet sitter for your dog or cat.

Being away from your dog or cat is not easy! Whenever I am headed on a trip that I can't take my bulldog Tank with, I am immediately overcome with stress and anxiety. Finding the right pet sitter can feel like a lot of work, but with the right approach, you can find a the right pet sitter who keeps your dog or cat happy and safe. 

That's why here at BJ's Raw Pet Food we decided to create this step-by-step guide for pet sitting to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 1: Know Your Pet’s Needs

Before you start searching, clarify what your pet requires:

• Routine: What does your dogs routine look like? How many times a day do you go on a walk, go to a dog park or just play? Does your cat have a specific feeding schedule? 

• Medical Needs: This is an extremely important one to not only know but write down detailed instructions for the special care your dog or cat will need while you are away. Make sure your pet sitter has the contact numbers they need to get ahold of you in case of emergency. 

• Personality: Knowing your pet's temperament is another key factor to finding the right pet sitter for your furry friend. Is your pet shy, energetic, or aggressive with strangers? Having a clear picture helps you find a sitter who can handle your pet’s unique needs.

Step 2: Explore Your Options

When it comes to finding the best dog sitter (or pet sitter) for my pet, I've found that talking to family and friends is ALWAYS the best first option. You know them, you trust them, and most likely your pet has been around them before. 

• Personal Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your veterinarian for people and pet-sitters that they have used.

• Online Platforms: Websites like Rover or PetSitter.com list local sitters with reviews and background checks.

• Social Media: Social media can be a great tool to getting recommendations from friends. Search local dog groups on Facebook, make a post asking for recommendations on your main feed. Most likely someone you know on Facebook has needed a pet-sitter before. Real-time feedback from pet owners can highlight reliable candidates. Make a shortlist of 3–5 sitters who seem promising.

Step 3: In-person Interview

An in-person interview gives the prospective sitter an opportunity to meet your furry friend, learn more about their routine, any special needs, where the food is kept, supplies, etc. 

This gives you a chance to meet them and ask questions about the sitter’s experience, methods, education and training, and communications with you when you’re away. Ask about rates and cancellation fees. Find out how the pet sitter deals with emergency situations.

• Ask about their experience with pets similar to yours.

• Inquire about their approach to emergencies (e.g., vet visits or unexpected behavior).

• See if they ask questions about your pet’s routine—it’s a sign of attentiveness. Arrange a meet-and-greet to observe how the sitter interacts with your pet. Your pet’s comfort is key, so trust your gut if the vibe feels off.

Step 4: Check Credentials

Ensure the sitter is reliable and prepared:

• Insurance and Bonding: Confirm they have liability insurance or are bonded to cover potential accidents or damages.

• References: Contact past clients to verify their experience.

• Online Reputation: Search X for mentions of the sitter or their business to gauge their track record.

Step 5: Set Clear Expectations

Discuss logistics to avoid misunderstandings:

• Routine Details: Share feeding, exercise, and care instructions.

• Communication: Agree on how often you’ll receive updates (e.g., daily texts or photos).

• Rates: Pet sitting typically costs $20–$50 per day, depending on location and services—confirm upfront.

• Emergency Plan: Provide your vet’s contact info and a backup plan for emergencies. Put everything in writing, ideally in a simple contract, for clarity.

Step 6: Start Small

Something I've done over the years with my boy Tank that has helped me find long-term solution sitters is to try out sitters for a night or two. This gives your pet and the potential pet sitter an opportunity to get comfortable with each other. And you learn pretty quickly if it's not a good fit. It's much better than finding that out while you are away for a week or more. If the short trip is successful you can book them for longer periods with confidence.

Step 7: Consider Pet Boarding

If you can't find a pet sitter and need a local to us recommendation, we got you covered! We would be remiss if we didn't offer up our suggestion for our favorite dog sitter in Lancaster, PA. Our neighbors, Country Side Dog! The perfect countryside retreat for your dog in Lancaster, PA. 

Final Tips

• Make your pet sitter's job as EASY as possible! Leave detailed instructions, do a brain dump and give them everything they need. Food, toys, medications, dog parks, etc. This will alleviate any stress for the sitter and give your dog or cat the best time away without you. It should also give you the peace of mind you need. 

• Check in during your trip for peace of mind. I love a good FaceTime with my boy Tank to make sure he is happy and for him to see me and hear my voice. 

• When you find the right sitter, hang on to them at all costs! They can become a go-to for future trips.

Finding the right pet sitter takes effort, but it’s worth it to know your pet is in caring hands. Happy searching!