If youâve ever planned a trip, a work conference, or even just a weekend getaway, you know the sinking feeling that can come when you glance down at your dog or cat and think, âBut whoâs going to take care of you while Iâm gone?â For many of us, pets are family. We want them to feel safe, loved, and cared for even when we canât be there. Thatâs where finding the right pet sitter comes in.
But how do you actually go about hiring someone you can trust? And how do you make sure both you and your pet feel comfortable with the arrangement?
Starting the Search
The first step is deciding whether you want a sitter to come to your home, or if youâd prefer boarding your pet in someone elseâs home. For dogs especially, staying in a familiar environment can reduce stress, so in-home care is often the best choice.
Today, there are plenty of platforms designed to connect pet owners with reliable sitters. Rover.com and Wag are two of the most popular. On Rover, you can read detailed sitter profiles, check reviews from other pet owners, and see whether theyâre certified in things like pet CPR. Wag is another solid option, especially if youâre looking for dog walking on short notice. Local Facebook groups and community boards can also be surprising resourcesâsometimes the best sitters are neighbors you didnât know were available. Save $10 on your first service with the creation of a new account on Rover.com
âIt has been an absolute lifeâsaver for care for our dogs. I love leaving them with loving people, in a home, rather than in a kennel. Weâve gotten to know several trusted dog sitters through Rover, and enthusiastically recommend them to anyone and everyone looking for a dog sitter. Keep being awesome!â
â Anne J., Seattle, W
What to Look For in a Pet Sitter
A good sitter is more than just someone who can fill the food bowl. You want to look for someone who treats your pet the way you do. Here are a few qualities that matter most:
- Experience and training. Have they cared for pets like yours before? Do they have any specialized skills, like administering medication?
- Reliability. Do their reviews mention punctuality, responsiveness, and dependability?
- Compatibility. Pets have personalities. If your dog is shy, you want someone calm and patient. If your pup is a ball of energy, you need someone who can keep up.
- Communication. The best sitters send regular updatesâphotos, quick notes, maybe even a videoâso you donât spend your trip worrying.
The Meet-and-Greet
Once youâve narrowed down your options, always arrange a meet-and-greet before booking. This is a chance to see how your pet responds to the sitter and to walk the sitter through your petâs routines. Notice how the sitter interacts with your petâdo they get down on the floor, talk softly, and let your animal approach on their terms? Those little details can tell you a lot.
Feeling Comfortable While Youâre Away
Even after youâve booked the sitter, itâs normal to feel nervous. To ease the transition, leave clear written instructions about feeding, walks, medications, and quirks (like which shoes your dog loves to chew if left out!). Pack a few comfort items, like their favorite toy or blanket, and make sure the sitter knows your vetâs contact info just in case.
Most importantly, donât be shy about asking for updates. A quick photo of your dog snoozing on the couch or your cat happily eating can make all the difference when youâre hundreds of miles away.
Coming Home to a Happy Pet
Thereâs nothing better than returning home to a pet thatâs relaxed, happy, and maybe even a little disappointed that their sitter is leaving. Finding the right person takes a bit of research and trust, but once you do, it opens the door to guilt-free travel. Youâll know your furry family member isnât just cared forâtheyâre loved.