A meet-and-greet is an essential step before committing to any sitting arrangement.
Handing over your home and your dog to a stranger — even a paid professional — requires genuine trust. The good news is that the pet sitting industry has matured significantly in recent years, and finding a qualified, caring sitter is more achievable than ever. The key is knowing what to look for before you commit.
Start with Professional Associations
Look for sitters who belong to established professional organizations. Two of the most respected in the United States are:
- Pet Sitters International (PSI) – Provides education, certification programs, and connects pet owners with verified sitters
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) – Maintains a code of ethics and requires members to carry liability insurance
Membership doesn't guarantee excellence, but it signals a baseline of professionalism and accountability. The AVMA's guidance on selecting a pet sitter recommends asking whether your sitter is bonded and insured — a non-negotiable for in-home care.
Conduct a Meet-and-Greet
Before agreeing to any sitting arrangement, insist on a meet-and-greet with your dog present. This serves several purposes:
- Observe the chemistry – Does your dog warm to this person? Does the sitter seem genuinely comfortable with dogs?
- Assess communication – Does the sitter ask thoughtful questions about your dog's routine, health needs, quirks?
- Evaluate professionalism – Do they arrive on time? Do they take notes? Do they have a contract ready?
Green Flags
A trustworthy dog sitter will typically:
- Ask about vaccination records and request proof
- Discuss emergency protocols and their relationship with a local vet
- Have references from previous clients and invite you to contact them
- Provide a written service agreement covering dates, duties, and emergency procedures
- Send regular updates (photos, brief messages) during the sitting period
- Be transparent about other pets they're simultaneously caring for
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if a prospective sitter:
- Refuses to provide references or can't explain gaps in their sitting history
- Doesn't ask about your dog's health conditions, medications, or dietary restrictions
- Can't describe what they'd do in a veterinary emergency
- Doesn't carry liability insurance (particularly important for in-home stays)
- Is evasive about how many other pets they're caring for simultaneously
- Pressures you to book quickly without allowing proper vetting time
Interview Questions to Ask
Come prepared to a meet-and-greet with specific questions. We've compiled a full list in our Pet Sitter Interview Questions guide, but essentials include:
- How long have you been professionally pet sitting, and how many dogs do you typically care for at once?
- Are you bonded and insured?
- What's your emergency protocol if my dog needs urgent veterinary care?
- How will you communicate with me while I'm traveling? How frequently?
- Can you accommodate my dog's specific feeding schedule and medication?
Check References Thoroughly
Good references are worth their weight in gold. When you contact previous clients, ask:
- Did the sitter follow the agreed routine?
- Did they communicate proactively without you having to chase for updates?
- Would you use them again without hesitation?
- Were there any problems, and how did the sitter handle them?
For international travel where you may be largely unreachable during a long flight, the quality of a sitter's references becomes even more critical. See our full guide to Dog Care While You Travel for more on staying connected from abroad.