Come prepared to a meet-and-greet with specific questions — how a sitter answers tells you as much as what they say.
A thorough interview is the single most important step in finding a dog sitter you can trust. These questions cover experience, professionalism, emergency preparedness, and the practical realities of in-home pet care. Bring this list to your meet-and-greet and take notes — how a sitter answers these questions tells you as much as what they say.
Experience & Background
- How long have you been professionally pet sitting, and how many dogs do you care for in a typical week? Look for specific numbers and honest limits — a sitter who acknowledges how many dogs they can handle responsibly is more trustworthy than one who implies unlimited availability.
- What is your experience with dogs of my breed and size? Experience with small dogs doesn't automatically translate to comfort with large or high-energy breeds.
- Have you cared for dogs with medical conditions or special needs? Can you give me an example? Relevant if your dog has health conditions, is on medication, or has behavioral challenges.
- Do you have any formal training in animal first aid or pet behavior? Pet first aid certification from recognized programs is a genuine differentiator.
- Can you provide three references from clients whose dogs are similar to mine? References should be from recent clients, not just personal contacts.
Professional Standards
- Are you insured and bonded? Can you provide proof? Professional liability insurance protects you if your dog is injured or causes damage while in the sitter's care.
- Do you have a service contract? What does it cover? Any professional arrangement should be documented in writing, covering services, dates, fees, and emergency protocols.
- How many other pets are you caring for simultaneously during my booking? Understand whether your dog has their full attention or is one of many.
- Do you have a backup plan if you become ill or unable to fulfill the sitting commitment? An often-overlooked but critical question for international travel where you may not be reachable for immediate arrangements.
Emergency Preparedness
- What is your emergency protocol if my dog needs urgent veterinary care? They should have a clear answer: which emergency vet they'd contact, how they'd reach you, spending authority.
- Are you familiar with pet first aid? Have you dealt with a pet emergency before? Experience matters; ask for specifics.
- How would you handle it if my dog ingested something potentially toxic? Should know to call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and seek veterinary care immediately.
- What's your protocol if my dog escapes or goes missing? They should have a clear, immediate plan — not a vague "I'd look around."
Communication
- How frequently will you send updates, and in what format? Photos? Text messages? Daily video? Establish expectations before your trip.
- Are you comfortable communicating across time zones? Critical for international travel.
- How quickly do you typically respond to messages? During a sit, what's a reasonable expectation for response time?
Practical Arrangements
- What are your cancellation and refund policies? Particularly important for international trips where your travel plans may change.
- Will you transport my dog anywhere? If so, what vehicle and safety measures do you use? Car harnesses, barriers, and secure crating are baseline safety standards for dog transport.
- How do you handle a dog that isn't eating or is behaving unusually? How quickly would they flag this to you? What's the threshold for seeking vet advice?
- What do you enjoy most about dog sitting? What's the hardest part? Often the most revealing question — look for genuine passion for animals alongside honest self-awareness about the challenges.
After the Interview
Don't make a decision immediately after a single meeting. Take a day to reflect, check references thoroughly, and — if you're unsure — schedule a trial run (a day visit or short overnight) before your major international trip.
See our complete guide to choosing a trustworthy dog sitter for the full framework, and our guide to what professional pet sitters do to set your expectations appropriately.