How to check a carer knows young-animal needs

A carer might love animals generally and still not understand what a young puppy or kitten actually needs—and that gap can reshape your pet's early months in hours, not weeks. The verification step most people skip is asking for proof of specific young-animal experience, not just "I've worked with pets."

Start by asking directly: how many puppies or kittens under 12 weeks have they cared for, and for how long each? Listen for concrete detail—"I raised three litters" or "I run a kitten foster programme"—rather than vague reassurance. Young animals are not small versions of adult pets; they need handling that prevents fear, feeding schedules that can't slip, and monitoring for signs of stress or illness that an experienced carer will spot before they become emergencies. If someone hasn't done this before, they're learning on your pet.

Ask them to walk you through a day. A competent young-animal carer will describe toilet breaks every two to three hours, how they'd handle a puppy that won't settle, what they'd do if a kitten stopped eating, and how they'd respond to biting or scratching during play. They should mention hygiene steps between animals and how they'd isolate a sick young pet from others. If their answer is thin or defensive, that's a signal to keep looking.

Request references from people who've left puppies or kittens in their care—ideally within the last year. Call at least two. Ask specifically: did the carer follow your feeding and sleep routine exactly, or did they improvise? How did your young pet seem when you picked them up—confident, stressed, overstimulated? Did the carer report daily changes or just say "they were fine"? Did the puppy or kitten get ill during or immediately after care, and how did the carer handle it? A good reference will give you detail and honesty about hiccups, not perfection.

Registration and formal training

While there's no single register for pet carers, many professional boarding facilities and in-home carers hold certifications in animal care or first aid. Ask to see these; they show the person invested in competence. Some belong to industry bodies or operate under municipal registration—not a legal requirement, but worth knowing. Ask if they're insured for liability; if a puppy or kitten is injured in their care, you want to know they can cover vet costs without a dispute.

For puppy care, check whether they're familiar with the vaccination schedule your vet has set and whether they'll follow it exactly—some carers will guess that a puppy "looks vaccinated enough" or skip doses if they're caring for multiple litters. They shouldn't be. If a kitten is on prescription diet or medication, ask how they'll manage it: will they measure portions, keep records, and contact you immediately if the kitten refuses food? Carelessness here compounds quickly in young animals.

Trust your instinct on red flags

If a carer won't give you references, says they don't need to follow your routine because "all puppies/kittens are the same," or seems irritated by detailed questions, don't override your doubt to save time. A young animal is not yet resilient; poor care now—inconsistent feeding, rough handling, fear—can affect temperament and health into adulthood. You're not being fussy; you're being responsible.

Once you've checked their background and you're confident in their knowledge, ask them to do a trial day or a short overnight stay while you're available to observe. Watch how they interact: are they patient and attentive, or do they expect the puppy or kitten to fit into their pace? Do they explain what they're doing and why?

When you're ready to book regular care, you'll find verified carers on Strove who've been matched to young-animal experience—you can check their qualifications, read reviews from people who've left their own puppies and kittens with them, and message questions before you commit. Peace of mind starts with proof, not promises.