How to check and vet a sitter before giving them a key

Most people introduce a new pet sitter into their home without checking a single reference or asking a single verifiable question. They meet someone friendly, feel comfortable, hand over their key, and hope nothing goes wrong. By the time they notice red flags—a pet that's stressed, items moved, or messages going unanswered—trust is already broken and access has been granted.

Vetting a sitter before giving them your key means running checks you can actually complete: searching registers, requesting proof of experience, calling people who've used them, and asking questions that surface real answers. These steps take a few hours and protect both your pet and your home.

Start with proof of who they are and whether they're registered

Before anything else, ask for identification and verify their full name. Request a copy of their ID to confirm it matches the name they gave you. A legitimate sitter will not hesitate; if they do, that's your signal to keep looking.

Next, ask whether they hold any formal qualifications—first aid certification, a pet care qualification, or membership of a professional body. They're not legally required to hold these in all cases, but credentials show they've committed to learning. Ask them to show you the certificate or provide their registration number. If they claim to have qualifications, check the issuing body's register: search the First Aid provider's database, or ask them for the specific organisation that issued their qualification and verify it independently.

Some sitters work as independent operators, while others are employed by an agency. If they're independent, ask whether they hold professional indemnity insurance or public liability cover. Get the policy details and, if you're unsure, contact their insurer to confirm coverage is active. If they work for an agency, confirm the agency itself is registered with relevant bodies and ask what checks the agency runs on sitters.

Phone their references and ask the right questions

Insist on at least two references from people who have used them for in-home pet sitting. Not a testimonial or Facebook post—a name and phone number you can call. If they refuse or offer only online reviews, move on.

When you call a reference, don't just ask, "Was the sitter good?" That's too vague. Instead, ask:

• How long did they use the sitter and for how long per visit?
• Did the sitter always arrive on time and for the full duration?
• Did they ever have concerns about their pet's wellbeing or mood after a sit?
• Did they trust the sitter with a key, and if so, did anything go missing or seem disturbed?
• Would they use the sitter again?

Listen for hesitation, vagueness, or hedging. Someone who says, "Well, nothing was stolen," is not the same as someone who says, "My pet was happy and everything was exactly as I left it."

Meet them in person and clarify their process before handing over access

Arrange a face-to-face meeting at your home before any sit. This is non-negotiable. Watch how they interact with your pet. Are they calm, confident, and respectful of your pet's boundaries? Do they ask questions about your pet's behaviour, habits, and preferences—or do they seem indifferent?

Use this meeting to walk through your home and explain what you expect. Show them where the keys go, how to lock doors, any security system codes, and where your pet's supplies are kept. Ask them to walk you through their routine: How long will they stay? What will they do with your pet? How will they communicate with you?

Before you hand over a key, ask whether they have their own transport (relevant if they need access at specific times) and whether they have a backup plan if they're sick. A professional sitter will have thought about this.

Once you've completed these checks and feel confident, arrange a trial sit while you're nearby—either in another room or running an errand close to home. Pay them for this sit. Watch your pet's behaviour and check that everything is as it should be when you return. This trial run costs the same as a normal sit but gives you peace of mind before you leave town with them holding your key.

Finding a sitter who passes these checks means searching beyond word-of-mouth recommendations. On Strove you can review sitter profiles, their qualifications, and verified client feedback all in one place—a shortcut through the vetting process that still leaves you free to ask your own questions and trust your instincts.