In-home pet sitting

How to choose a pet sitter you can trust in your home

Find a trustworthy pet sitter by assessing how they respond to questions, their experience with your pet type, real-time communication habits, and logistical.

Leaving your pet in someone else's hands while you're away is one of those decisions where rushing the choice often costs more than taking time upfront. Many people end up with a sitter who's fine on paper but turns out to be unreliable, defensive about questions, or simply not the right fit for their specific animal. The difference between a trustworthy sitter and one who creates stress isn't always obvious from a website photo or a quick chat. It comes down to a small set of practical things you can actually assess.

How they respond to detailed questions about your pet

A sitter's first instinct when you describe your pet tells you a lot. If they listen without interrupting, ask follow-up questions about behaviour, temperament, quirks and what calms your dog or cat down, that's promising. If they nod along and give generic reassurance—"Don't worry, I love animals"—that's a flag. Ask them what they would do if your normally calm pet suddenly refused to eat, or if your dog got anxious and started pacing. Their answer should show they've thought about individual animals, not just a one-size-fits-all routine. Someone who immediately says "I'd contact you" rather than "It probably won't happen" understands that your pet is specific and unpredictable.

Track record with the type of animal you have

Experience matters, but it has to be the *right* kind. A sitter who's spent five years minding terriers might struggle with a nervous rescue cat, or vice versa. Ask directly: Have they looked after this breed or type before? How many pets do they usually sit for at once? If you have a senior dog, a fearful rabbit, or a cat that hides when strangers visit, ask whether they've handled similar temperaments. Their answer should be specific—names, situations, how they adapted. Someone who's only ever kept their own dog and relies on generic pet-care advice isn't the same as someone who's sat for dozens of different animals and learned their individual needs.

Whether they give you real-time updates unprompted

Find out how they communicate during a sit without you having to chase them. The best sitters volunteer a system: photos at set times, a quick message if something notable happens, or a brief call at the end of the day. If they say "I'll message if there's a problem," ask what counts as a problem to them. A sitter who's defensive about contact—"I don't like being bothered while I'm working"—or vague about updates suggests they won't prioritise your peace of mind. You're paying for care *and* for clarity about what's happening at home. Someone who naturally shares updates (without oversharing) usually cares about the job more deeply.

Signs they've thought through logistics

Before they ever meet your pet, ask them how they handle their schedule on the day of the sit. Do they know where your keys are kept, how to get into your home if you're not there, what to do if a door locks? Have they asked about parking, nearby coffee shops, or how long they usually spend per visit? Someone who's already mentally walked through the visit usually performs better than someone who's winging it. Also notice whether they ask about your pet's environment: Where does the litter box go, what part of the house is off-limits, is the garden secure? These questions show they're imagining themselves in your space and thinking through what could go wrong.

The sitter you choose is the person with a key to your home and the health and safety of something you love. That deserves more than a quick phone call. Use these four angles to separate candidates who are thoughtful and reliable from those who simply happen to be available. Strove lets you read verified sitter reviews and contact a few candidates to ask these questions directly—you'll quickly sense who's genuinely invested in caring for your pet versus who just needs the work.

Common questions

What's the biggest mistake people make when choosing a pet sitter?: Rushing the choice based on availability or price rather than fit. Many people pick a sitter quickly and only discover mid-trip that they're unreliable, uncommunicative, or uncomfortable with their pet's specific needs. Spending an hour upfront asking good questions almost always prevents stress later.
Should I ask a pet sitter for references?: Yes. Ask for contact details of recent clients and reach out to at least one or two. A reference gives you a real sense of whether they're dependable, how they communicate, and whether their care matches your expectations. Most trustworthy sitters will have no problem providing them.
How can I tell if a pet sitter is honest about their experience?: Ask specific questions about situations they've handled—not just "Do you have experience with dogs?" but "Have you cared for an anxious dog that needs a long walk before settling?" or "What do you do if a pet won't eat?" Honest, experienced sitters give detailed answers; less experienced ones give vague or generic ones.
What should I do if a sitter seems right but I'm still nervous?: Ask if you can do a practice sit before your actual trip—perhaps while you're out for a few hours nearby. This lets you see how they interact with your pet, how they handle your home, and whether communication works as promised. It's a low-risk way to build confidence.

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More on In-home pet sitting

How they respond to detailed questions about your pet

Track record with the type of animal you have

Whether they give you real-time updates unprompted

Signs they've thought through logistics

Common questions

What's the biggest mistake people make when choosing a pet sitter?

Rushing the choice based on availability or price rather than fit. Many people pick a sitter quickly and only discover mid-trip that they're unreliable, uncommunicative, or uncomfortable with their pet's specific needs. Spending an hour upfront asking good questions almost always prevents stress later.

Should I ask a pet sitter for references?

Yes. Ask for contact details of recent clients and reach out to at least one or two. A reference gives you a real sense of whether they're dependable, how they communicate, and whether their care matches your expectations. Most trustworthy sitters will have no problem providing them.

How can I tell if a pet sitter is honest about their experience?

Ask specific questions about situations they've handled—not just "Do you have experience with dogs?" but "Have you cared for an anxious dog that needs a long walk before settling?" or "What do you do if a pet won't eat?" Honest, experienced sitters give detailed answers; less experienced ones give vague or generic ones.

What should I do if a sitter seems right but I'm still nervous?

Ask if you can do a practice sit before your actual trip—perhaps while you're out for a few hours nearby. This lets you see how they interact with your pet, how they handle your home, and whether communication works as promised. It's a low-risk way to build confidence.