Hiring someone to care for your pet while you’re away? That can be a bit nerve-racking. You’re not just handing over your keys—you’re trusting someone with a part of your family.
We hear it all the time: “We weren’t sure what to ask,” or “We just went with whoever was available.” But there’s a better way to do it—and it starts with the right questions.
Here are 10 solid ones to keep in your back pocket before choosing a pet sitter. Whether it’s a one-time booking or a regular gig, these questions will help make sure your furry (or feathered) pal is in safe hands.
1. Are You Garda-Vetted and Insured?
You’d be surprised how often this gets overlooked. Always ask upfront. A professional sitter should be able to confirm they’re Garda-vetted and have valid pet sitting insurance. That way, you know you’re dealing with someone responsible—just in case something unexpected happens.
At Pet Angel Sitters, we make this easy. Every sitter on our team is vetted, insured, and trained. You wouldn’t hand your dog over to a stranger in the park—so don’t do it with your sitter either.
2. Have You Looked After Pets Like Mine Before?
Not every sitter is a match for every pet. If you’ve got a big, strong dog who pulls on the lead or a cat that needs daily meds, you’ll want someone who’s been there before.
You might ask:
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“Have you walked large breeds?”
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“Are you comfortable giving pills or injections?”
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“What would you do if my rabbit stops eating?”
The sitter doesn’t need to be a vet—but they should know how to spot when something’s off and act accordingly.
3. What Exactly Do Your Visits Include?
You’ll want the nitty-gritty here. Is it just feeding and out the door? Do they spend time with your pet? Do they bring in post or water plants?
For example, our visits typically include:
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Feeding (wet, dry, raw—whatever your routine is)
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Fresh water
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Walks or playtime (depending on the pet)
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Litter cleaning
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Medication if needed
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And of course, some company and cuddles
Make sure you’re on the same page about what’s included—so there are no surprises later.
4. Will I Get Updates While I’m Away?
A good pet sitter won’t just show up and leave without a word. You want someone who’ll keep you in the loop—especially if this is your first time leaving your pet with them.
Ask how they send updates (text, WhatsApp, email?) and how often. A quick photo and note saying, “All good—she ate and enjoyed the garden!” can do wonders for your peace of mind.
At Pet Angel Sitters, we send updates after every visit unless you tell us otherwise. Some clients want full photo diaries—others just want to know all is well. Either way, we’re happy to keep you posted.
5. Do You Have a Backup Plan?
Even the most reliable sitter could get sick or have a car break down. What matters is whether they have a plan in place.
Ask:
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What happens if you can’t make it to my pet?
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Do you have a backup sitter?
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Will I be notified?
We always have a backup on-call. And if someone new ever needs to step in, we’ll make sure you know who they are and that they’re properly vetted too.
6. How Do You Handle Keys and Home Access?
It’s not just about the pet—you’re giving someone access to your home, so this bit matters.
Ask how they store keys and codes. Do they keep a log? Do they label keys with your name and address (they shouldn’t)? Can you leave a key in a lockbox if you prefer?
We treat keys like gold. They’re stored securely, not labelled with identifying info, and only accessed by your assigned sitter.
7. Can You Administer Medication if Needed?
If your pet has a medical condition or just takes the occasional tablet, make sure your sitter is comfortable with that.
You might ask:
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Have you given oral meds or eye drops before?
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Can you handle insulin or other injections?
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What’s your process for recording medication given?
It’s not just about giving the dose—it’s also knowing what to do if something seems off. That’s why we make sure all instructions are in writing and always double-check during the meet & greet.
8. What’s Your Experience with Nervous or Anxious Pets?
Some pets don’t warm up right away—and that’s okay. A great sitter will know how to go slow, build trust, and avoid pushing too hard.
Ask if they’ve worked with shy rescues, elderly pets, or animals who don’t always take to strangers. The answer will tell you a lot about their patience and empathy.
At Pet Angel Sitters, we’ve had cats who hid for two days and dogs who needed 15 minutes just to let us clip on a lead—and that’s fine. We let pets set the pace.
9. What Do You Do in an Emergency?
This one’s important. Emergencies are rare, but they do happen—a dog cuts their paw, a cat skips two meals, or a pet has a bad reaction to something.
Your sitter should:
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Know your vet’s info
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Have emergency contacts
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Understand basic pet first aid
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Keep a cool head
We’ve dealt with everything from broken gates to upset tummies. We keep a written record of everything and won’t hesitate to call you—or your vet—if something doesn’t seem right.
10. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Word of mouth is everything in pet care. If someone’s good, their clients will say so. Ask for references or check online reviews.
Look out for reviews that mention:
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Trustworthiness
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Reliability
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Pets being happy and well looked after
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Communication while the owner was away
We’re lucky to have many loyal clients who’ve kindly shared their feedback—and we’re happy to pass that along if you’d like to hear from them directly.
