What questions should I ask as I interview pet sitters? For my dog and cat, need to find a good one.?

Question

My dog and cat have never been left alone and I am hiring a pet sitter for an upcoming weekend. I am interviewing three. What should I ask them? Should I go with someone who will stay overnight in the house with them? Or, just someone who comes several times a day? What are some lessons learned from your experiences? What should I look for? What should I watch out for?

Answer 1

First I have been a pet sitter for years and the reason I became one is because I couldn't find anyone I could trust but me.

First: check her references--most important.

Second: Make sure she has a service contract that you both sign with all the proper questions, pet's vet, pet's likes and dislikes, all emergency numbers, numbers of family members, feeding schedule, her fees. I would not recommend anyone who asks you for your house key right off. When you get to know her if you want to give her your house key then ok, but not for awhile.

Third: How long has she been doing this?

You want to be very specific what YOU want her to do, not what she does. People used to ask me what I do for their pets? I would answer what ever you want me to do.
Keeping them on their own schedule and doing what they are used to makes them feel less stressed. If someone wanted me to throw a ball for 20 minutes that's what I would do.

Fourth: Ask if you can call her while your away to check on how everything is going.

Fifth: Feel her out as to how your animals respond to her and how interested she is with them. Will she hold and touch them on the interview or just look at them.

Sixth: What is her backup in case she gets sick or in an accident.
My husband knew everyone I sat for and the care of their pets. One time he had to help me get a horse out of bob wire. The owners didn't leave any tools, so he brought some from home.
I had my own briefcase with everyone's information for him.

Seven: It depends on your pets if you want an overnighter or not, but the same questions apply and please get referrels. If she doesn't want to give you any then tell her goodbye.

Eight: Tell her you do not permit smoking or drinking.

Nine: Also, let her know that you will inform your neighbors that you will be away and a pet sitter will be attending the pets. If you have a trusted neighbor ask if you can give the pet sitter their phone number in case of emergency and you can't be reached right away.
And always let your pet sitter know where she can reach you every day.

Tenth: Is she bonded, meaning if she accidently knocks over a lamp she is covered to pay for it. I was never bonded and only one person asked me, but it didn't make any difference to them, so that would be up to you.

I think first impressions go a long way. If you feel uncomfortable with anything she says then keep interviewing. The compassion for animals should be number one.

Answer 2

Try petsitusa.com for a list of things you should ask a pet sitter during interviews. The hiring form on that site helped me when I hired someone to take care of my dogs. The pet sitter came 3 times a day and didn't stay overnight, and they were happy and healthy when I got home so I'd do it again that way. Be sure to get references, make sure the people you talk to are insured, and see how your pets get along with them.

Answer 3

Hmmm... we always have friends or family watch our pets.... somehow letting a total stranger wander around my house when I am gone gives me the heeby-jeebies...

Questions that come to mind (in no particular order)....

1. Names and phone numbers of references

2. Name and phone number of employer

3. Criminal history

4. Are they bonded or insured?

5. Are they willing to dust as they snoop around your house?

I think I would want a Pet sitter that was recommended to me by a vet or a friend rather than a total stranger. In fact, I would probably rather pay someone from the vet's office to pet-sit before I would use a stranger ... but that is just me.

Have a great time on your vacation, by the way.

Answer 4

I have a couple that I cat sit for (have for over 10 yrs). Are they bonded? Get references!!!!! See how their other clients liked them. Ask what they charge for coming 2-3x a day (dogs have to be let outside unless you have a doggie door). It may be cheaper to have someone house sit (stay with the pets). How are your dogs when you leave the house? There again, the sitter may only be there for 30 mins. to care for the animals basic needs (food, water, litterbox/potty). I charge per visit or my services...there is usually a surcharge for milage....ask about that.
Good luck with finding the right sitter for your babies!

Answer 5

Look in the Yellow Pages for pet sitters. There should be some in there.

Answer 6

Unless it is here and i missed it the only thing i may add to all these very good answers is to be aware and put a video cam corder in your house when someone is there with your animals or kids watching them. Then you will know what they do or DON'T do for them. Great question. We can all learn from this one.

Answer 7

After asking for the basic questions like references and stuff, ask her, "Why should I trust you with my pets?" Then see if you like her answer. If she really loves animals, she should be able to say this. If she talks more about her experience, w/o mentioning her love for animals, I think she's taking this as a "job" and thus might not care for the animals as much as you expect her to be. Am i making sense? hehehe. For me, its impt that the person is not just "knowledgeable" about pets but she should also have the love for them. :)

Answer 8

Also try to get hold of the your BBB or consumer concerns departments. When it comes to bad service with a pet most people will make complaints.

Answer 9

Here are some helpful links:

http://www.petplace.com/cats/how-to-find-a-good-pet-sitter-for-your-cat/page1.aspx
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_pet_sitter/