Pet sitters

A pet sitter temporarily takes care of an animal’s daily needs when its owner is unavailable. Services may include feeding, providing fresh water, outdoor breaks, walks, maintaining certain living areas and spending time with the pet.

The exact service depends on the professional, the species involved and the selected arrangement. It is therefore important to clearly define the expected tasks before the booking.

The term pet sitter describes the professional or person providing the care. Home visits and in-home care describe different service arrangements that a pet sitter may offer.

A home visit generally involves a scheduled drop-in, while in-home care may involve spending a longer period with the animal. Always check exactly what each professional includes in the service.

With boarding, the pet generally stays at a facility or location away from home. Depending on the arrangement, pet sitting may allow more of the animal’s familiar routine and environment to be maintained.

The choice depends on the pet, its temperament, the length of the absence and available options. A pet strongly attached to its environment may have different needs from one accustomed to staying elsewhere.

Pet sitters may care for different animals depending on their experience, including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles and other companions. However, not every professional accepts the same species.

For an animal requiring specialized housing, feeding or handling, look for someone genuinely familiar with the needs of that species.

An introductory meeting allows you to introduce the pet, explain its routine and discuss the care arrangements in detail. It also gives you an opportunity to observe how the sitter interacts with your companion.

Use this meeting to clarify schedules, required access, expected tasks, important routines and how you would like to be contacted while you are away.

Explain the usual times for meals, outdoor breaks, walks and rest. Also mention routines to which your pet is particularly attached.

This information helps the pet sitter avoid unnecessary changes and organize care in a way that is more consistent with the animal’s everyday routine.

Provide enough food for the planned period and give clear instructions about quantities, feeding times and any dietary requirements.

Mention prohibited foods, known allergies or special diets. The pet sitter should also know where food, bowls and necessary supplies are kept.

For a pet that regularly goes outside, explain its routine, approximate outing duration, equipment used and any situations that should be avoided.

In particular, explain how your pet behaves around other animals, people, traffic or busy environments so the sitter can organize outings appropriately.

Tell the sitter what your pet enjoys, what it avoids and which situations may trigger fear or unusual reactions. A realistic description is more useful than presenting only positive traits.

Mention behavior related to handling, meals, toys, other animals, visitors and the opening of doors or gates.

If your pet is receiving medication, check before booking that the sitter accepts and is able to perform the necessary tasks within their service. Provide precise instructions consistent with the recommendations given for your pet.

A pet sitter should not independently alter prescribed treatment or improvise medical care. If a health concern arises, the instructions arranged with the owner and veterinarian should be followed.

Leave your contact details and those of a trusted person who can make a decision if you are temporarily unreachable. Also provide details for your regular veterinarian and, where relevant, an emergency veterinary service.

Before leaving, agree on what should happen if the pet becomes ill, is injured, escapes or another important event occurs during the booking.

When the pet sitter works in your home, clearly define how they will access the property. Keys, access codes, alarms, gates and any special instructions should be organized before you leave.

Also specify which areas the professional may access and any rules concerning the home. Pet sitting involves trust regarding both the animal and the property.

Explain any areas requiring particular attention, such as doors leading directly outside, gates, windows, fencing, cages, terrariums or a pet that tends to take advantage of an open door.

If your pet has identification, also check that the associated contact details are current according to the system used in your area.

Before the booking, agree on how the sitter will provide updates. Some owners prefer a message after each visit, while others prefer a daily report.

Photos, messages or information about meals, outings and behavior may be part of the service, but it is better to confirm what is actually offered rather than assume it is included.

If several pets require care, explain each animal’s individual routine and needs. Two animals living together do not necessarily require exactly the same care.

Also explain household arrangements such as separate meals, resting areas, individual walks, doors that must remain closed or interactions requiring supervision.

Pet sitting is not limited to long holidays. It may also be useful for a particularly long day, a weekend, business travel or a temporary period when you are unavailable.

The frequency and duration of care should be adapted to the animal’s needs rather than determined solely by the length of your absence.

For an absence lasting several days, organize care well in advance. Holiday periods may reduce availability, particularly if you need someone experienced with a specific species or able to provide several visits each day.

Confirm dates, times, access arrangements, services and pricing before departure so that everyone has the same information.

Ask the professional about their experience, the species they usually care for, how they organize their work and how they handle unexpected situations. Depending on your situation, you may also ask about references and professional insurance.

Communication also matters. A pet sitter should be willing to ask questions about your animal and clarify instructions when information is missing.

Before confirming the booking, check the dates, times, duration of care, included tasks and any additional charges. A clear description of the service helps avoid misunderstandings.

Also clarify what happens in case of delays, an extended absence, cancellation or changes to the planned dates.

Even after an introductory meeting, leave written instructions containing the essential information: feeding, outings, behavior, any medication, contact details and what to do in an emergency.

Also indicate where necessary supplies are kept, such as food, leash, carrier, litter, cleaning supplies and other equipment used for your pet.

Requirements applying to professional pet care activities may vary according to the country, region, species cared for and exact nature of the services offered.

Depending on your location and the service involved, check any applicable qualifications, insurance, registrations or authorizations before entrusting your pet.

Prousty & Co allows you to search for pet sitters according to your location and discover professionals offering pet care services.

Review profiles and contact pet sitters to introduce your pet, explain your dates and requirements and check available services, service area, availability and pricing.