Don’t Book a Pet Sitter Until You Know These 9 Things

Going away for a few days is easy enough to plan, until you have to figure out who will take care of your pet while you’re on the trip. For Denver pet owners, choosing a sitter involves more than just finding someone with great reviews, a reasonable rate, and availability.

These things don’t tell you if that person can handle your pet, their routine, or an unexpected emergency. So, before you hand over your keys and leave your pet with someone else, you need to know what you’re really getting in pet sitting in Denver.

In this guide, we’ll tell you about all the things that you need to know before booking a pet sitter in Denver.

9 Things You Should Know Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

Before you book, take a few minutes to look beyond price and availability. These nine factors can help you assess whether a pet sitter has the right experience, services, and approach to care for your pet safely and reliably.

1. Find Someone Who Understands Your Pet

Every pet has different needs, and previous pet sitting experience doesn’t automatically mean someone is prepared for yours. Someone who has cared for calm adult dogs may not have the experience needed to care for a senior dog, an anxious cat, a puppy, or a pet who needs medical attention.

Before booking any pet sitting services in Denver, ask about their experience with: 

• Anxious or fearful animals
• Reactive or challenging behavior
• Medication administration
• Special diets
• Mobility limitations
• Strict feeding or bathroom schedules

Be honest about the things your pet does that might require extra attention. The main goal is to find someone whose experience matches your pet’s needs.

2. Check What You’re Really Trusting Them With

If a sitter will be entering your home to care for your pet while you’re away, it’s reasonable to ask about their credentials.

Depending on whether you’re hiring an individual or working with a pet-sitting company, ask whether they have:

• Pet-sitting or liability insurance
• Bonding
• Background checks
• Relevant training or certifications
• Professional memberships
• References from previous clients

Don’t simply ask whether they’re “insured” or “bonded.” Find out what their coverage actually includes.

These credentials don’t guarantee that someone is a great sitter, but they can provide an additional layer of protection and show that the person takes the work seriously.

3. Meet Before You Book

A meet-and-greet gives you and the sitter a chance to decide whether the arrangement is a good fit before the booking begins.

You’ll get to see how the sitter interacts with your pet and whether your pet seems comfortable around them. You’ll also have a chance to explain your expectations before you’re away.

It’s also the right time to demonstrate feeding, medication, leash handling, door and gate procedures, and anything else the sitter might need to know.

For longer trips, consider arranging a trial visit if your pet needs the time to adjust to a new caregiver.

4. Know Exactly What You’re Getting

The phrase “pet sitting” can mean different things. Before booking, make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for. Always clarify:

• How long does each visit last?
• How many visits will my pet receive each day?
• Are walks included?
• Are feeding and fresh water included?
• Can medication be administered?
• Is overnight care available?
• Are additional pets included?
• Are holidays or last-minute bookings handled differently?
• What happens if my trip is extended?

Also ask how long your pet will be left alone between visits.

A sitter may offer a lower rate but provide shorter or less frequent visits. Another may cost more while providing longer visits or additional care. Comparing the full service gives you a much better idea of what you’re actually getting.

5. Have a Plan for the Unexpected Emergencies

Don’t wait until there’s an emergency to find out what your sitter plans to do. Before you leave, ask what they would do if your pet:

• Becomes sick
• Gets injured
• Escapes
• Refuses food or medication
• Has an unexpected behavioral issue

Your sitter should have access to your veterinarian’s contact information and know who to contact if they cannot reach you. Before you leave, provide them:

• Your phone number
• A backup emergency contact
• Your veterinarian’s details
• The location of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital
• Relevant medical information
• Any authorization needed for emergency veterinary treatment

If a sitter can’t explain what they would do during an emergency, don’t assume they’ll work it out when the time comes. Ask for a clear plan before you leave.

6. Make Sure They Can Handle Your Home

If your sitter will be coming into your home, your pet isn’t the only thing they need to know how to handle. Give them clear instructions for:

• Keys, access codes, or lockboxes
• Doors and gates
• Alarm or security systems
• Areas of the home they shouldn’t enter
• Where pet food and medication are stored
• Cleaning supplies
• Any house rules they should follow

Pay particular attention to anything that could affect your pet’s safety. If your dog can push open a certain gate or your cat is known for slipping through an open door, make sure the sitter knows.

It’s also worth discussing cameras or other home-security equipment, so there are no misunderstandings about how your home is monitored while you’re away.

7. Know How You’ll Stay in Touch

Going away doesn’t mean you have to wonder how your pet is doing until you get home.

Before booking, talk about how you want to receive updates.

Depending on the service, you might receive:

• Photos
• Videos
• Visit summaries
• Text updates
• Medication confirmations
• Phone calls when something is wrong

Ask how often you’ll receive updates and what the sitter considers an emergency. You should also explain what you consider important enough to call about.

For example, an injured pet should probably mean an immediate phone call, while a small change in appetite may simply be included in the next update.

Agreeing on this beforehand can prevent unnecessary worry for you and uncertainty for the sitter.

8. Look At Their Pricing and Cancellation Policies

Don’t assume the advertised rate is the final price. Always clarify beforehand whether there are additional charges for:

• Additional pets
• Longer visits
• Medication
• Overnight care
• Holidays
• Last-minute bookings
• Extra walks
• Travel

Also ask:

• When payment is due
• Whether a deposit is required
• The cancellation window
• Refund policies
• What happens if your trip is extended
• What happens if the sitter needs to cancel

When comparing pet sitting services in Denver, make sure to compare the complete services rather than choosing based on the lowest advertised rate.

The goal isn’t simply to find the lowest price. It’s to understand what you’re paying for so there are no surprises later.

9. See What Other Pet Owners Have to Say

Reviews can give you a better idea of what it’s actually like to work with a sitter. Don’t stop at the overall rating. Look for feedback about:

• Following instructions
• Communication
• Punctuality
• Handling unexpected situations
• Caring for pets with special needs
• Respecting the client’s home

Recent detailed reviews are more useful than generic five-star ratings. If you’re considering a newer sitter who doesn’t have many reviews, ask whether they can provide references or explain their previous experience with pet care.

And pay attention to every review. One negative review may not tell you much, but repeated complaints about missed visits, poor communication, or failure to follow instructions deserve attention.

Watch for These Red Flags Before You Book

Sometimes the easiest way to judge a potential sitter is to pay attention to what happens before the first visit.

Consider looking elsewhere if a sitter:

• Avoids meeting you and your pet without a clear reason
• Gives unclear or exaggerated answers about their experience
• Doesn’t ask basic questions about your pet
• Can’t explain what they would do in an emergency
• Has unclear pricing or cancellation policies
• Dismisses important concerns about your pet’s care
• Makes you uncomfortable about giving them access to your home

One small concern doesn’t necessarily mean a sitter is a bad choice. But several warning signs together shouldn’t be ignored.

Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter Before You Book

During your meet-and-greet, it’s important to ask the right questions to determine whether they are a good choice. Use these questions during your initial conversation:

• How long have you been pet sitting?
• What experience do you have with pets like mine?
• What exactly is included in your service?
• How long does each visit last?
• Can you handle my pet’s medications or special needs?
• What would you do if my pet became sick or injured?
• How often will I receive updates?
• What happens if you’re unavailable?
• What are your cancellation and additional-fee policies?

You don’t need to ask every question in a formal interview. Use them as a guide to make sure you cover the details that matter most to you and your pet.

Final Thoughts

The right pet sitter isn’t simply the person who has an opening on the dates you need.

Before booking, take the time to understand their experience, services, and policies; discuss your pet’s needs; and make sure they have an emergency plan. You should also feel comfortable with the person entering your home and caring for your pet without you there.

And if you’re arranging occasional care or searching for pet sitting in Denver, our team at Pet and People Sitters is here to care for your pet while you’re away. From feeding and walks to keeping up with their usual routine, we’ll make sure they get the attention and care they need. Contact us to know more about our services.