and what the answers really tell you

Leaving your pet with someone else isn’t just about availability or price.

Most of the time, the worry isn’t “will they show up?”
It’s “will my pet actually be okay?”

I see this a lot, especially with:

rescue dogs
nervous cats
older pets
animals with routines that don’t travel well

A good pet sitter can make things feel almost normal for your pet.
The wrong one can create stress very quickly.

This guide walks you through the questions that actually matter.
Not just what to ask, but what to listen for.

Why asking the right questions matters

Pet sitting in the UK is not a tightly regulated service.

That means:

anyone can offer it
standards vary a lot
experience levels vary even more

That doesn’t mean most sitters are bad.
But it does mean the responsibility sits with you.

You are choosing:

who has access to your home
who looks after your pet
who handles problems if something goes wrong

That’s worth slowing down for.

The essential questions to ask a pet sitter

Do you have insurance?

This is the first filter.

You want:

public liability insurance
cover for pet care in your home

If they hesitate or avoid the question, walk away.

Do you have a DBS check?

Not legally required, but very reassuring.

Especially for:

house sitting
key holding
regular visits

It shows they take trust seriously.

Can you provide references?

Ask for:

recent clients
ideally local
ideally with similar pets

A good sitter will offer these easily.

What experience do you have with pets like mine?

This is where things start to matter more.

Be specific:

nervous dog
reactive dog
rescue background
older pet
medical needs

General experience isn’t always enough.

What would you do in an emergency?

Listen carefully here.

You want to hear:

they know your vet
they have a backup plan
they won’t wait too long to act

A vague answer is a concern.

How do you handle routines?

Pets don’t struggle because you’re away.
They struggle when everything changes at once.

A good sitter will:

ask about feeding times
ask about walk routines
ask about behaviour patterns

If they don’t ask, that tells you something.

Will you be the one caring for my pet?

This catches people out.

Some services:

outsource
rotate staff
send different people

That might be fine for some pets.
It’s not ideal for those who are anxious.

Do you stay overnight or leave during the day?

Important for house sitting.

Clarify:

how long they are away
whether they take other jobs
what your pet is used to

Some pets are fine with gaps.
Some are not.

Do you do dog walking/house sitting full-time

Over the years, I have heard sme horro sories where people have offered to house sit for them, thinking it is an easy gig/hobby job and have a full-time job during the day, so little to no experience

How will you keep me updated?

You don’t need constant updates.
But you do need reassurance.

Look for:

photos
short messages
regular check-ins

What equipment do you use on walks?

This matters more than people think.

You want someone who:

is calm and controlled
avoids harsh equipment
understands handling, not just walking

If they mention strong corrections or force, that’s a red flag.

What good answers sound like

You’re not just listening for information.

You’re listening for:

confidence without arrogance
clarity
consistency

A good sitter will:

answer directly
ask you questions back
show interest in your pet as an individual

Red flags to watch for

I’d be cautious if you hear:

“All dogs are the same really”
“We’ll figure it out on the day”
“I’ve never had a problem before”
vague answers about emergencies
no insurance
reluctance to meet beforehand

These don’t always mean something will go wrong.
But they increase the risk.

What I would focus on first

If you want to keep it simple, focus on:

insurance
experience with your type of pet
whether your pet actually settles with them

That last one matters more than anything else.

A calm meet-and-greet tells you more than any checklist.

House sitting vs boarding

This is where many people realise something important.

Some pets don’t cope well with being away from home.

You might find:

your dog eats less in new environments
your cat hides or becomes withdrawn
routines break down quickly

That’s where house sitting can help.

Your pet:

stays in familiar surroundings
keeps their routine
has fewer big changes at once

If you’re weighing this up, this guide helps:
→ house sitting vs boarding for dogs

A simple checklist

Before you book, make sure you have:

insurance confirmed
references checked
a proper meet and greet
clear agreement on routine
emergency plan in place

Related guides

You might also find these helpful:

FAQs

Do pet sitters need a licence in the UK?

No, house sitters do not need a licence.
Boarders do. This is an important distinction.

Should I always meet a pet sitter first?

Yes. Always.

It helps you:

assess them
see how your pet reacts
ask questions properly

What if my dog is nervous or reactive?

Be honest from the start.

Look for someone with:

relevant experience
a calm approach
patience

How much should I expect to pay?

It varies based on:

type of care
length of stay
experience

Cheapest is rarely best here.

Is house sitting better for anxious pets?

In many cases, yes.

It keeps:

environment familiar
routines stable
stress lower

A final thought

The right pet sitter doesn’t just “cover” your time away.

They help your pet feel safe while you’re gone.

If your pet is nervous, older, or used to a calm routine, staying at home with the right support can make a big difference.

If you’re local to Finchley or nearby and want to talk through whether house sitting or indeed other pet services would suit your pet, you’re always welcome to get in touch.

Updated April 2026

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How to prepare your home for a pet sitter
First night tips for house sitting

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