How to Choose a Pet Sitter in the UK

A complete checklist for choosing pet sitting, house sitting or holiday pet care

Updated July 2026

Choosing a pet sitter is about much more than finding someone who likes animals and is available on the dates you need.

You are trusting that person with your pet, your home, your keys and, in many cases, important information about your daily routine.

Most pet sitters genuinely care about the animals they look after. However, pet sitting can mean very different things depending on the person or company offering it.

One sitter may provide a short feeding visit. Another may stay overnight in your home. Some care mainly for cats, while others specialise in dogs, small animals, medication or nervous pets.

Before you book, you need to understand exactly what is being offered and whether it genuinely suits your pet.

This guide will help you:

• compare pet sitting with house sitting and boarding
• understand which services may need a licence
• check insurance, experience and professional standards
• prepare for a meet-and-greet
• ask useful questions without turning the meeting into an interrogation
• recognise warning signs
• plan emergency arrangements
• choose care that suits your individual pet

I have worked professionally with dogs, cats and small animals since 2011. During that time, I have seen how much easier holiday care can be when owners choose the right arrangement and prepare properly.

Quick answer: what should you look for in a pet sitter?

A suitable pet sitter should be:

• insured for the services they provide
• experienced with pets like yours
• calm and comfortable around your animal
• willing to attend a meet-and-greet
• clear about visit lengths and overnight arrangements
• honest about how long your pet may be left alone
• prepared for emergencies
• careful with keys and home security
• able to follow written instructions
• willing to provide references or genuine reviews
• realistic about what they can and cannot do
• clear about prices, cancellations and payment
• willing to discuss medication where relevant
• able to explain what happens if they become ill
• respectful of your pet’s body language

Qualifications and checks are useful, but they do not replace good judgement.

You are looking for someone whose experience, working arrangements and manner suit the pet in front of them.

What does a pet sitter actually do?

The term “pet sitter” is used to describe several different services.

A pet sitter may provide:

• dog visits
• cat feeding visits
• litter tray cleaning
• small-animal care
• puppy visits
• garden toilet breaks
• agreed medication
• food and water
• play and enrichment
• quiet company
• welfare checks
• overnight house sitting
• live-in care
• basic home checks while you are away

Some sitters visit once or twice a day. Others remain in the property overnight.

Some combine house sitting with work elsewhere during the day. Others may be able to remain with the pet for longer periods.

Before comparing prices, ask exactly what each service includes.

A thirty-minute feeding visit is not the same as an overnight house sit. An overnight stay does not necessarily mean the sitter will remain inside the property continuously for 24 hours.

The important question is not simply:

“Do you offer pet sitting?”

It is:

“What care will my pet actually receive, and does that arrangement meet their needs?”

You can read more about my local services here:

• House sitting in Finchley
• Cat sitting in Finchley
• Small-animal care in Finchley
• Holiday care for dogs and cats

Pet sitting, house sitting, home boarding, kennels and catteries

These options are sometimes grouped together, but they work in very different ways.

Pet sitting visits in your home

A pet sitter visits your home at agreed times.

A visit may include:

• feeding
• fresh water
• litter or enclosure cleaning
• a dog toilet break
• a short walk
• agreed medication
• play or enrichment
• quiet company
• checking that the pet appears well
• a message or photograph for you
• basic home security checks

Home visits are often suitable for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets.

They may also suit some dogs who are comfortable being left between visits. They are not suitable for every dog, particularly if the dog cannot cope with being left alone overnight or for extended periods.

House sitting in your home

House sitting normally means the sitter stays overnight in your property.

This may be a good option for:

• dogs who should not be left overnight
• rescue dogs
• nervous or reactive dogs
• older pets
• puppies
• pets taking medication
• multi-pet households
• pets who rely strongly on routine
• owners who want an occupied presence in the home

House sitting does not automatically mean constant 24-hour care.

Most professional house sitters still need time for other work, personal commitments, shopping and travel. You should agree in advance how long your pet may be left and whether that matches their normal routine.

Read my detailed comparison of house sitting and dog boarding.

Home boarding

Home boarding means your dog stays in someone else’s home.

This can work well for confident dogs who enjoy new places and are comfortable around unfamiliar people or animals.

In England, commercial home boarding for dogs normally requires a licence from the local authority. You should ask to see the current licence and check what conditions apply.

The official requirements can be found in the GOV.UK guidance on boarding cats and dogs.

Someone caring for a dog in the dog owner’s own home is generally treated differently from a business that boards dogs at the provider’s premises.

Boarding kennels and catteries

Kennels and catteries provide care away from the pet’s normal home.

A good boarding establishment may be the right choice for some animals. It should be properly licensed, secure, clean and managed by people who understand animal welfare.

Before booking, visit where possible and ask:

• Can I see the licence?
• Where will my pet sleep?
• How often are animals checked?
• How much individual attention will they receive?
• How are dogs exercised?
• Are cats housed away from dogs?
• What happens if my pet becomes ill?
• How is medication handled?
• What vaccinations are required?
• How are nervous animals supported?
• How are emergencies managed?
• Will my pet share space with unfamiliar animals?

Do not choose a boarding establishment solely from photographs or a social media profile.

Help from friends, family or neighbours

Someone familiar may be a good option for a straightforward pet.

However, liking your pet is not the same as being prepared to take responsibility for them.

Make sure the person understands:

• how often they must attend
• what tasks must be completed
• how to recognise a problem
• who to contact in an emergency
• how medication should be given
• what to do if the pet escapes
• how to secure your home
• what they should do if they cannot attend

A neighbour who agrees to “pop in when they can” is not a clear care plan.

Give friends and family the same written instructions you would give a professional.

Is pet sitting regulated in the UK?

Pet sitting in the owner’s home is not regulated in exactly the same way as commercial boarding.

In England, activities such as commercial dog home boarding, kennel boarding, cat boarding and some dog daycare services normally fall under local-authority licensing rules.

A sitter visiting or staying in the pet owner’s home will not usually need the same boarding licence.

This means owners may need to carry out more of their own checks.

Do not assume that someone is insured, trained or checked simply because they have:

• a professional-looking website
• a branded jacket
• a social media page
• an account on a pet-sitting platform
• large numbers of followers
• photographs with animals
• several five-star ratings

Useful checks include:

• suitable business insurance
• relevant experience
• genuine reviews or references
• pet first-aid training
• a written booking process
• clear prices and cancellation terms
• emergency procedures
• secure key arrangements
• a meet-and-greet
• realistic availability
• a suitable backup plan
• a DBS check where relevant

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires a person responsible for an animal to take reasonable steps to meet its welfare needs.

Those needs include an appropriate environment and diet, the ability to display normal behaviour, suitable housing with or apart from other animals, and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Choosing someone to care for your pet does not remove the need to make sensible arrangements.

The RSPCA’s pet-sitting advice also provides useful guidance on planning suitable care while you are away.

The complete pet-sitter checklist

1. Check their insurance

Ask whether the sitter has insurance that covers the services they will provide.

Depending on the business, relevant cover may include:

• public liability
• care, custody and control of animals
• loss of keys
• damage caused while caring for a pet
• dog walking
• house sitting
• pet transport, where offered
• administering medication, where covered

Do not be embarrassed to ask for evidence.

A professional should understand why an owner wants to check.

Insurance does not prove that someone is a good sitter, but an unexplained lack of suitable cover should make you cautious.

2. Ask about relevant experience

Experience should match your pet, not simply animals in general.

Someone may have plenty of experience with friendly adult dogs but little experience with:

• reactive dogs
• nervous rescue dogs
• dogs who guard food or spaces
• elderly animals
• puppies
• cats who hide
• rabbits
• guinea pigs
• pets with disabilities
• medication
• multi-pet households
• animals with a history of escaping

Ask for practical examples.

Useful questions include:

• Have you cared for a pet with similar needs?
• What did their routine involve?
• How would you approach my pet?
• What would you do if my dog refused to walk?
• What would you do if my cat remained hidden?
• How would you respond if my rabbit stopped eating?
• What would you do if my pet behaved differently from normal?

A good sitter does not need to claim they have seen everything.

Honesty about the limits of their experience is a positive sign.

3. Look for appropriate first-aid training

Pet first-aid training does not turn a sitter into a vet.

It can show that they have taken time to learn how to respond to situations such as:

• choking
• bleeding
• heat-related illness
• collapse
• seizures
• bites
• poisoning concerns
• injuries
• breathing difficulties

Ask when the training was completed and whether it is kept up to date.

The more important question is what the sitter would actually do.

A sensible answer should include contacting a vet promptly, keeping you informed where possible and staying within their level of competence.

4. Understand what a DBS check means

A Disclosure and Barring Service check can offer useful reassurance when someone will enter your home or hold your keys.

However, a DBS certificate is not a general licence to work with animals and does not prove that a person is reliable, insured or skilled.

A basic DBS check is available without a specific eligibility requirement. Standard and enhanced checks are only available for roles that meet the relevant legal criteria.

You can read the current GOV.UK DBS eligibility guidance.

Ask:

• What level of check do you hold?
• When was it issued?
• Why was that level of check obtained?
• Is it registered with the DBS Update Service where applicable?
• May I see the certificate?

Treat a DBS check as one part of your decision, not the whole decision.

5. Read genuine reviews and ask for references

Reviews can help you understand how the sitter works in real situations.

Detailed reviews are more useful than a long list of ratings without context.

Look for comments about:

• reliability
• communication
• nervous pets
• rescue dogs
• cats
• medication
• house sitting
• cleanliness
• following instructions
• handling unexpected problems
• key security
• regular updates
• long-term relationships with clients

Pay attention to how the business responds to criticism too.

No business is perfect. A calm and constructive response to a genuine concern may tell you more than a page containing nothing but praise.

You can read some of my Finchley Dog Walker testimonials.

6. Arrange a meet-and-greet

A meet-and-greet should normally happen before care begins.

It gives you an opportunity to:

• introduce your pet
• explain the routine
• discuss behaviour
• show where supplies are kept
• discuss keys and alarms
• check that the sitter listens
• observe how the sitter approaches your animal
• ask questions
• decide whether both sides are comfortable

The sitter should not expect every animal to greet them enthusiastically.

A nervous dog may bark or keep their distance. A cat may hide. A rabbit may be happier if left undisturbed.

Look for someone who notices this and adjusts.

The aim of the meeting is not to force a friendship. It is to begin creating familiarity and gather the information needed for safe care.

7. Confirm who will actually provide the care

Do not assume the person you meet will be the person attending.

Ask:

• Will you personally complete every visit?
• Do you use employees, subcontractors or cover sitters?
• Could someone else enter my home?
• Will I meet any replacement person beforehand?
• How will I be informed if the arrangement changes?
• Are other people permitted to accompany you?
• Will anyone else stay in my home?

This is particularly important when booking through an agency or online platform.

You should know who has access to your property and who is responsible for your pet.

8. Agree the visit length

The word “visit” can be vague.

Ask whether the advertised length includes:

• entering and leaving
• collecting keys
• feeding
• washing bowls
• refreshing water
• litter tray cleaning
• medication
• a garden break
• a dog walk
• play or enrichment
• cleaning up accidents
• photographs
• writing an update
• securing the property

A thirty-minute visit should not quietly become ten minutes of animal care once travel, messages and household tasks are taken into account.

Clear visit lengths protect both the owner and the sitter.

9. Discuss time windows

Pet sitters often work with arrival windows rather than exact appointment times.

This can be reasonable, but the window must suit the pet.

A flexible feeding visit may work for a healthy adult cat. It may not work for:

• an animal needing medication at a specific time
• a puppy requiring frequent toilet breaks
• a diabetic pet
• a dog who cannot be left for long
• an elderly animal with a strict routine

Ask:

• Is the time exact or approximate?
• How large is the arrival window?
• What could cause a delay?
• How will I be told if you are running late?
• Can you meet medication times?
• What happens during severe weather or transport disruption?

10. Ask how many other pets they care for

A busy diary is not automatically a problem.

Overbooking is.

Ask how many visits, walks or house sits the person manages in a normal day.

Consider:

• travel between homes
• visit lengths
• time needed for updates
• unexpected delays
• medication
• emergencies
• hot-weather changes
• how far apart clients are

A sitter who works locally may be able to respond more reliably than someone travelling across a wide area.

I keep my work local and provide one-to-one care because it allows me to focus on the pet and household in front of me.

11. Check the emergency plan

Before leaving, you and the sitter should agree what happens if your pet becomes ill or injured.

The sitter should know:

• your normal vet
• the nearest emergency vet
• your pet’s medical history
• known allergies
• current medication
• your insurance details, where relevant
• how to contact you
• who your local emergency contact is
• whether they may take the pet to a vet
• how emergency treatment will be paid for
• what to do if you cannot be reached

Do not rely on verbal instructions.

Leave written permission and clear contact details.

Your emergency contact should be someone who:

• is available
• understands your wishes
• can make practical decisions
• can access your home if needed
• is not travelling with you

12. Ask about medication

Never assume a sitter can give medication.

Discuss:

• the name of the medicine
• the dose
• the timing
• how it is given
• whether food is required
• what happens if a dose is refused
• possible side effects
• storage requirements
• what should be recorded
• when the vet should be contacted

The sitter should only accept medication tasks they are competent and insured to carry out.

For more complex care, your veterinary practice may recommend a more specialised arrangement.

Leave medication in its original packaging wherever possible, with clear written instructions.

13. Ask what happens if the sitter becomes ill

No individual can promise they will never become ill or face an emergency.

Ask:

• Who would contact me?
• Is there a backup sitter?
• Would I meet that person beforehand?
• Does the backup person have access to the instructions?
• Are they insured?
• Can my local emergency contact take over?
• How quickly would I be told?

For a solo business, the realistic backup may be your nominated emergency contact rather than an unknown replacement sitter.

What matters is that the arrangement is discussed before a problem occurs.

14. Check how keys are managed

Your sitter should have a clear key policy.

Ask:

• Will the key carry my address?
• Where is it stored?
• Who can access it?
• Is loss of keys covered by insurance?
• Will it be kept between bookings?
• How will it be returned?
• Is a lockbox being used?
• What happens if a key fails?
• Who pays for replacement locks if a key is lost?

Avoid labelling a key with your full address.

If a sitter is keeping the key for future bookings, make sure you understand and agree to that arrangement.

15. Discuss alarms, cameras and home security

Tell the sitter about:

• burglar alarms
• doorbell cameras
• indoor cameras
• audio recording
• smart locks
• security lights
• automatic gates
• rooms that are out of bounds
• anyone else who may enter

Cameras should be disclosed before the booking.

A house sitter needs privacy in sleeping and bathroom areas. Undisclosed recording can damage trust and may create legal or privacy concerns.

Also tell the sitter if cleaners, gardeners, contractors, relatives or neighbours may enter during the booking.

The sitter should not be left wondering whether an unexpected person has permission to be there.

16. Read the terms, prices and cancellation policy

Before paying, make sure you understand:

• the total price
• what is included
• additional charges
• deposit or reservation payments
• when the balance is due
• cancellation charges
• charges for an early return
• charges if your return is delayed
• key collection fees
• medication charges
• bank-holiday rates
• how extensions are handled

A lower headline price may not include the same amount of care.

Compare services, not just numbers.

My current charges are shown on the Finchley Dog Walker prices page.

Questions to ask during the meet-and-greet

You do not need to ask every question on this page.

Start with the ones most relevant to your pet.

Useful questions include:

• Are you insured for this service?
• Have you cared for pets like mine?
• Do you have pet first-aid training?
• Do you hold a DBS check?
• Will you personally attend?
• How long is each visit?
• What exactly is included?
• What time will you normally arrive?
• How long may my pet be left?
• What happens if you are delayed?
• What happens if you become ill?
• How do you manage keys?
• How will you update me?
• Can you give my pet’s medication?
• What would you do if my pet refused food?
• What would you do if my pet seemed unwell?
• What would you do if my pet escaped?
• How many other animals will you care for?
• Do you use vehicles to transport dogs?
• Will my dog be walked with other dogs?
• Are visitors allowed during a house sit?
• What information do you need from me?
• What are your cancellation terms?

For a shorter printable-style list, read Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter.

What should a good pet sitter ask you?

The questions work both ways.

Be cautious if someone is ready to accept a booking without asking much about your pet.

A careful sitter should ask about:

• feeding
• medication
• allergies
• veterinary details
• normal behaviour
• previous illness
• sleeping arrangements
• toilet routines
• exercise
• dog-walking routes
• behaviour around dogs and people
• recall
• escape risks
• guarding behaviour
• bite history
• fears and triggers
• favourite hiding places
• cat-flap access
• other people entering the property
• emergency contacts
• cameras and alarms
• your travel and return arrangements

Honest information helps the sitter keep your pet safe.

Do not hide behaviour because you are worried the sitter will refuse the booking.

A sitter needs to know if your dog:

• has bitten or snapped
• pulls strongly
• reacts to dogs
• guards food or toys
• tries to escape
• refuses handling
• cannot be left alone
• has unreliable recall
• chases wildlife
• becomes frightened by traffic

They also need to know if your cat:

• hides from strangers
• tries to escape through doors
• stops eating when stressed
• dislikes handling
• has outdoor access
• is difficult to medicate
• lives separately from another cat
• has a history of urinary or digestive problems

A suitable sitter will use that information to decide whether they can provide safe care.

How to assess the sitter with your pet

Watch what the sitter does, not just what they say.

Positive signs include:

• allowing your pet to approach at their own pace
• turning slightly away from a worried dog
• avoiding prolonged staring
• speaking calmly
• not reaching over the pet
• listening to your instructions
• noticing signs of discomfort
• asking before offering treats
• respecting your cat’s hiding place
• not forcing physical contact
• accepting that the animal may need time

Be cautious if the sitter:

• insists that every dog loves them
• repeatedly calls a frightened animal
• corners a hiding cat
• attempts to dominate or correct your pet
• dismisses barking, growling or hiding
• ignores your safety instructions
• encourages your dog to greet unfamiliar animals
• uses punishment or intimidation
• treats nervous behaviour as stubbornness

Good care is not about making an animal interact.

It is about helping them feel safe enough to make their own choices.

Different pets need different types of care

Dogs

Dogs may need:

• regular toilet opportunities
• walks
• meals
• medication
• companionship
• safe overnight arrangements
• enrichment
• familiar sleeping routines
• calm handling
• realistic periods of company and rest

Some dogs cope well with boarding.

Others are much more comfortable staying in their own home.

This may include:

• rescue dogs
• reactive dogs
• nervous dogs
• older dogs
• dogs with poor hearing or sight
• dogs who struggle in groups
• dogs with medical conditions
• dogs with separation-related problems

A nervous dog may not need an exciting adventure with a new sitter.

They may benefit more from a familiar local walk, plenty of sniffing and a quiet evening at home.

My guide to getting your dog used to a sitter explains how to arrange calmer introductions.

Cats

Many cats find travel and unfamiliar surroundings difficult.

Cats Protection describes staying at home as the safest and least unsettling holiday option for many cats and advises arranging reliable visits, generally at least twice a day. Young, elderly or unwell cats may need more frequent care.

Read the full Cats Protection holiday advice.

A proper cat visit should involve more than filling a bowl.

The sitter should check:

• food intake
• water
• litter tray use
• sickness or diarrhoea
• normal hiding places
• behaviour
• signs of injury
• medication
• temperature and ventilation
• whether the cat appears unusually quiet or distressed

Some cats want play and company.

Others are happiest watching from a safe distance.

A sitter should not drag a nervous cat out of hiding simply to take a photograph.

Read more about cat sitting in Finchley.

Rabbits and guinea pigs

Small animals should not be treated as pets who only need food left out.

Rabbits and guinea pigs can become seriously unwell quickly, and they may hide signs of illness.

Care may involve:

• unlimited fresh hay where appropriate
• clean water
• measured food
• vegetables according to the normal routine
• enclosure checks
• litter cleaning
• monitoring droppings
• checking appetite
• observing posture and movement
• managing temperature
• medication
• prompt action if something changes

Ask whether the sitter understands what is normal for your animal.

Reduced eating or fewer droppings should not simply be left until the next day.

Read my small-animal care guide.

Senior pets

Older pets may need:

• shorter walks
• more toilet breaks
• medication
• non-slip surfaces
• help with stairs
• closer monitoring
• longer periods of rest
• predictable routines
• support with sight or hearing loss

Make sure the sitter knows what changes are normal and which require veterinary advice.

Nervous and rescue pets

For a nervous pet, the sitter’s manner may matter more than a long list of certificates.

Look for someone who:

• gives the animal space
• uses calm, reward-based handling
• avoids pressure
• understands body language
• follows familiar routines
• does not punish fear
• avoids busy environments
• sends honest updates
• is prepared to change the plan

A nervous dog may refuse a walk on the first day.

A shy cat may not appear for a photograph.

Those situations require observation and sensible judgement, not force.

House-sitting questions owners often forget

House sitting involves caring for both your pet and your property.

Discuss the following before booking.

How long will my pet be left?

Ask about daytime absences.

A sitter staying overnight may still leave for several hours during the day.

Be specific about what your pet can comfortably manage.

Do not simply say, “He is fine for a while.”

Say, for example:

“He is normally left for no more than four hours.”

Where will the sitter sleep?

Prepare a clean, suitable sleeping area.

Explain whether pets normally sleep:

• in the bedroom
• downstairs
• in a crate
• on the bed
• behind a stair gate
• in a separate part of the property

Suddenly changing the sleeping arrangement may unsettle some animals.

May the sitter have visitors?

Agree this clearly.

You are entitled to say that no visitors are permitted.

The sitter should not bring friends, partners, children or other animals into your home unless you have explicitly agreed.

What parts of the home may be used?

Explain:

• which bedroom is available
• which bathrooms may be used
• whether food or kitchen equipment may be used
• where towels and bedding are kept
• which rooms are private
• Wi-Fi arrangements
• heating and hot-water controls
• parking restrictions
• waste and recycling arrangements

Clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings.

What household tasks are included?

Do not assume house sitting includes cleaning or property management.

Agree any additional tasks, such as:

• bringing in post
• putting bins out
• opening or closing curtains
• watering suitable houseplants
• receiving deliveries
• checking the heating
• basic security checks
• preparing the home for your return

Larger or time-consuming jobs may require an additional charge.

What happens if my return is delayed?

Flights, trains and travel plans change.

Tell the sitter:

• when you expect to return
• when their responsibility ends
• how you will confirm that you are home
• what happens if you are delayed
• who takes over if they cannot extend the booking
• whether additional charges apply

Never assume the sitter will leave your pet immediately after your scheduled arrival time without confirming that you have returned safely.

Red flags to watch for

A sitter does not need to be perfect.

They should be honest, organised and willing to answer reasonable questions.

Be cautious if someone:

• will not provide evidence of insurance
• refuses a meet-and-greet
• gives vague answers about visit length
• cannot explain who will attend
• becomes defensive about basic checks
• has no emergency plan
• has no plan for illness
• does not ask for vet details
• accepts medication without discussing it
• says every animal is easy
• dismisses your pet’s behaviour
• rushes introductions
• forces contact with a nervous animal
• suggests using punishment
• promises constant care while maintaining several other commitments
• appears to be taking too many bookings
• has no written confirmation process
• asks for payment without clear terms
• communicates poorly before the booking
• intends to bring people into your home without permission
• will not discuss cameras, keys or security

Poor communication before a booking often becomes poor communication during the booking.

Trust your instincts, but also base your decision on clear information.

What good communication looks like

Before the booking, you should know:

• the dates
• the price
• what is included
• the approximate visit times
• who will attend
• how long visits last
• how long your pet may be left
• how updates will be sent
• how emergencies are handled
• how keys will be managed
• when payment is due
• what happens if plans change

During the booking, an update should tell you something useful.

For example:

“Both cats have been fed and their water has been changed. Luna ate most of her meal. Milo stayed under the bed but looked alert and settled. Both litter trays have been used normally. I have attached a photograph of Luna.”

That tells you more than:

“All fine.”

Agree how frequently updates will be sent.

Some owners prefer a message after every visit. Others prefer one useful daily summary.

What to leave ready for your pet sitter

Written instructions make good care easier.

Do not rely on the sitter remembering everything said during the meet-and-greet.

Pet information

Include:

• your pet’s name
• age
• normal routine
• feeding amounts
• feeding times
• allergies
• medication
• vet details
• insurance information
• emergency contact
• behaviour around people
• behaviour around animals
• fears and triggers
• favourite resting places
• hiding places
• toilet routine
• walking instructions
• equipment
• what is normal
• signs that something may be wrong

Home information

Include:

• keys
• alarm instructions
• Wi-Fi information where needed
• heating controls
• fuse box location
• water stopcock location
• bin arrangements
• cleaning supplies
• rooms that are out of bounds
• camera information
• details of anyone else entering
• neighbour or building-management details where relevant
• your expected return arrangements

Supplies

Leave enough for the entire booking, plus a sensible allowance for delays.

This may include:

• food
• treats
• medication
• litter
• hay
• bedding
• cleaning materials
• kitchen roll
• poo bags
• towels
• leads
• harnesses
• coats
• pet carriers
• favourite toys
• safe enrichment items

For a more comprehensive home-preparation checklist, read “How to Prepare Your Home for a Pet Sitter.“

Consider a trial visit

A trial visit can be helpful when:

• your dog is nervous
• your pet has never had a sitter
• your dog guards the home
• your animal requires medication
• you are booking a long trip
• your pet has a complicated routine
• your dog struggles when you leave
• you are uncertain how the pet will respond

A trial may involve:

• a short visit while you remain at home
• a walk with you present
• the sitter feeding the pet
• you leaving for an hour
• a single overnight stay before a longer booking

A trial does not guarantee that every future situation will be easy.

It can reveal practical issues while you are still close enough to help.

Should you choose visits or house sitting?

Visits may be suitable for:

• many cats
• rabbits and guinea pigs
• hamsters and other small pets
• dogs who are genuinely comfortable alone
• short daytime support
• straightforward feeding and welfare checks

House sitting may be more suitable for:

• dogs who should not be left overnight
• rescue dogs
• nervous pets
• elderly animals
• pets needing close observation
• pets requiring frequent medication
• multi-pet households
• animals who become distressed when their routine changes

Neither option is automatically better.

Choose according to:

• the species
• the pet’s age
• health
• behaviour
• normal routine
• tolerance of being alone
• medication
• the length of your trip
• the amount of care the sitter can genuinely provide

How I approach pet sitting and house sitting

I provide calm, local pet care across Finchley, North Finchley, East Finchley, Finchley Central, Muswell Hill and selected nearby areas.

I have worked professionally with animals since 2011.

My approach includes:

• one household at a time
• no group dog walks
• no vans or collection rounds
• familiar local walking routes
• calm, reward-based handling
• respect for the pet’s body language
• patient introductions
• clear written arrangements
• regular updates
• care built around the individual animal

I am particularly suited to:

• rescue dogs
• nervous dogs
• reactive dogs
• senior pets
• cats who prefer staying at home
• multi-pet households
• pets who rely strongly on routine

House sitting is not continuous 24-hour attendance unless that has been specifically discussed and agreed. Any expected periods away from the home should be considered before the booking is confirmed.

You can learn more about my experience on the About Del page or read my Welcome Pack.

Quick pet-sitter checklist

Before confirming a booking, check:

• suitable insurance
• relevant experience
• first-aid training
• DBS information where appropriate
• reviews or references
• who will provide the care
• exact visit length
• what is included
• arrival windows
• periods your pet may be left
• emergency procedures
• veterinary permission
• medication arrangements
• backup plans
• key security
• cameras and alarms
• update frequency
• prices and cancellation terms
• a meet-and-greet
• written instructions
• suitability for your individual pet

When something is unclear, ask.

A professional sitter should not mind reasonable questions.

Frequently asked questions

Does a pet sitter need insurance?

Pet sitters should have suitable insurance for the services they provide.

Ask to see evidence and check that the policy covers the actual arrangement, such as dog walking, home visits, key holding or house sitting.

Insurance does not prove that someone is suitable, but it is an important professional check.

Does a pet sitter need a licence?

A sitter caring for a pet in the owner’s home will not normally require the same local-authority boarding licence as a commercial kennel, cattery or home-boarder.

Commercial home boarding and other animal boarding activities in England normally require a local-authority licence.

Check the current GOV.UK and local-authority guidance for the specific service.

Should a pet sitter have a DBS check?

A DBS check can provide additional reassurance when someone will enter your home or hold your keys.

A basic check may be obtained without the role meeting special eligibility requirements. Standard and enhanced checks are restricted to eligible roles.

A DBS certificate should be considered alongside insurance, references, experience and professional conduct.

Should I meet the sitter before booking?

Yes, wherever possible.

A meet-and-greet allows you to explain the routine, show the sitter where everything is kept and observe how they respond to your pet.

For nervous animals, the meeting should be calm and low pressure.

How often should a cat sitter visit?

Cats Protection advises arranging for a cat sitter to visit at least twice a day, with more frequent care for some young, elderly or unwell cats.

Your cat’s health, age, routine and medication should all be considered.

Some cats may benefit from house sitting or a more intensive care arrangement.

Is house sitting better than boarding?

For some pets, house sitting is the calmer option because they remain in familiar surroundings.

This can be particularly helpful for rescue dogs, nervous animals, senior pets and multi-pet households.

Other pets may cope perfectly well with a properly licensed and well-managed boarding establishment.

Does house sitting mean the sitter remains there all day?

Not necessarily.

House sitting usually includes overnight care and an agreed occupied presence, but the sitter may still leave for work, other clients, shopping or personal commitments.

Agree how long your pet can be left before booking.

Can a pet sitter give medication?

Some sitters can give agreed medication, depending on their experience, insurance and the type of treatment.

Provide written veterinary instructions and discuss what happens if the pet refuses a dose.

Complex or invasive treatment may require veterinary or specialist support.

What happens if the sitter becomes ill?

This should be discussed before you leave.

The backup arrangement may involve another insured sitter or your nominated local emergency contact.

You should know who will contact you and who can access your pet.

Should I give the sitter permission to contact my vet?

Yes.

Leave your vet’s contact details and written authority explaining what the sitter may do if your pet needs treatment and you cannot be reached.

Also provide a local emergency contact.

How far in advance should I book?

Book as early as possible for:

• school holidays
• summer travel
• Christmas
• Easter
• bank holidays
• longer house sits

Early booking also gives nervous pets more time to meet the sitter and complete trial visits.

What if my pet does not like the sitter?

Do not force the arrangement.

Some nervous pets need more than one introduction. However, if you remain uncomfortable or the sitter does not respond appropriately to your pet, choose another option.

The arrangement needs to feel safe for the pet, owner and sitter.

Final thoughts

Choosing a pet sitter is not about finding the person with the longest list of certificates or the cheapest price.

It is about finding someone whose service genuinely matches your pet.

Ask clear questions. Check the practical details. Pay attention to how the sitter behaves around your animal. Leave complete written instructions and prepare an emergency plan.

Most importantly, be honest about what your pet needs.

A confident adult dog, a nervous rescue dog, a shy cat and an elderly rabbit will not all need the same arrangement.

Good pet care starts with recognising that difference.

Looking for pet sitting or house sitting in Finchley?

I provide calm, one-to-one pet care for dogs, cats and small animals in Finchley, Muswell Hill and selected nearby North London areas.

My services include:

• house and pet sitting
• cat-sitting visits
• small-animal care
• solo dog walks
• rescue and nervous-dog support
• holiday pet care
• pet and home preparation support

All services are subject to location, availability, a suitable meet-and-greet and my current terms and insurance conditions.

View my pet-care services

Check my service area

View current prices

Contact Del

WhatsApp: 07707 763344

Important information

This guide provides general pet-care information for owners in the UK. Licensing and legal requirements can vary according to the service, location and circumstances.

Check the current government and local authority guidance before relying on any regulatory information.

I am not a vet, solicitor or clinical animal behaviourist. Health concerns should be discussed with your veterinary practice. Complex behavioural concerns may require support from an appropriately qualified, reward-based behaviour professional.

Related Guides

House Sitting in Finchley
Cat Sitting in Finchley
Holiday Care for Dogs and Cats
House Sitter vs Dog Boarder
Stay-at-Home Pet Care in Finchley
First 24 Hours With a Pet Sitter
How to Prepare Your Home for a Pet Sitter
Getting Your Dog Used to a Sitter
Small Animal Care in Finchley
Pet Care Prices in Finchley
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Video: What To Check Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

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