You’ve booked a pet sitter.
They seem friendly. They’ve got reviews. Maybe they were recommended.
So you assume everything will be fine.
Most of the time, it is.
But here’s the part people don’t always realise…
Pet sitting in the UK is not regulated.
That means almost anyone can offer it.
No licence. No standard checks. No required experience.
And that’s where problems can creep in.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
When you hand over your keys, you’re trusting someone with:
- Your pet’s safety
- Your home
- Your routine
- Your peace of mind
Most sitters care. A lot do a great job.
But I’ve seen enough over the years to know where things go wrong.
Not usually through cruelty.
But through gaps.
- Too many bookings
- Poor communication
- Lack of experience
- No backup plan
That’s what causes stress for pets and owners.
What Can Go Wrong (Realistically)
These aren’t horror stories.
These are the kind of things that actually happen.
Overbooking
A sitter takes on too many clients.
- Visits get rushed
- Walks get shortened
- Timing becomes inconsistent
Your dog notices that straight away.
Missed or Late Visits
Traffic. Poor planning. No structure.
Suddenly your pet is:
- Waiting too long for a toilet break
- Missing medication
- Getting anxious
Lack of Experience
This is a big one.
Not all pets are straightforward.
- Rescue dogs
- Nervous dogs
- Cats that hide or won’t eat
- Pets on medication
Without experience, small issues can escalate quickly.
No Updates
This causes more stress than anything.
You’re away.
You don’t hear anything.
You start wondering:
- Have they been?
- Is everything okay?
- Is my pet eating?
Even a quick message makes a difference.
What To Check Before You Book a Pet Sitter
This is the part most people skip.
It’s also the part that prevents problems.
Basic checks
- Do they have insurance? Ask to see it
- Do they have a DBS check?
- Do they have real, recent reviews?
Experience
Ask directly:
- Have they worked with your type of pet?
- Have they handled nervous or reactive animals?
- Can they give examples?
How they work
This tells you everything.
- How many clients do they take on at once?
- How long are visits or walks?
- Do they rush between jobs?
- Do they use vans or walk locally?
Communication
Set expectations early:
- Will you get updates after every visit?
- Photos?
- What happens if something goes wrong?
Emergency plan
This is non-negotiable.
- Which vet will they use?
- Will they contact you first?
- Do they have transport if needed?
Pet first aid / emergency guide
Backup plan
Ask this simple question:
“What happens if you’re ill or can’t attend?”
If they can’t answer clearly, that’s a risk.
Where House Sitting Can Be a Better Option
For some pets, visits aren’t enough.
Especially:
- Rescue dogs
- Dogs with separation anxiety
- Older dogs
- Multi-pet households
Staying in their own home keeps things consistent.
- Same smells
- Same routine
- Less stress
How I Approach Pet Sitting (So You Can Compare)
This isn’t about selling.
It’s about showing what to look for.
In my work, I keep things simple:
- I don’t overbook
- I keep numbers low
- I focus on one-to-one care
- I build routines around the dog
That’s what keeps things calm.
Especially for nervous or rescue dogs.
A Simple Way To Think About It
Don’t just ask:
“Do I trust them?”
Ask:
“How do they actually work day-to-day?”
Because that’s what your pet experiences.
Not the reviews.
Not the website.
The routine.
Video: What To Check Before Hiring a Pet Sitter
Watch this quick breakdown of what to check before choosing a pet sitter.
Quick Checklist (Save This)
Before you book, run through this:
- Insurance checked
- DBS checked
- Experience confirmed
- Clear routine explained
- Update system agreed
- Emergency plan in place
- Backup plan confirmed
If any of these are unclear, ask.
FAQs
Is pet sitting regulated in the UK?
No. Unlike boarding, pet sitting in your home does not require a licence. That means it’s up to you to check experience, insurance, and reliability.
Is pet sitting safer than boarding?
It depends on your dog.
Some dogs cope well with boarding.
Others do far better staying at home with a sitter.
House sitter vs boarding guide
How many visits should my pet get?
That depends on the pet.
- Dogs usually need multiple visits or walks
- Cats often need at least one proper visit a day
Always ask how long visits actually last.
Should I meet the sitter first?
Yes. Always.
A meet-and-greet helps you see:
- How they interact with your pet
- Whether your pet is comfortable
- How they communicate
What’s a red flag?
- Vague answers
- No insurance
- No backup plan
- Poor communication
Trust your instincts and your dogs. After all if your og doesnt like them they will ony be stressed whilst ou are away
Final Thought
Most pet sitters are doing their best.
But not all services are the same.
A few simple checks make a big difference.
If you’re ever unsure, ask questions.
Or get a second opinion.
