Start with your animal, not the sitter
Before you look at profiles, work out what your animal needs. A young, energetic dog has different needs from an older cat on medication. Think about how many hours they can be alone, how they react to other animals, what scares them and what calms them.
This also shapes the type of service: for many cats, drop-in visits are less stressful than boarding; for a dog who can't bear being alone, a sitter who works from home may be better.
What to look for on the profile
A good profile tells you a lot before you even send a message.
- Experience with your species, your animal's size and, if relevant, breed
- How many animals they take at once and whether they have animals of their own
- What the home is like, if they host: outdoor space, stairs, other people
- Which checks have been completed, and when
- Reviews linked to real bookings, not just the average score
- Cancellation policy and what the price includes
The meet-and-greet
Meeting before the first service is the most useful step of all. Watch how the sitter approaches your animal: an attentive professional lets the animal make the first move.
Ask what they would do in specific situations: if the dog doesn't eat for a day, if the cat hides and won't come out, if there's a thunderstorm. The answers say more than any introduction.
Prepare for the first stay
For long stays, try a night or an afternoon first. Put everything in writing: portions, times, medication with doses, habits, your vet's contact details and a reference person who can be reached if you can't.
With the Pet Passport you can share this information with the sitter for the length of the booking and revoke access when the service is over.
Warning signs not to ignore
Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay outside the platform, who doesn't want to meet you before a long stay or who promises to take any animal without asking questions. A good sitter asks lots of questions: it's a sign they care.