First Time Using a Pet Sitter: The Guide for Anxious Pet Parents

Using a pet sitter for the first time means scheduling a meet-and-greet, preparing detailed instructions, stocking supplies, and accepting that your pet will survive without you. The hard part isn’t finding a good sitter—it’s trusting that your dog won’t forget you exist after three days.

You’ve never left your pet with a stranger before. You’ve rearranged trips, declined invitations, and guilt-tripped family members into last-minute pet care. Now you’re finally hiring a professional pet sitter, and your brain has decided this is the perfect time to imagine every possible disaster scenario.

Your dog will be fine. Your cat will probably enjoy the break from you. The real challenge? Getting through your own anxiety without texting the sitter seventeen times on day one.

What Is Pet Sitting (And Why It’s Different from Boarding)

Pet sitting means a professional comes to your home to care for your pet while you’re gone. They handle feeding, walks, playtime, medication, and litter boxes—basically everything you’d do, except your pet stays in their familiar environment.

Pet sitting vs. boarding:

For most pets, staying home reduces stress. They’re in their territory, surrounded by familiar smells, sleeping in their own bed. The only thing that changed? The person opening the treat jar.

For more context on different care options, read our breakdown of in-home vs. boarding pet sitting.

Before You Book: What to Look For in a First Pet Sitter

Not every pet sitter is the right fit. Your pet has preferences. You have non-negotiables. Finding someone who checks both boxes matters more than booking the cheapest option.

Experience That Matches Your Pet’s Needs

What to prioritize:

• Experience with your pet’s species and breed
• Familiarity with any special needs (medication, anxiety, mobility issues)
• Comfort level with your pet’s energy or temperament
• Reviews from owners with similar pets

A sitter who’s great with calm senior cats might struggle with your hyperactive terrier puppy. Match experience to your actual pet, not a generic “good with animals” claim.

References and Reviews You Can Verify

Read reviews carefully. Look for patterns, not just star ratings.

Red flags in reviews:

• Multiple mentions of missed visits or late arrivals
• Communication issues (doesn’t respond, forgets updates)
• Pets visibly stressed after sits
• Home left messy or instructions ignored

Green flags:

• Detailed updates without being asked
• Handles emergencies calmly
• Pets seem comfortable and happy
• Follows instructions precisely

On Petme, you can filter sitters by experience level, read detailed reviews, and see how they’ve handled specific situations. Look for sitters who’ve managed pets similar to yours successfully.

Our guide on how to choose the right pet sitter covers exactly what to prioritize when comparing candidates.

The Meet-and-Greet (This Part Actually Matters)

Schedule an in-person meet-and-greet before your trip. This isn’t optional—it’s how you determine if your pet and the sitter actually get along.

What to Do During the Meet-and-Greet

Let your pet set the pace: Don’t force interaction. Some pets warm up immediately. Others need twenty minutes of suspicious staring before they’ll accept the sitter’s existence.

Watch how the sitter approaches your pet. Do they:

• Let your pet come to them, or force interaction?
• Read body language correctly?
• Respect boundaries when your pet pulls away?
• Adjust their energy to match your pet’s comfort level?

Walk through your home together: Show them where everything is—food, supplies, medication, emergency contacts, quirky light switches, the basement door that sticks.

Point out your pet’s favorite spots, where they hide when stressed, and any off-limits areas. The more familiar the sitter is with your home layout, the smoother everything runs.

Do a practice routine: If possible, have the sitter go through one feeding, walk, or play session while you’re still there. This confirms they understand your instructions and gives your pet a preview of what to expect.

For cats, this might mean watching them clean the litter box, refresh water, and engage your cat in play. For dogs, take a short walk together so your dog associates the sitter with positive experiences.

Our article on pet sitter meet-and-greets covers how to structure this visit for maximum effectiveness.

Questions to Ask During the Meet-and-Greet

Don’t just make small talk. Get specific.

Critical questions:

• How do you handle emergencies or sudden illness?
• What’s your backup plan if you can’t make a scheduled visit?
• How often will you send updates, and in what format?
• Have you handled [specific situation your pet has]?
• What’s your cancellation policy?

If you have a dog, ask about their walking route preferences, how they handle reactive dogs, and whether they’re comfortable with off-leash play if applicable.

If you have a cat, ask about their experience with shy or aggressive cats, how they’d handle a cat who won’t come out of hiding, and their litter box cleaning standards.

Read our guide on questions to ask a pet sitter for a complete interview framework.

Preparing Your Home (Make Their Job Easier)

A prepared home means fewer panicked texts from your sitter asking where you keep the paper towels.

Essential Supplies to Leave Out

For dogs:

• Food (measured portions or instructions for measuring)
• Treats (specify when/how many)
• Leash, harness, and poop bags
• Favorite toys
• Medication with clear dosing instructions
• Emergency vet contact info
• Your vet’s phone number and address

For cats:

• Food (portions clearly labeled)
• Treats (optional but appreciated by the cat)
• Litter and scoop
• Favorite toys
• Medication with clear instructions
• Carrier (in case of emergency vet visit)
• Emergency vet and regular vet contacts

For both:

• Cleaning supplies (paper towels, stain remover, trash bags)
• Backup supplies in case you estimated wrong
• Flashlight (if relevant)
• WiFi password (for updates)
• Spare house key (hidden or with neighbor)

Home Prep Checklist

Safety first:

• Remove toxic plants or chemicals within pet’s reach
• Secure trash cans (pets get bold when routines change)
• Hide valuables (not because sitters steal, but because accidents happen)
• Test smoke detectors and leave emergency numbers visible
• Lock rooms you don’t want the sitter or pet entering

Make it functional:

• Clear pathways to supplies
• Label everything (food containers, medication, light switches)
• Leave lights on in key areas or provide instructions
• Set thermostat to comfortable temperature
• Empty litter boxes before you leave (fresh start)

For a complete home preparation guide, read preparing your home for a pet sitter.

Writing Instructions That Actually Work

Your sitter isn’t psychic. Written instructions prevent confusion, missed doses, and 11pm “what do I do?” texts.

What to Include in Your Pet Care Instructions

Feeding:

• Exact portions (use measurements, not “a scoop”)
• Feeding times
• Location of food storage
• Any dietary restrictions or allergies
• What to do if your pet refuses to eat

Medication:

• Name of medication and what it treats
• Dosage and timing (be specific: “one pill at 8am” not “morning”)
• How to administer (with food, crushed, hidden in treat)
• What to do if pet refuses or vomits
• Pharmacy phone number for refills if needed

Exercise and play:

• Walk duration and frequency for dogs
• Preferred routes or areas to avoid
• Leash behavior (pulls, reactive, off-leash trained?)
• Play session length and favorite toys for cats
• Any limitations (joint issues, overheating risk)

Behavioral quirks:

• How your pet reacts to strangers
• Signs of stress or anxiety
• Comfort items or calming techniques
• What “normal” looks like for your pet
• Warning signs that something’s wrong

House rules:

• Which rooms are off-limits
• Furniture rules (if any)
• Where pet sleeps
• Security system codes
• Trash/recycling instructions

Emergency plan:

• Your contact info and backup contact
• Regular vet and emergency vet details
• Permission to authorize treatment (some vets require this in writing)
• Budget for emergency care or credit card on file with vet
• Where to find carrier, leash, medical records

For a complete template and examples, check out how to leave detailed instructions for a pet sitter.

Preparing Your Pet (Not Just Your Home)

Your pet doesn’t know you hired a professional. They just know their routine is about to change and a stranger is entering their territory.

For Dogs: Building Positive Associations

Start preparing your dog a few days before your trip:

Familiarity with the sitter: If possible, have the sitter stop by 2-3 times before your trip for short visits or walks. This builds association between the sitter and positive experiences (walks, treats, play).

Maintain routine: Keep feeding and walking schedules consistent leading up to your departure. Dogs handle change better when everything else stays predictable.

Leave comfort items: An old t-shirt you’ve worn, a favorite blanket, or a recently-used pillowcase carries your scent and provides comfort when you’re gone.

Practice departures: If your dog has separation anxiety, practice short departures in the days before your trip. Leave for 30 minutes, come back, act casual. Gradually extend the time.

Read our guide on how to prepare your dog for a sitter for breed-specific tips.

For Cats: Reducing Stress

Cats are territorial and don’t love routine changes. Here’s how to make it easier:

Introduce the sitter’s scent: Have the sitter leave an item (shirt, small towel) during the meet-and-greet. Place it near your cat’s favorite spots so they can investigate on their own terms.

Keep environment stable: Don’t rearrange furniture or introduce new items right before you leave. Cats notice everything, and too many changes at once increase stress.

Maintain feeding locations: Feed in the same spots at the same times. Cats are creatures of habit—consistency reduces anxiety.

Provide hiding spots: Make sure your cat has access to their usual hiding places. A stressed cat needs options for retreat.

For detailed preparation steps, read how to prepare your cat for a sitter.

Communication: How Much Is Too Much?

You want updates. That’s normal. But there’s a difference between reasonable check-ins and micromanaging someone you hired to do a job.

Setting Communication Expectations

Discuss update frequency during the meet-and-greet:

Reasonable expectations:

• Daily update after each visit (text or photo)
• Immediate notification of any health concerns or emergencies
• Response within 2-4 hours to non-urgent messages
• Detailed summary if anything unusual happens

Unreasonable expectations:

• Live video every visit
• Hourly updates when nothing is happening
• Immediate response to every text within minutes
• Asking sitter to stay beyond scheduled visit time without compensation

Most sitters send a photo and brief update after each visit. If you need more or less, say so upfront.

Resisting the Urge to Overcommunicate

Your sitter is a professional. They know what they’re doing. You don’t need to:

• Text multiple times before their first visit with reminders
• Ask if they remembered to lock the door (they did)
• Request photos from specific angles to prove they were there
• Check in “just to make sure everything’s okay” every few hours

If you feel compelled to micromanage, it means you either:

1. Didn’t hire the right person (trust your gut next time)
2. Need to work on your own separation anxiety (your pet will survive)

Let them do their job. If something’s wrong, they’ll tell you.

What to Expect: The First Visit

Your sitter arrives for the first visit. You’re somewhere pretending to relax. Here’s what typically happens:

The sitter checks in: Most sitters text when they arrive and when they leave, so you know visit timing.

They follow your instructions: Feeding, walks, play, medication, litter box cleaning—everything you outlined. This is why detailed instructions matter.

They assess your pet: Is your pet acting normally? Eating well? Any signs of illness or stress? Good sitters monitor behavior and flag concerns early.

They send an update: A photo and brief message confirming the visit went well. “Bailey ate all her food and enjoyed a 20-minute walk. Everything looks good!”

They secure your home: Lights, locks, security system—everything left as you specified.

If your pet has separation anxiety or tends toward nervousness with strangers, your sitter might report that the first visit involved more hiding or hesitation than subsequent ones. That’s normal. Most pets adjust within 1-3 visits.

For insights into what professional sitters prioritize, read what does a cat sitter do or what does a dog sitter do.

Common First-Timer Worries (And Reality Checks)

“What if my pet refuses to eat?”

Pets sometimes skip meals when routines change. One missed meal isn’t an emergency. Two or more, especially combined with lethargy, requires a vet call.

Tell your sitter in advance that your pet might be picky initially. Most sitters know to try offering food multiple times or warming it slightly to increase appeal.

“What if my pet won’t come out of hiding?”

Cats especially do this. It’s normal. Experienced sitters know to leave food and water accessible, clean the litter box, and give the cat space. Forcing interaction stresses them more.

If your cat hides for the entire sit, that’s fine as long as they’re eating, drinking, and using the litter box. The sitter will leave evidence (food gone, litter used) in updates.

“What if there’s an emergency?”

This is why you provide vet information and emergency authorization upfront.

Good sitters know the difference between “call the owner” situations and “go to the emergency vet immediately” situations. Trust their judgment.

Make sure your vet has a credit card on file or give written permission for emergency treatment up to a specified amount. Some vets won’t treat without owner authorization, which delays critical care.

Our guide on pet sitter emergencies explains how professionals handle unexpected situations.

“What if my pet seems sad or stressed?”

Some pets act differently when owners are gone. That’s normal adjustment, not trauma.

Signs of normal adjustment:

• Slightly less playful the first day
• Eating a bit less initially
• More vocal than usual (especially cats)
• Following the sitter around more

Signs of actual distress:

• Refusing to eat for 24+ hours
• Hiding and refusing all interaction
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive panting or pacing
• Aggression toward the sitter

If your sitter reports genuine distress, consider having a trusted friend or family member visit to check on your pet, or cut your trip short if the situation warrants it.

After the Sit: Following Up Properly

You’re home. Your pet survived. Maybe they even thrived.

Reviewing the Experience

Good signs the sit went well:

• Pet seems happy and healthy
• Home is clean and organized
• All instructions were followed
• Updates were timely and thorough
• Sitter left a detailed summary

Red flags to note:

• Pet seems unusually stressed or ill
• Home is messier than expected
• Instructions were ignored
• Communication was minimal
• Supplies were misused or misplaced

If the sit went well, leave a detailed review. Mention specific things the sitter did well—it helps other pet owners and supports the sitter’s profile.

Read what is an example of a good review for a pet sitter for guidance on writing helpful feedback.

Tipping and Thank-Yous

If the sitter went above and beyond—sent extra updates, handled an emergency calmly, cleaned up an unexpected mess—consider tipping 15-20% or leaving a glowing review.

Most professional pet sitters don’t expect tips but appreciate recognition for exceptional service.

Why This Matters (And Why You Shouldn’t Wait)

You’ll avoid pet sitting for as long as possible because leaving your pet feels wrong. But here’s what actually happens when you finally hire help:

• You take trips you’ve been postponing for years
• Your pet handles it better than you expected
• You stop burdening friends and family with last-minute favors
• You realize professional pet care is worth every dollar

The first time is the hardest. After that, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Finding Your First Pet Sitter on Petme

On Petme, you can filter sitters by experience level, read reviews from other first-time users, and book meet-and-greets directly through the platform.

Look for sitters who mention experience with nervous pets, detailed communication, or specific expertise with your pet’s breed. Read reviews that describe how sitters handled first-time situations.

Find trusted pet sitters on Petme and stop letting guilt keep you from taking that trip.

For more guidance on the selection process, read how to find a pet sitter.

FAQ: First Time Using a Pet Sitter

What should I ask a pet sitter for the first time?

Ask about their experience with your pet’s breed, how they handle emergencies, their backup plan if they can’t make a visit, communication preferences, and whether they’re comfortable with your pet’s specific needs (medication, anxiety, etc.).

How do I prepare my home for a pet sitter?

Leave out all necessary supplies (food, medication, leash, litter), write detailed instructions, remove hazards, test smoke detectors, provide emergency contacts, and ensure the sitter has easy access to everything they need.

What if my pet doesn’t like the sitter?

If your pet shows genuine fear or aggression during the meet-and-greet, find a different sitter. Forcing a bad match stresses everyone. If your pet is just cautious initially, that’s normal—most pets warm up within 1-3 visits.

How often should a pet sitter visit?

For dogs: minimum 2-3 times daily (morning, midday, evening) for walks and feeding. For cats: once daily is usually sufficient unless they need medication multiple times. Adjust based on your pet’s specific needs.

Should I tip my pet sitter?

Not required, but appreciated for exceptional service. Tip 15-20% if the sitter went above and beyond, or leave a detailed positive review to support their profile.

What if I need to cancel or change dates?

Discuss cancellation policies during booking. Most sitters require 24-48 hours notice for changes. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees since sitters block time for your booking.

How do I know if the sitter actually visited?

Reputable sitters send updates with photos and time stamps after each visit. Some use GPS check-in apps that verify location. If you’re concerned, ask about their check-in process during the meet-and-greet.

What happens if there’s an emergency?

Provide emergency vet contact info, regular vet details, and written authorization for treatment. Sitters will contact you immediately for non-life-threatening issues and go straight to the emergency vet for serious situations.

Your pet will be fine. Better than fine, actually—they’ll get one-on-one attention, stick to their routine, and stay in their own home.

The only one who needs convincing is you.