10 questions to ask a pet sitter during an interview

TL;DR: Interviewing a pet sitter? Ask these 10 questions: experience with your pet’s type, emergency handling, daily care routine, meds, behavior quirks, insurance, availability, updates, references, and backup plans. It’s your ticket to finding a pro who’ll keep your dog or cat thriving—no guesswork needed.

Why interviewing a pet sitter is a big deal

Hiring a pet sitter isn’t like picking a pizza delivery guy—your pet’s life and your peace of mind are on the line. A quick chat can reveal if they’re a pro or just someone who likes pets. Asking the right questions ensures your furry overlord gets the care they deserve while you’re away.

Your pet’s safety hangs in the balance

A sitter who doesn’t know a choke hazard from a chew toy or can’t spot a limp isn’t worth the risk. Interviews dig past the smiles to confirm they’ve got the skills to keep your pet safe, fed, and happy—not just winging it with a bag of treats.

Beyond the basics—getting the full picture

Sure, they might love dogs, but can they handle your cat’s 3 a.m. meow opera? A good interview uncovers the details—experience, reliability, emergency know-how—that turn a maybe into a yes. It’s your chance to see if they’re a match before you hand over the leash.

10 questions to ask when interviewing potential pet sitters

1. What’s your experience with pets like mine?

Every pet’s a snowflake—your hyper Lab’s not the same as a chill tabby. Ask about their history with your pet’s breed, age, or energy level. “Have you cared for a senior dog with arthritis?” or “Ever wrangled a kitten with zoomies?” gets you specifics, not just “I’ve had pets.”

2. How do you handle emergencies?

Pets love chaos—swallowing socks, chasing bees, you name it. Ask: “What’s your plan if my dog gets sick or hurt?” Look for clear steps—calling you, hitting the vet, knowing first aid—not a shrug. Bonus points if they’ve got a real story, like saving a pup from a snack mishap.

3. What’s your daily routine for pet care?

Your pet’s day isn’t random—walks, meals, naps have a rhythm. Ask what theirs looks like: “How often will you walk my dog? When’s feeding time?” A pro’s got a plan that matches your pet’s vibe, not a vague “I’ll figure it out” that leaves you sweating.

4. Can you administer medications or special care?

If your pet’s on pills or needs extra TLC, this is non-negotiable. “Can you give my cat her insulin shot?” or “Ever dealt with a dog’s allergies?” gets to the nitty-gritty. A confident “yes” with examples beats a hesitant “uh, maybe.”

5. How do you deal with behavioral quirks?

Your dog’s leash tantrums or your cat’s “don’t touch me” glare aren’t surprises—they’re daily life 🐶. Ask: “What do you do if my pet barks at strangers or hides all day?” A good answer shows patience and tricks—like distracting with treats—not just “I’ll manage.”

6. Are you insured or bonded?

Accidents happen—your pup could chew their couch, or worse. “Do you have insurance or bonding?” protects you both. It’s not glamorous, but a “yes” means they’re serious, not some fly-by-night sitter who’ll ghost if the lamp breaks.

7. What’s your availability and flexibility?

Life’s unpredictable—your trip might stretch an extra day. Ask: “Can you stay late if I’m delayed? What’s your schedule like?” A sitter who’s locked into 9-to-5 won’t cut it if your pet needs dawn walks or late-night checks.

8. How will you keep me updated?

You’ll want proof your pet’s not staging a hunger strike. “Will you send pics or texts? How often?” A pro’s got a system—daily snaps of your dog mid-fetch or a quick “cat’s napping” note—not radio silence that leaves you paranoid.

9. Can you provide references from past clients?

Words are cheap—past pet parents aren’t. “Can I talk to someone you’ve worked for?” gets you the real scoop. Look for refs who’ll rave about specifics—“They saved my dog’s routine”—not just “nice person.” No refs? That’s a red flag.

10. What’s your backup plan if you can’t make it?

Sick days happen—your pet can’t wait. “Who covers if you’re out?” should yield a solid answer—a trusted sub, not “I’ll figure it out.” A pro’s prepared, ensuring your cat’s food bowl isn’t a ghost town. For more interview tips, check out this Petme guide—it’s a perfect companion to these questions.

Bonus: How do you write a recommendation for a pet sitter?

Turning answers into praise

Once you’ve got your sitter, their interview answers can fuel a killer review. “They nailed my dog’s 7 a.m. walk and sent pics daily” reflects what they promised—and delivered. Highlight what stood out—emergency smarts, med skills—and keep it real.

Why it helps the next pet parent

Your words guide others—specifics like “They calmed my anxious pup” or “Never missed a feeding” cut through the noise. It’s not just a pat on the back; it’s a roadmap for the next worried owner. A good recommendation pays it forward.

Conclusion: Your pet sitter interview playbook

Interviewing a pet sitter with these 10 questions—experience, emergencies, routines, meds, quirks, insurance, availability, updates, refs, and backups—gives you the full scoop on who’s watching your pet. It’s not just chit-chat; it’s your shield against the “whoops, forgot the cat” disasters. Want to dig deeper? Pair this with Petme’s take for extra prep. Oh, and if you’re thinking of flipping the script to become a sitter, apply on Petme—your pet skills could shine too.

FAQs: Pet sitter interview Q&A

1. How long should a pet sitter interview take?

Plan for 15-30 minutes—enough to cover the big stuff without dragging. You’re digging into their skills, not hosting a podcast. Keep it focused on your pet’s needs, and you’ll know plenty by the end.

2. Should I ask about their own pets?

It’s a nice icebreaker—“Do you have pets?”—but don’t stop there. Owning a goldfish doesn’t mean they can handle your Rottweiler. Follow up with “How’s that helped you care for others?” to get the real juice.

3. What if they dodge a question?

Evasiveness is a warning bell—push back gently. “You’re not sure about emergencies? Can you give an example anyway?” If they still squirm, they might not be ready for your pet’s chaos. Trust your gut.

4. Can I interview over the phone instead?

Sure, if meeting’s tough—but video’s better for vibes. You’ll miss your pet’s reaction, so ask for a follow-up meet-and-greet. Phone works for basics; face-to-face seals the deal.

5. How do I spot a pro during the interview?

Look for confidence with details—“I’ve given insulin to cats for 3 years” beats “I’ll figure it out.” Real stories, calm answers, and prep (like asking about your pet first) scream pro over poser 😺.

Pet sitter interviews are your power move. Ask smart, hire right—your pet’s tail-wagging future depends on it! 🐶