FAQ's About Having House and Pet Sitters
A Little Message From Us!
Hello and welcome! We’re so glad you’ve visited our site.
We’re Julie and Jonathan, and we became full-time house and pet sitters in 2017. We created this website to provide prospective home and pet owners with more information about us before they decide if we might be the right fit for their pet sitting needs.
Along the way, we’ve discovered that many pet parents are new to the concept of house and pet sitting, and we find it incredibly rewarding to offer a great first-time experience for those who choose us as their sitters.
To date, we’ve completed well over 70 pet sits, with assignments taking us as far as Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
We hope you find this page helpful. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out, we’re always happy to assist!
Julie and Jonathan
What is house and pet sitting?
As the title suggests, house and pet sitting involves someone staying in your home while you’re away, looking after your pets and ensuring the security of your property. The sitter’s main responsibilities typically include maintaining the pets’ daily and nightly routines, supervising them, keeping the home secure and clean, emptying the bins, and collecting the mail.
How to choose a pet sitter?
Pet care is often at the top of the to-do list. With pet sitters becoming an increasingly popular choice for caring for your furry or feathered companions. We’ve put together a list of tips for choosing the right pet sitter, so you can enjoy your time away with peace of mind, knowing your pet is happy and well cared for at home with the ideal sitter.
It’s important to consider whether a potential pet sitter has previous experience caring for pets. Experienced pet sitters are familiar with handling different animals and their unique needs, which can help ensure your pet receives the best care possible. Look for sitters with a proven track record of successful pet sits, positive reviews from past clients, or relevant experience in pet care, as this can give you peace of mind while you’re away.
When choosing a pet sitter, it’s essential to ensure they align with your specific needs. Consider whether they are comfortable with your pet’s unique requirements, such as administering medication, managing special diets, or handling certain behaviors. Additionally, think about whether their schedule and availability match your travel plans. A sitter who can provide the level of care and attention your pet requires will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry friend.
A good pet sitter should be willing to have a video call or meet in person before you commit to their services. This allows you to assess their personality, communication style, and how they interact with your pet. It’s a great opportunity to discuss your pet’s routine, ask any questions, and ensure that both you and your pet feel comfortable with them. Having a face to face video chat or meeting beforehand can also help establish trust, ensuring that you’re confident in their ability to care for your home and pets while you’re away.
When hiring a pet sitter, it’s important to ask whether they have pet sitting insurance and if they’ve been DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked. Pet sitting insurance ensures that your sitter is covered in case of any accidents or emergencies, providing peace of mind for both you and your pet. A DBS check confirms that the sitter has undergone a criminal background check, ensuring they are trustworthy and reliable. These precautions add an extra layer of security, helping you feel confident that your pet and home are in safe hands.
Trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities to look for in a pet sitter. Since they will be caring for your pets and home in your absence, you need to feel confident that they are reliable and honest. Look for pet sitters with positive reviews and references from previous clients who can vouch for their integrity. Additionally, a trustworthy sitter will be open about their experience, willing to answer your questions, and respectful of your pet’s routine and your home’s rules. Feeling assured that your sitter is dependable will help you enjoy your time away with peace of mind.
How to prepare for your pet sitters arrival?
If your welcoming sitters into your home, it’s important to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for them, just as you would want for yourself. After all, while you’re away, it will be their home too. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a house sitter and ensure your sit goes smoothly, making it a positive experience for everyone involved.
Provide clear directions of how to find your house. Make sure the house is clean and comfortable. Provide notes about your home and pet care requirements. Run through any routines with the sitters. Provide them with your travel itinerary and let them know if you will be out of contact at any time. Provide them with a note of emergency contacts. Let the sitters know a rough time when you will be returning home.