Because your pet deserves more than a stranger with a leash—they deserve a care companion who gets them.

Whether you’re booking for a weekend getaway or a long vacation, asking the right questions ensures your pet is in the most loving, capable hands. Here's what you should ask any sitter before you trust them with your precious fur-family:

💼 1. Are You Insured, Bonded, and Background Checked?

Your pet’s safety—and your peace of mind—should never be a gamble.

Ask your sitter for proof of liability insurance and bonding. This protects you, your pet, and your home.

✨ Bonus points if their team is background-checked and trained under the same standards (Psst… at Pawsitively Pink, every team member is both vetted and insured through us).

🐕 2. What Training or Certifications Do You Have?

You’re not looking for someone who “likes animals.” You need someone who knows animals.

Great sitters:

✅ Understand body language and breed-specific quirks

✅ Are trained in Pet CPR/First Aid

✅ Carry a pet-specific First Aid kit

✅ Have hands-on experience—not just from a classroom

✅ Stay current through professional memberships (like PSI or NAPPS)

At Pawsitively Pink, we even have vet-tech-trained staff and certified professionals on the team—because sparkle and skill should go paw-in-paw.

🚨 3. What’s Your Emergency Plan?

Life happens. A quality sitter knows exactly what to do before a crisis occurs.

Ask:

💬 “What would you do if my pet had a medical emergency?”

💬 “Do you have a backup sitter in case you’re unavailable?”

💬 “Do you have my emergency vet’s contact info on file?”

We never leave a pet in distress, and our team leads are trained to handle everything from tummy troubles to bee stings with compassion and clarity.

🐾 4. What Services Do You Offer—Exactly?

Don’t assume. Ask!

Some sitters may include extras like: 🌿Watering plants

📦 Collecting mail

💊 Giving meds

🚗 Pet taxi rides

💅 Nail Trims

Make sure the sitter outlines what’s included and what costs extra—because clarity is kind.

❤️ 5. Can You Accommodate My Pet’s Special Needs?

Every fur baby is different. Whether yours needs daily insulin, behavioral patience, or a strict potty routine, your sitter should not just tolerate their quirks—but celebrate them.

Ask if the sitter has experience with similar pets and what systems they use to track and follow detailed care instructions. (We have digital care plans, team briefings, and a sprinkle of magic for just this reason.)

🦴 6. What Does a Walk Look Like with You?

If walks are part of the service, ask:

🐕 How long are the walks?

🌳 Where do you usually go?

🔗 What leashes or harnesses do you recommend?

A great sitter will tailor the walk to your dog’s personality and needs—not just their own schedule.

🌟 7. Can You Share Reviews or References?

If they’ve made tails wag, they should be proud to show it!

Ask for:

📱 Recent client reviews (Google, Facebook, etc.)

📞 References from happy pet parents

📅 How long they’ve been in business

Established businesses (like us 💖) have systems, reputation, and a proven record of building pawsitive relationships.

👋 8. Do You Offer a Meet & Greet?

If the sitter won’t meet your pet before the first visit… run like a greyhound.

A Meet & Greet lets your pet sniff things out and helps you both feel comfortable.You’ll want to observe:

🐾 How your pet responds

👀 How the sitter interacts and observes boundaries

📝 Whether they ask questions and take notes

At Pawsitively Pink, Meet & Greets are part of the magic. We love getting to know your pet's routine, personality, and favorite butt-scratching spot.

🐾 9. Are You Connected in the Pet Community?

Great sitters aren’t lone wolves—they’re well-connected pack leaders.

Ask if they’re affiliated with:

💗 Local vets, trainers, and groomers

📚 Professional associations like PSI, NAPPS, or FPSA

🎓 Ongoing education and pet care networks

This shows they're not only committed to pet care—but also to community, education, and collaboration.

❓ 10. Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

If they don’t ask you about your pet’s routine, fears, allergies, vet info, or quirks… it’s a red flag.

A real professional will be full of curiosity about your pet’s needs. They’ll want to understand everything—from food rituals to thunderstorm anxiety. Because knowing better = caring better.

🎁 BONUS: Are You Hiring Independent Contractors or Employees?

Why does this matter? It affects:

• 🛠️ Training & Oversight: Employees can be trained; ICs legally can’t.

• 📅 Reliability: Employees follow a schedule; ICs can decline jobs.

• 🧾 Insurance: Employees are usually covered under company policies.

• 💬 Accountability: You know who to call if something goes wrong.

✨ At Pawsitively Pink, we hire and train employees—so every sitter is ours, not a stranger subbed in at the last minute.

🎁 BONUS: What Makes You Different from Just Asking a Neighbor or Friend?

Sure, your neighbor means well. But when it comes to your pet’s health, happiness, and safety, good intentions aren’t always enough.

Here’s why professional care matters:

🐾 Consistency & Accountability – A trained sitter shows up, on time, every time. No last-minute cancellations because “something came up.”

💊 Medical Knowledge – Professionals are trained to handle emergencies, give medications, and recognize when something’s off

.📱 Communication – Daily updates, detailed notes, and photos? Yes please. Your neighbor may forget to text back.

📝 Insurance & Backup Plans – If something goes wrong, a professional sitter has coverage—and a vetted backup ready to step in.

💗 Pet-Centered Training – We know how to build trust with shy pets, de-escalate nervous energy, and turn walks into magic.

Your fur baby deserves more than “good enough.” They deserve experienced, attentive, magical care—tailored to their needs, not squeezed into someone else’s busy day.

🌸 In Conclusion:

Hiring a pet sitter should feel like hiring a fairy godparent—not a mystery. Ask the right questions, trust your gut, and don’t settle for anyone who doesn’t make both you and your pet feel completely at ease.

Ready to meet a team that checks every box—with sparkle, safety, and soul?👉 Book Your Meet & Greet Today