What to Look for in a Pet Sitter: My (and my adopted pets') Experience

I recently returned from back-to-back vacation and work travel. Trust me when I say I know how important it is to find the perfect pet sitter. With five dogs, each with their own quirks, and a cat who — let’s be real — would prefer to pretend the dogs don’t exist, I need someone who could handle it all. The right sitter can truly make all the difference in ensuring that your pets get the love and care they deserve, even when you’re not there to give it. And you get the peace of mind to enjoy your time away.

Whether you’ve adopted pets from a rescue or are simply managing a zoo of personalities at home, here’s what I learned about finding a sitter who can tackle anything your household throws their way.

The Trial Run: Getting to know your sitter

Before heading off on your trip, it’s a great idea to have your new sitter do a few practice visits, and even better — a sleepover while you’re still nearby. This gives your pets a chance to get comfortable with the sitter, and it allows you to see how they handle things in real-time. Plus, if hiccups pop up, you’re still close enough to step in and manage any emergencies. It’s a win-win and a smooth transition for your pets when you’re finally off on your trip.

My cat, SuChang, is most content perched in bed

Experience with Multiple Pets

Have a bunch of pets? Same! Not all sitters are ready for the task of juggling different temperaments. Some of my dogs are shy, while others could run a marathon if given the chance. If your furry family members have their own unique personalities and energy levels, finding a sitter who’s experienced with multi-pet households is essential. They’ll know how to keep the peace and make sure everyone gets the attention they need.

Pro tip: Ask if they’ve cared for animals with diverse behaviors before — this can be a game-changer for your sanity and your pets’ happiness, and most importantly, safety.

Ability to Handle Medical Conditions

In my case, a couple of my dogs are fospice pets, and one of my permanent dogs is in congestive heart failure, which means they require daily medication. I need a sitter who can wrangle five dogs and administer pills or injections without a hitch. If your pets have health issues, it’s super important to find someone comfortable managing medications and who knows the basics of pet health. When you're away, you want to be able to relax or focus on where you are, knowing your pets are in capable hands.

Pro tip: Be upfront about your pets' medical needs and ask your sitter about their experience with administering treatments. And pet sitters who have experience as vet techs are a bonus!

Adaptability to Unique Pet Living Situations

Let’s talk about my cat for a minute. She and a couple of the dogs don’t exactly… get along. So, I need a sitter who can manage separate areas for them and make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable. If you’ve got pets who don't mix well, this is a big one. The last thing you want is a stressful situation at home while you’re away.

Pro tip: Make sure your sitter knows how to manage your household dynamics — whether it’s keeping pets separated, managing the "crate and rotate," or giving each one their own space to chill out.

Just the boys having a puppy party

A Genuine Love for Animals

This might sound obvious, but you really want a sitter who loves animals. It’s not just about feeding and walking them — your pets deserve someone who will snuggle, play, and make them feel loved in your absence. When your sitter genuinely cares, your pets feel it, and that can make a world of difference, especially for more sensitive or anxious animals.

Pro tip: Trust your gut when meeting a potential sitter. Do your pets warm up to them? Does the sitter seem genuinely excited to be around them? Does anything feel off?

Good Communication from Your Pet Sitter

Last, but definitely not least, communication is huge! While I am away, I get multiple updates a day with photos of my pets — nothing makes me happier than seeing my dogs lounging comfortably, running around in the yard, or my cat perched in her favorite spot, clearly unbothered. Regular updates help me enjoy trips without constantly worrying about what is happening back home. (Every picture in this post is from my sitter's most recent stay).

Pro tip: Set clear expectations about how often you want updates, and make sure your sitter is happy to keep you in the loop.

Baby's favorite is snuggle time while the boys play

Having someone who can handle the wild mix of my five dogs and one opinionated cat makes my travel stress-free. Whether your pets need medical attention, careful management of their interactions, or just lots of extra cuddles, the right sitter will make sure your furry family is safe, happy, and well cared for.

You can have pets and travel, it just takes a little planning!

Founder

Local to Connecticut like us? Here are our favorite, go-to pet sitters.

• Christie, owner of Lap Dogs and More, and her team. I think my pack likes them better than me sometimes. All photo credits from this post go to Christie too!

• Sarah's Pet Sitting. Sarah and her team have the shuffle down very well and keep my pets super happy and safe when I'm away.

• Walk and Wag. Delette took care of my dogs and cats for 15 years. When we moved to a bigger yard, we also moved out of Walk and Wag's service territory, and were a little lost until we found Christie. Delette has years of experience with rescue dogs, working and volunteering at the local animal shelter, and running her own non-profit animal rescue, Ruff and Scratchy.