Top 10 Mistakes Dog Owners Make When Hiring a Dog Sitter (And How to Avoid Them)

Finding the right dog sitter can feel like a daunting task. After all, you’re trusting someone to take care of your furry friend while you’re away! While most dog owners want the best for their pets, it’s easy to make mistakes when hiring a sitter—mistakes that could lead to stress for both you and your dog.

To help make the process smoother, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 mistakes dog owners make when hiring a dog sitter—and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Asking for References

Many dog owners skip this step, but it’s one of the most important things you can do. Always ask for references from previous clients to ensure the sitter is experienced and trustworthy.

How to Avoid It: Ask for at least two references and follow up with a phone call or email. This will give you peace of mind knowing others have had positive experiences.

2. Focusing Only on Price

While it’s important to stick to a budget, hiring the cheapest sitter might cost you more in the long run. Quality of care should always come first.

How to Avoid It: Balance your decision between price and quality. Look for sitters who offer clear services and testimonials to back up their skills.

3. Failing to Provide Detailed Instructions

Your sitter needs to know more than just the basics. Not providing enough information about your dog’s behavior, health, and preferences can lead to misunderstandings and stress for your pet.

How to Avoid It: Create a detailed care plan. Include feeding schedules, medication instructions, favorite toys, and any quirks or special needs your dog has.

4. Skipping the Meet and Greet

Many dog owners hire sitters online without meeting them in person first. This can lead to problems if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable with the sitter.

How to Avoid It: Always schedule a meet and greet before committing to a sitter. It’s essential to see how the sitter interacts with your dog and to make sure they get along.

5. Not Discussing Emergency Protocols

Emergencies happen, but not having a plan in place can lead to panic.

How to Avoid It: Discuss emergency plans ahead of time. Make sure your sitter knows your vet’s contact info and has access to a nearby emergency clinic.

6. Not Verifying the Sitter’s Experience with Specific Breeds or Temperaments

Certain breeds require more specialized care or handling, and not every sitter is experienced with all types of dogs.

How to Avoid It: If your dog belongs to a breed with specific care needs, ask the sitter about their experience with similar breeds. The more familiar they are, the better.

7. Forgetting to Check the Sitter’s Availability

Many dog owners assume their sitter will be available whenever needed, only to find out later that the sitter has scheduling conflicts.

How to Avoid It: Always confirm availability in advance. If your sitter is in high demand, it’s important to book early, especially around holidays.

8. Not Communicating Your Expectations Clearly

Miscommunication can lead to frustration for both you and the sitter. Be upfront about what you expect regarding care, communication, and house rules.

How to Avoid It: Be as clear as possible when outlining your expectations. Specify whether you want regular updates, how often the sitter should walk your dog, and if there are areas of the house your dog shouldn’t access.

9. Assuming All Sitters Provide the Same Services

Every sitter is different. Some might offer walks or grooming, while others might just stop by to feed and check in on your pet.

How to Avoid It: Ask for a list of the sitter’s services. This will help you choose a sitter who offers exactly what your dog needs.

10. Not Trusting Your Instincts

At the end of the day, you know your dog better than anyone else. If something feels off about a sitter, don’t ignore that feeling.

How to Avoid It: Trust your gut. If a sitter doesn’t seem like the right fit, keep looking until you find someone who feels right.

Avoid These Mistakes and Rest Easy

Hiring the right dog sitter can make all the difference for your peace of mind while you’re away. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your dog gets the care they deserve and you can enjoy your time away without worry.

Bonus Freebie: Avoid These Mistakes with Our Handy Dog-Sitting Checklist!

We know there’s a lot to think about, so we’ve created a free downloadable checklist to help you prepare for your dog sitter. From emergency contacts to feeding instructions, we’ve got you covered!

Click here to download your free Dog-Sitting Checklist!

Join our newsletter for expert pet care tips, special offers, and free resources to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!