What Your Pet Sitter Should Be Asking When You Finalize Your Booking, Part 3

Your Go-To Guide for Compassionate, Professional Pet Care – Part 3

Welcome back to Kat’s Corner! In Part 1 of this series, we talked about how to choose the right pet sitter. Then, in Part 2 we discussed the questions that a sitter should be asking during the initial inquiry. This time, we’re discussing the questions a sitter should be asking before or at the point of booking services.

By the time you’ve completed your initial inquiry and had a successful meet and greet, you might feel like everything is set. But this next step? It’s where professional care really takes shape.

This is the point where details matter. Not just the “what time should I arrive” kind of details—but the ones that protect your pet, your home, and everyone involved.

A thorough pet sitter won’t breeze through this stage. They’ll ask questions—a lot of them. And that’s a good thing.

Because this part of the process is all about preparation, safety, and making sure nothing is left to chance while you’re away.

🐾 Why This Step Matters

Finalizing a booking isn’t just about confirming dates—it’s about building a clear, reliable plan for your pet’s care.

A professional sitter gathers detailed information so they can step into your routine seamlessly and respond confidently if anything unexpected happens.

If your sitter isn’t asking these types of questions… that’s something to pay attention to.

✅ What You Should Expect Your Pet Sitter to Ask

📍 Contact Information & Home Access

Your sitter should confirm exactly how to reach you and how to enter your home safely.

This typically includes:

• Your full contact details

• Your home address

• Entry instructions (keys, codes, lockboxes)

• Alarm or security system details

• Wi-Fi access (if needed for apps or cameras)

• A backup person who can access your home if needed

🚨 Emergency Contacts & Backup Plans

A professional sitter always plans for the “what if.”

You should be asked to provide:

• An emergency contact

• A local backup person

• A longer-term contact if your return is delayed

🏠 Home Details & Expectations

Your sitter needs to know how your home operates so everything stays consistent while you’re away.

Expect questions about:

• Where supplies are kept

• Any household hazards or restrictions

• Waste disposal routines

• Additional tasks (mail, plants, trash day, etc.)

• Any important service schedules

🔄 Updates Since Your Last Visit

Even small changes matter. A thorough sitter will check if anything has changed since your initial meeting, such as:

• Number of pets in the home

• Health or behavior updates

• Changes to locks or entry points

• Updates to security systems

🐾 Detailed Pet Profiles

Your sitter should gather complete, up-to-date information for each pet, including:

• Basic identifying details

• Age and breed

• Physical description

• Microchip and vaccination status

• A current photo

This isn’t just paperwork—it’s preparation.

🏥 Medical Needs & Veterinary Care

Health and safety are always a priority.

You should be asked about:

• Medical conditions or allergies

• Medications and how they’re given

• Your primary veterinarian

• Emergency clinic information

🧠 Behavior & Daily Routine

No two pets are the same.

A professional sitter will want to understand:

• Daily routines (play, exercise, rest)

• Favorite toys or comfort items

• Sleep habits

• Known hiding spots

• Any areas that are off-limits

🍽️ Feeding & Hydration

Feeding instructions should be crystal clear.

Expect to go over:

• Food type and location

• Feeding schedule and portions

• Water setup

• Treat guidelines

• Any dietary restrictions

🐶 Dog-Specific Questions

If you have a dog, your sitter should dig a little deeper into:

• Walk routines and expectations

• Where equipment is stored

• Social behavior and reactivity

• Known behaviors (barking, escaping, etc.)

• Any trained cues or commands

• Crate or kennel use

• Pet insurance details (if applicable)

🐱 Cat-Specific Questions

For cats, expect questions that focus on environment and behavior:

• Litter box locations and care

• Rules about counters or surfaces

• Indoor/outdoor access and safety

• Stress behaviors or quirks

• Hiding spots

• Carrier location for emergencies

🐾 Care for Other Pets

If you have birds, reptiles, rabbits, or other animals, your sitter should request detailed, species-specific care instructions along with emergency and veterinary information.

🐱 Final Thoughts

If this feels like a lot of information… that’s because it is.

And that’s exactly what professional care looks like.

A great pet sitter doesn’t rely on guesswork. They prepare, document, and confirm details so your pet’s routine stays consistent and your home stays secure.

The more thorough your sitter is during this stage, the more confident you can feel walking out the door.

Whether you’re a first-time client or a seasoned pet parent, we aim to provide peace of mind and help you build relationships with pet care professionals who treat your animals like family.

💬 Let’s Hear From You!

Have you ever had a sitter ask you something that made you think, “Wow, I hadn’t even considered that”?Or maybe… something you wish they had asked?

I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Until next time, give your furry (or feathered or scaled!) friend a cuddle from me.

Stay pawsitive,

Kat

The House Kat Pet Sitting & FurstAid CPR