Leaving your pet in the custody of another person is no small matter. Whether it is for the weekend, or for the purpose of attending work or going on vacation, the importance of having the right pet sitter cannot be underestimated.
Many pet owners hire sitters based on convenience or cost alone. Unfortunately, problems like stress, poor care, and serious safety issues often occur as a consequence.
To help you in making an informed decision, here are five questions that you need to ask yourself before hiring a pet sitter, along with reasons why these are important to you as a pet owner in the UK.
This question must always be the first one.
There needs to be relevant pet sitting insurance coverage, and if they are caring for your pet while having access to your home or its keys, a DBS (criminal record) check.
Why this matters:
Many sitters registered through such organisations as NarpsUK have been expected to meet such standards, which has made it easier for pet owners to find reliable and compliant pet sitters.
All pets are not created equal. Training and care involving a puppy, senior dog, or reactive dog or nervous cat necessitate particular knowledge.
Ask about:
Professional pet sitters usually undergo training and continuing education in order to effectively take care of actual scenarios in a calm and safe manner.
Trust is created by transparency.
Before you book, you also need to inquire about:
Trustworthy sitters will happily provide feedback and also communicate clearly about the services offered. Sites affiliated with recognised groups such as NarpsUK enable pet owners to look for sitters, check genuine profiles, and read genuine feedback before making any contact.
The pet sitter should have proper procedures, not just the best of intentions.
Key things to ask about:
Professional sitters typically work with written agreements, emergency plans, and structured processes to ensure your pet’s safety at all times.
Attendees won't want to miss the meet-and-greet
It also allows you to:
It also gives the potential pet-sitter the chance to verify whether they are the appropriate person for your pet. No reputable pet-sitter will ever expedite or forgo this process.
It is not hard to find a reliable pet sitter.
NarpsUK is an organisation that assists pet owners by linking them with professional dog walkers and pet sitters who are legally and professionally operating in the UK.
When you choose a NarpsUK member, you will enjoy the following benefits:
Before you commit to anything, make sure that you can truthfully answer "yes" to the following questions:
If any answers are unclear, it’s a good idea to take a moment to question further.
1. How do I find a trustworthy pet sitter in the UK?
Seek babysitters who have insurance, DBS checks, experience, and membership with an approved professional body.
2. What experience do you have with pets, and pet sitting in particular?
Inquire about routines, safety protocols, emergency plans, and how changes regarding you while you are away.
3. Is a professional pet sitter preferable to a hobby sitter as far as safety goes?
Professional pet sitters will have the best opportunity to meet standards and have experience in pet care and safety.
4. How can I find reliable pet sitters in my area?
It is also possible to search for qualified sitters with verified profiles using a national association, like NarpsUK. Final Thought for Pet Owners
Your pet depends on you to choose wisely. Asking the right questions before booking a pet sitter helps protect your pet’s safety and gives you real peace of mind.
If you’re looking for trusted, professional pet sitters across the UK, explore the NarpsUK network today. You can join NarpsUK with a 7-days free trial, speak to our team to connect with experienced, registered pet sitters who put animal care first.
Call NarpsUK: 0203 002 0065
Join NarpsUK today and book with confidence
New pet sitters often make avoidable mistakes that affect client trust and confidence. This guide explains the most common errors and how the right support from NarpsUK helps you start your career wit...
More UK pet owners are turning away from casual carers and choosing certified, trained professionals. This article breaks down why it’s happening and how you can use certification to grow a trusted ...
Discover how pet sitters and dog walkers across the UK turned their passion into thriving businesses with NarpsUK’s training, templates, and professional tools. Start your 7-day free trial today and...