How to Interview a Pet Sitter

Choosing a pet sitter is not a task you should approach blithely. Here are ten tips:

Interview a number of possible sitters
If you are like me, you might hate the whole process of interviewing a possible anything. You may also hate trying on clothes. You wouldn't settle on your first pet-sitting candidate any more than you should settle for the first pair of pants you pulled off the rack. Both are likely to disappoint after you've had them around the house for a while.

Ask what training the pet sitter has received
All sorts of pet lovers are good at taking care of pets, of course. Yet you probably want a pet sitter who has had more actual training than you have had. This may include a degree of some sort. A Veterinary Technician who is licensed to give shots, help with exams and assist in surgery would be quite a catch. In lieu of that, you'll really want to make sure the sitter can spot health problems and react accordingly.

Ask about previous experience
What did the sitter like and dislike about these experiences?

Ask what services the pet sitter provides.
Depends on what you want. Do you want your pet to be groomed while you are gone? Do you think it's important that he spend at lease an hour a day catching frisbees. Do you want a diary of your pet's ever-changing moods? A pet sitter can do all these things. But you need to find out if your pet sitter will do them. On the other end of the service spectrum, you'll want to make sure the pet sitter doesn't have a clause in her contract that states "Will feed but will not water."

Speaking of contracts, does your pet sitter provide one?
A contract that lists services and fees is good for your peace of mind.

Can your pet sitter provide references?
You really want a pet sitter who can prove that he or she satisfied customers before she got to you.

Does your pet even like your pet sitter?
All the training in the world would not forestall a bad match here. You don't want to set your pet up on a blind date.

Is your sitter bonded and insured?
This would cover many dire contingencies (accidents, negligence, theft of your property, etc,).

How many other pets is your pet-sitter currently sitting for?
A full dance card, so to speak, means less special attention for your pet.

Is your pet sitter asking you as many questions as you are asking her?
If the pet sitter doesn't seem especially curious about your pet, that is a red flag.

Steve Penhollow is a writer and editor specializing in trends, arts, and entertainment for families.