Pet Sitters

FAQs for finding pet sitters

How much should I pay a pet sitter in 2021?

Pet sitters made an average of $13.00 per hour as of June 2021 at a national level. Rates will vary depending on where you live, the specific duties that you will need them to perform, and the frequency of their service. Be sure you clearly communicate to your pet sitter what you will need during the interview process so there are no unpleasant surprises.

In 2021 what types of services can I expect from a pet sitter?

Care.com pet sitters offer a variety of services that depend on the type of animal that you have, so you can determine what works best for you and your pet. Here are the most common services:

• Pet walker: If you have an active pet that needs exercise during the day, consider hiring a pet walker. They can provide refills of water or food as well as offer some companionship for your pet while you are away.
• Pet sitting at your home: This is often a great option for cats, bunnies or guinea pigs who don't need such intensive daily care, or pets who like a familiar environment and don't need to take long walks.
• In-home pet sitter: It's a good option for pet parents that need to be away and feel comfortable leaving their pets at someone else's house. This can work for pets who want more of a connection, need medical care, or get stressed in a kennel environment.

Whether you have someone come to your home or you leave your pet at a sitter's home, experts advise that you always check for pet sitting certifications, get referrals, do a background check, and check the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International (PSI) to see if the sitter is in good standing.

Are pet sitters background checked?

Yes, pet sitters on Care.com are asked to complete an annual background check called a CareCheck. Pet sitters who complete this background check will have a badge on their profile displaying the date it was run. While CareCheck is a good start, we strongly recommend that you follow some additional steps for hiring a pet sitter safely, which include interviewing candidates, checking references, and running your own background check. Visit our Safety Center to learn more.

How can I find a good pet sitter?

Care.com has hundreds of profiles for pet sitters, pet walkers, animal groomers, trainers and more. You can search the site to review profiles for the different pet sitters in your area and contact those that fit what you are looking for. You will find a description for each provider sharing details about their experience, the type of pets they can care for, and the services that they can provide. You can also post a job describing what you need and have the provider to contact you through the site.

What should I ask a pet sitter during an interview?

Here are some things that you can cover while interviewing a pet sitter:

• Training and experience: Is this person trained or have the right experience? Pets can have a variety of needs ranging from physical or medical, to emotional. Be sure this person is a good match.
• Rates and services: Create a list of all the tasks you'd like your pet sitter to perform and then discuss it. This person can determine if they are able to fulfill these needs and what those services will cost.
• Emergency plans: Ask if they've ever handled a pet emergency and discuss a backup pet care plan.
• References: Ask for references and check at least three.
• Meet and greet: Schedule a meet and greet so you can see how the pet sitter interacts with your pet, and if your pet likes them too!