What Is a Pet Sitter?
A pet sitter is a professional or trusted individual who cares for your pet while you are away, whether for a few hours, a day, or several weeks. Unlike a dog walker whose primary service is exercise, a pet sitter provides comprehensive care: feeding, fresh water, playtime, companionship, medication administration if needed, and general supervision of your pet’s health and wellbeing.
Pet sitting typically takes one of two forms. In-home pet sitting has the sitter coming to your home for scheduled drop-in visits or overnight house-sitting, keeping your pet in their familiar environment and reducing stress. Home boarding has your pet staying at the sitter’s home, which is particularly popular for social dogs who enjoy company and prefer a home environment over a kennel.
Types of Pet Sitting Services
Drop-in visits have the sitter visiting your home for 20–60 minutes to feed, water, play with, and check on your pet, typically 1–3 visits per day. Overnight house-sitting involves the sitter staying in your home overnight or for the duration of your absence, providing round-the-clock supervision — ideal for anxious pets, puppies, senior animals, or those on complex medication schedules. Home boarding has your pet living temporarily with the sitter in their home, best for sociable dogs comfortable in new environments. Specialised care is available from sitters with training or experience with exotic animals, senior pets requiring medical support, post-surgical care, or pets with behavioural challenges.
How to Find a Trustworthy Pet Sitter
Personal referrals from friends, family, neighbours, your veterinarian, or your dog trainer are the most reliable indicator of trustworthiness. Search HeiBob for local pet boarding and sitting services with reviews from other pet owners. Apps like Rover and Wag! list local sitters with reviews, background checks, and insurance through the platform. Members of Pet Sitters International (PSI) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) have agreed to a code of conduct and often carry professional insurance.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter
Arrange a meet-and-greet before committing. Ask how many years of experience they have and whether references are available. Confirm whether they are insured and bonded. Ask how many other clients’ pets they will be caring for simultaneously. Inquire how they handle a medical emergency and whether they have pet first aid training. Find out how often they will send updates with photos and messages. Ask about their policy on medication administration, their experience with your pet’s specific breed or species, and their cancellation policy. Trust your gut during the meet-and-greet — a sitter who is attentive, asks detailed questions about your pet’s routine, and who your pet responds positively to is likely a good fit.
How Much Does a Pet Sitter Cost?
Drop-in visits of 30 minutes typically cost $15–$35 and 60 minutes cost $25–$50. Overnight house-sitting runs $50–$120 per night while home boarding costs $30–$80 per night. Many sitters add 15–30% holiday surcharges and charge $5–$15 per additional pet per visit. Professional insured sitters with extensive experience typically charge at the higher end of these ranges and are generally worth the premium for the peace of mind they provide. Connect with local pet sitters through HeiBob’s pet boarding directory.