7 Things Pet Sitters Should Always Ask Their Clients

Before you take on any pet sitting job, it’s important to ask lots of questions about the animal and their owner. If you aren’t already familiar with the person and their pet, you should get comfortable with the animal’s needs and personality before caring for them. After all, it’s a lot of responsibility to take care of someone else’s four-legged friend! It’s better to know what you’re getting into before you get into it.

Here are seven of the best questions to ask a new client.

1. How long will you be away for, and when are you coming home?

It’s important to ask a pet’s owners their departure and arrival times so you know when to pick the pet up and when to drop them off again. Or, if you’re caring for a pet at the owner’s home, you should try to time your visits with the owner’s schedule in mind. It’s not great to visit an animal right after their owner leaves the house if that means you’ll leave the pet alone for the rest of the day. If you’re pet sitting for someone who leaves in the morning and comes home at night, try to break up the pet’s day by visiting once or twice in the time between the owner’s departure and return.

2. How is your pet with other dogs/cats? Any good or bad past experiences?

If you have an animal of your own or plan on pet sitting animals from two or more families at the same time, it’s vital to ask these questions. When pets meet for the first time, there’s the possibility that they won’t get along. Always make sure that you’re aware of any temperament or aggression issues before taking care of multiple animals at the same time. Better yet, have meet and greets with pets in advance to make sure everyone gets along.

3. How does your pet do around strangers or people outside your family?

Just like the previous question, this is one of the first you should ask a new client. If any of your animal charges are known to be aggressive or upset around strangers, plan to meet with the pet in a safe, controlled environment before caring for them. If the pet can see you being friendly with their owner, they might be less afraid or hostile toward you.

4. Any food allergies or preferences?

If you’re planning on taking care of someone’s animal for a full day or more, you’ll need to feed that animal. Most owners will provide you with their pet’s preferred food, but it never hurts to ask more food-related questions. This is especially true if you have children living in your house, or anyone who might share a bite of whatever they’re having for lunch with the pet you’re caring for. Finding out if your new charge is allergic to anything is especially important. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

5. For walks, does your pet wear a collar or a harness?

Some pets can be walked with just a collar and a leash. Others need a harness to be safe. Asking a pet’s owner what they prefer can save you a lot of trouble. Especially for excitable, strong dogs, the added security and comfort of a harness is great and can make it easier for you to handle the pet while on a walk.

6. Does your pet have any serious fears? If so, what’s the best way to comfort them?

Like their owners, pets feel the effects of anxiety and stress. Fireworks might be exciting for us, but many dogs are terrified of the sudden flashes and loud noises. This is true of many things, such as flapping garbage bags, airplanes, and even sirens. Whenever you’re caring for someone’s pet, make sure to ask about that pet’s fears. Knowing how to comfort a scared animal is also good idea; after all, the pets in your care are in a strange, unfamiliar place, so it’s important to make them feel as safe and at home as possible.

7. Does your pet have any illnesses or disabilities that require special treatment or medication?

This is among the most important questions on the list. It’s also something that most pet owners will tell you without prompting, but it never hurts to ask. If the pet you’re caring for needs any shots, pills, or supplements to stay healthy and safe, request detailed instructions from the owner. And if the pet is disabled, be sure that you have all the proper equipment to care for that animal’s special needs. The animal and their owner will thank you for it!

Have you ever been a pet sitter? What questions do you think would be most useful to ask new clients? Leave a comment and let us know!