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Pet Owners
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March 13, 2026
10 Questions to Ask a Dog Sitter Before Booking
Use this checklist to ask about experience, routines, updates, emergency plans, medications, and meet-and-greets before choosing a dog sitter.
Why asking questions matters
Leaving your dog with someone new is a big decision. Your dog is part of your family — and a good sitter isn't just someone who likes dogs, it's someone whose experience, habits, and communication style actually fit your dog's needs.
Asking the right questions before booking takes 5 minutes and can save you a lot of stress. Here are the 10 most important ones.
1. Do you have experience with my dog's breed?
Different breeds have very different needs. A high-energy Border Collie requires a different approach than a laid-back Basset Hound. Ask whether the sitter has experience with:
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High-energy or working breeds
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Large dogs (especially important for walking)
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Puppies — which require more patience and supervision
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Senior dogs — which may need gentler handling or medication management
Experience with your breed isn't mandatory, but it's a meaningful signal of how well-prepared they are.
2. What services do you offer?
Dog sitters often specialize in different types of care. Confirm the sitter offers exactly what you need:
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Overnight sitting — they stay at your home or your dog stays at theirs
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Dog walking — one or more walks per day
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Drop-in visits — a check-in for feeding and a bathroom break
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Dog boarding — your dog stays at the sitter's home
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Daycare — daytime supervision while you're at work
Don't assume. A sitter who boards dogs may not do home visits, and vice versa.
3. How often will my dog be walked?
Exercise is essential for most dogs' physical and mental health. Ask specifically:
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How many walks per day are included?
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How long are the walks?
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Is there access to a yard, park, or outdoor space?
Some sitters include one short walk; others provide multiple long outings. Make sure what's offered matches what your dog actually needs.
4. Will my dog be around other dogs?
Some dogs love socializing. Others are much happier in a calm, one-dog household. Before booking, ask:
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Do you care for multiple dogs at the same time?
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Do you have your own pets?
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How do you introduce new dogs?
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Do you separate dogs during feeding or rest?
If your dog is reactive, anxious around other dogs, or has had negative experiences, this question is especially important.
5. How do you handle emergencies?
Accidents are rare, but they do happen. A professional sitter should have a clear answer to this. Ask:
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Do you know basic pet first aid?
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What vet would you contact if something happened?
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How quickly would you notify me?
Always provide your vet's name, address, and phone number before any booking — and make sure the sitter confirms they have it.
6. Can you follow my dog's routine?
Dogs feel safest when