Table of Contents
Finding a pet sitter in Crestview is about so much more than asking who likes dogs and has free time. This is your home. Your schedule. Your furry family member who relies on routine, safety, and care you can count on. You’re not just hiring someone to scoop some kibble and walk around the block, you’re bringing someone into your inner circle. That’s why asking the right questions matters so much. These aren’t just boxes to check. These are the deal-makers and deal-breakers that make the difference between coming home to calm and cuddles… or a full-on pet-parent panic.
Are you insured and bonded?
This is the professional baseline. If a pet sitter can’t answer this with a confident YES, explain what it means AND show you proof of insurance, it’s time to move on. Insurance protects you and your property if something gets damaged during a visit or covers pet illness or accidental injury. Bonding protects you in case of theft or misconduct. It’s not about expecting the worst. It’s about knowing your sitter takes this seriously enough to plan for the unexpected. A sitter without these things is hoping everything goes perfectly. A sitter with them is prepared in case it doesn’t. And your Wonder Pet deserves the kind of care that plans ahead.
Do you have a business license?
We’ve all heard of someone who “watches pets sometimes,” but that’s not who you want when you’re trusting someone with the keys to your home and the heart of your household. Worse there are a lot of sitters listed on websites that make themselves look legit but don’t operate legally at all and aren’t really professionals at all. A business license means your sitter is playing by the rules, paying attention to local regulations, and running a real, professional operation, not treating pet sitting like a casual side hustle. It’s the difference between someone who fills in just in their spare time and doesn’t take the job seriously, and someone who’s built systems, protocols, and accountability into their work. Licensed pros show up like pros. Period.
What certifications or training do you hold?
Having pets of their own is lovely. But that’s not training. When something goes wrong, and we all know it can, you want someone who doesn’t just love animals, but knows how to act quickly and correctly under pressure. Ask about pet first aid and CPR training, but also ask how recently it was completed. Ask if they stay current on new practices or behavioral education. Because your Wonder Pup deserves more than warm fuzzies. They deserve skilled, knowledgeable care that kicks in when they need it most, especially in emergencies where every second counts. Some certifications to look for in addition to pet first aide and CPR are Certified Professional Pet Sitter and Fear Free certifications. Additional taining or grooming certifications are helpful as well but are not required. Another great follow up is how often they attend additional training to update their education.
Do you perform background checks on your team?
Letting someone into your home is an act of trust, and your sitter should treat it that way. A professional pet sitter won’t hesitate to share that they conduct full background checks not just on themselves, but on every team member who may ever set foot in your house. It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about having standards. Whether you’re a single pet parent working long hours or a military couple away on deployment, you shouldn’t have to wonder who’s entering your space. You deserve clear, upfront answers and a sitter who is screend or screens their team like your safety depends on it. Because it does.
What’s your emergency plan if my pet gets ill, injured, or goes missing?
This question is huge, not just for your pets, but for your entire household. Emergencies don’t send RSVPs. They just show up. Your sitter should have a detailed plan for what to do if your Wonder Pet has a medical issue, gets hurt, or pulls a disappearing act. That includes knowing where the closest vets and emergency clinics are, having your pet’s health history on hand, and having immediate communication protocols with you. But just as importantly, your sitter should have backup plans for themselves. What happens if your primary sitter gets sick, has a family emergency, or their car breaks down on the way to your home? Professionals with a team structure can shift seamlessly and send in a trained, background-checked backup who’s likely already been introduced to you, or at least whose name and credentials are documented. You probably won’t even notice the change if you’re working with a real professional company. That kind of system means your pets aren’t left waiting and you’re not left scrambling last minute for back up care. Because your sitter’s emergency should never become your emergency.
Who exactly will have access to my home?
Vague answers here are a red flag. You deserve to know exactly who’s coming and going, whether it’s one person or a small, trusted team. Your pet is going to be most comfortable with a consistent presence someone they know and trust. And your peace of mind comes from knowing you won’t be surprised by a revolving door of unfamiliar faces. A trustworthy sitter will walk you through how they manage access, whether others are involved, and how you’ll be informed of changes in coverage. You should never be left guessing who’s in your space. A good company will also offer to let you meet the entire team should you wish to do so or allow you to make your preferences for one team member be assigned as often as possible known.
How will you keep me updated during visits? (and how do I know you’ll show up?)
Texting “all good” isn’t enough. Our Team once had a client come to us from a popular app website and said, “We didn’t see the lady show up on our camera and didn’t get an update. We texted her and she said she had been there but 20 minutes later our ring camera picked her up coming into our home. She had forgotten until we texted!!” Don’t let that happen to you!! You deserve detailed, timely updates that let you see and feel that your Wonder Pet is happy and safe. That means prdicable times, GPS-tracked visit logs, time stamps, photos, videos, and notes that reflect what actually happened during your service. These updates should feel like a digital hug for your worry. When you’re away, it’s more than just about knowing—they help you stay connected.
What are your reservation and cancellation policies?
Life doesn’t always give you a heads-up. Schedules change, emergencies happen, and sometimes the universe just doesn’t cooperate. That’s why it’s so important to work with a provider who has clear, well-communicated policies that respect your time—and theirs. Many professionals require a deposit to hold your reservation and full payment at the time of booking. Because they’re reserving that time exclusively for your pet, cancellations often need to be made at least two weeks in advance for any refund or credit consideration but issues can be evaulated case by case and the sitter should be able to tell you what quailifies for refunds no matter what. While that may feel strict, it’s about ensuring their staff can be paid fairly and that they can continue offering reliable care. When policies are clear from the start, there are no surprises. Just mutual respect and smooth planning on both sides.
What home security measures do you use?
Anyone who enters your home should treat it like it’s their own, actually No, they should ideally treat it better than theirs. That means triple-checking that doors are locked, alarm systems are properly rearmed, gates are latched, and keys and codes are handled with discretion and care. If they’re writing your alarm code on a sticky note and sticking it to their clipboard or asking you to text message it to you, that’s your sign to run. A solid professional should be able to walk you through exactly how they protect your home when you’re not there, have a secure system for storing sensitive information, and should leave it looking exactly like they found it, just with happier pets inside.
Can you handle pets with special needs or medications?
Every pet has their own version of “high maintenance.” Maybe it’s daily meds. Maybe it’s anxiety during storms. Maybe it’s mobility issues or strict food routines. Your sitter shouldn’t just say they’re “comfortable” with those things. They should be confident. They should ask follow-up questions, take notes, and treat your pet’s health needs like the priorities they are. If they’ve done it before and they’re fully trained, they won’t just say yes. They’ll explain how they make it happen, calmly and correctly.
Here’s the truth: You’re not just hiring someone to feed your pets and take them out. You’re choosing someone to step into your world and care for what matters most. So ask the real questions. Expect real answers. And when someone meets that bar with warmth, experience, and professionalism? That’s your sitter.
Final Barks
Crestview has many options for pet care and choosing the right pet sitter isn’t just a checklist chore it’s matchmaking for your furry soulmate’s second favorite human. These aren’t just questions to ask; they’re your superpower for skimming through and picking out the real pros from the “I once watched my cousin’s hamster” crowd. The right sitter will make you feel like your pet is in better hands than your own (don’t worry, we won’t tell them you said that). So ask boldly, expect clarity, and trust the sitter who treats your Wonder Pet like the high priority that they are.
Still doing your homework?
Dig into these next:
Things to Consider to Make Your Pet Care Wonderful
Risks to Consider When Hiring a Pet Sitter
For even more help finding a pet sitter in your area check out Local Pet Care for a list of quailified pet sitters in your area or check out the Fear Free Professionals Directory for local fear free certified pet professionals nearby.
One Response