7 Questions Every Pet Pawrent Should Ask at a Meet & Greet (Before You Book!)

Hiring a pet care provider isn’t just about availability—it’s about trust, safety, & peace of mind. The Meet & Greet is your chance to make sure your sitter isn’t just a good fit—they’re the right fit.

1. Are You Insured & Bonded? (Especially if they have a team)

Why this matters: Ensures you're & your pets are protected if something goes wrong.

What a good answer looks like: A clear “yes,” along with who holds their policy & what it covers.

Bonus pet pawrent tip: pet sitting specific insurance is extremely important as we have a very unique job. Having pet sitting specific insurance ensures we hold the correct policy to protect our clients, their pets/home, & our team.

2. What Is Your Experience with Pet Care?

Why this matters: Experience matters—especially for pets with special needs or medical conditions.

What to look for: Specific stories, types of animals they've cared for, & how long they've been provide pet care.

3. Do You Have Any Pet Care Training or Certifications?

Why this matters: Training like Pet First Aid/CPCR, Fear-Free, Certified Professional Pet Sitter, & other certifications show a commitment to safety & care.

Bonus pet pawrent tip: Ask if they’re continuing their education.

4. Do You Have a Backup Plan If You Get Sick or Have an Emergency?

Why this matters: Life happens—what matters is whether your sitter has a plan.

Red flag: “I’ll just let you know if I can’t make it.

Bonus pet pawrent tip: if they have a "team", ask if their team are employees or independent contractors. They should be employees for ethical reasons unless the proper agreements are in place. If they are independent contractors be prepared that the company you've paid has no say in how the contractor provides services.

5. How Do You Communicate During Visits?

Why this matters: Regular updates = peace of mind.

Look for: Use of pet sitting software (like Time to Pet), GPS tracking, daily updates, & photos/videos.

6. Who Will Actually Be Coming Into My Home?

Why this matters: You deserve to know if it’s a solo sitter or a team.

Ask about background checks, training, & introductions to other team members.

Bonus pet pawrent tip: if it's not a professional pet sitter, establish clear boundaries about who you are comfortable allowing into your home. Never make assumptions that the neighbor kiddo won't bring a friend, the college student won't bring their significant other, etc.

7. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Why this matters: Past client experiences speak volumes.

Bonus pet pawrent tip: Check for consistency, quality care, & dependability.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions—your pet’s safety & happiness depend on it! And if you're looking for a team that checks every one of these boxes, Fairy Dogmothers would love to meet you. At the end of the day, trust your gut & the vibe you get from them.

With love (& lots of treats),

Kaley Reinhart ✨🐾

CPPS & Fear Free Certified Professional

Owner, Fairy Dogmothers LLC

fairydogmothersllc.com | @fairydogmothersllc