As a Pet Owner, your pet’s safety and happiness are a top priority. Booking the right Pet Sitter can make or break a holiday away as they make all the difference in ensuring your pet feels cared for and loved while you’re away. However, not all pet sitters are created equal, and there are certain warning signs you should watch out for. Here are ten red flags to keep in mind when booking a pet sitter.
1. 🚩 They Ask to Be Paid in Cash or Accept Offers of Cash
Reputable pet sitters have a respectful working relationship with sharing economy platforms who provide them with work. If they insist on cash payments only, it’s a red flag. If they’re dishonest with them, they’ll be dishonest with you. Cash jobs are also likely tax evasion and leaves you without a record of your agreement in writing. Which, if something doesn’t go according to plan, will leave you without any recourse.
2. 🚩 Non-Functional Phone or Delayed Communication
A pet sitter’s phone must be operational, and they must respond promptly to your calls or messages. A non-functional phone or delayed responses could signal unreliability.
3. 🚩 Is Unable to Show Proof of Qualifications Mentioned
For instance, they state they are a Vet Nurse but cannot show their Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Or they claim to be a Vet but are not listed on any Vet Register. They may say they are a Dog Trainer but are not listed on any Dog Trainer Register. If they claim to be pet first aid trained but cannot show proof of this training, or they mention having training in Animal Care but lack credentials from a recognised Registered Training Organisation or Accrediting Body, it’s a significant red flag.
4. 🚩 Is Unavailable for Meet-and-Greet Property Tours
A trustworthy pet sitter will always offer to meet you and your pet in advance of the booking to provide you with a full property tour of both inside and outside their home. This session helps you assess their demeanour and how they interact with your pet, as well as identify any property hazards or escape routes to assess whether its possible to fix it, or find a Sitter with a more suitable property for your pets needs. If they avoid it, it doesn’t give you enough time to find and book another sitter if you identify an unforeseen problem that may affect the safety or security of your pet.
5. 🚩 Lack of Verified Reviews on 3rd Party Platforms
If a pet sitter doesn’t have verified reviews or recommendations, it can be difficult to gauge their reliability and experience. Countless Facebook reviews are very easy to fake. The Sitter may have been removed from a platform for breaching their code of conduct. Look for sitters with plenty of positive testimonials on trusted platforms like PetCloud.
6. 🚩 No Recent Police Check Done
A professional pet sitter should have an up-to-date police check to ensure your pet and home’s safety. If they can’t provide one, reconsider your choice. Read the excuses some Sitters may give you.
7. 🚩 Poor Hygiene, Disorganized Appearance, or Unkept Property
When meeting the sitter, observe their cleanliness and organization. If they seem unkempt, disorganized, or their property is poorly maintained, the property is filled with hazards, and has many ways for pets to escape, it may reflect on how they’ll care for your pet and home.
8. 🚩 Overbooking or Lack of Availability
A sitter juggling too many clients may struggle to provide quality care for your pet, and they won’t know your pet’s name and may not have had time to research your pet’s breed, care routine, or medications. Ensure they have enough time and attention to dedicate to your furbaby.
9. 🚩 Unclear Pricing
Transparency in pricing is essential. If a sitter is vague about their fees or adds hidden charges, it’s better to look for someone more upfront and professional.
10. 🚩 No Emergency Plan
A good pet sitter has an emergency plan in place, they know where the nearest Emergency Vet is, and they know whether it’s contacting a vet or handling a sudden illness. If they lack this foresight, it could jeopardize your pet’s well-being.
Common Questions Pet Owners Ask About Pet Sitters
- How do I know if a pet sitter is reliable?
- What should I look for in a pet sitter?
- How do I find a certified pet sitter near me?
- What questions should I ask a potential pet sitter?
- Are there risks in hiring a pet sitter without reviews?
💬 What red flags would you add to this list? Comment below or email us at feedback@petcloud.com.au. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
