You scroll through all the profiles and see so many lovely animal lovers with plenty of pet-sitting experience. But how do you know if a sitter is truly the right choice for you and your pet?
The most important step in the decision process is the meet-and-greet. At Pawshake, this is always free, and even required to qualify for the Pawshake Guarantee. Why? Simple. It’s the best way to find out whether a sitter is a good match for you and your pet.
Here are 5 signs that you’ve found a great pet sitter:
1. The sitter asks thoughtful questions
A good pet sitter is genuinely curious. You can recognise quality in someone who doesn’t just ask “when” and “what time,” but who also asks specific questions about your pet and your preferences.
Good questions might cover things like:
your pet’s personality and daily routine
how your dog reacts to other people and animals
whether (and how long) they can be left alone
what makes them anxious and what helps them feel calm
how they behave on walks
And just as importantly: a great sitter doesn’t only want to learn about your dog, they also want to understand what you find important, like preferences in communication, house rules, or daily routines.
2. The sitter’s body language
Did you know you can learn just as much by watching as by listening during a meet-and-greet? 👀 An experienced sitter often shows it through subtle body language.
A great sitter will:
avoid rushing straight up to your dog
not immediately pet or lean over them
avoid prolonged direct eye contact with your pet
allow the dog to approach first
move calmly and gently
use a soft, relaxed tone of voice
take their time
Many people assume a good sitter should enthusiastically cuddle a dog right away. But most dogs feel safer when they’re allowed to set the pace themselves.
3. Your dog’s body language
Now that we’re talking about body language… your dog is communicating too! So pay close attention to what he has to say to you. Even the most experienced sitter isn’t the right match if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable.
Signs your dog feels relaxed:
a loose, wiggly body
soft eyes and natural blinking
approaching the sitter voluntarily
calmly sniffing
a relaxed tail wag (not stiff or high and tense)
Subtle signs of stress can include:
yawning (when not tired)
lip licking
turning the head away
a stiff posture
stepping back or staying close to you
Trust what you see. A good match feels calm and natural to your dog, even if he is a bit shy in the beginning.
4. Clear boundaries build trust
It may sound surprising, but a good, professional sitter sets clear boundaries.
If someone says, “All dogs are welcome! I’ll walk your dog four times a day for an hour! Whatever you need, I’ll do it!” — it might sound great. But if the promises are big and the expectations stay vague, misunderstandings can easily follow.
A quality sitter explains clearly what is possible, and what isn’t. For example:
“Dogs aren’t allowed on the couch in our home.”
“Your dog should be comfortable being alone for up to one hour.”
“I go on three walks a day: two shorter walks and one longer walk (around [specific time]).”
“I do / don’t have [specific] experience with anxious, shy, very energetic or reactive dogs.”
By being honest about their boundaries, a sitter shows responsibility. And that allows you to make a realistic, well-informed decision.
5. You feel comfortable asking questions
It can feel a little uncertain to leave your dog in a new environment with someone you’ve only just met. That’s completely normal. You may have questions — or specific wishes, for example if your dog shouldn’t be left alone for long or follows a particular routine.
A good match feels open. You feel welcome, listened to and understood.
Still unsure? Do you get the sense that you’re being “difficult,” or that you shouldn’t ask too much? Take that feeling seriously. After the meet-and-greet, you can always decide not to go ahead. Trust is the most important part.
Have questions at any stage? You can contact our local Customer Service team throughout the entire booking process. We're here to help.
