Planning a trip or working long hours and worried about leaving your furry (or feathery, or scaly) friend behind? A great pet sitter can give you peace of mind, knowing your beloved companion is safe, happy, and cared for while you’re away.

But with so many options out there — from apps to local services — how do you find the right one? Here’s your step-by-step guide to finding the perfect pet sitter in the UK without the stress.

Step 1: Decide What Type of Pet Care You Need

Before you start searching, think about what will work best for your pet:

  • In-home pet sitting: The sitter comes to your home (either for visits or overnight stays). This is ideal for cats, small pets, or dogs who prefer their familiar environment.
  • Boarding with the sitter: Your pet stays at the sitter’s house — great for sociable dogs who enjoy company.
  • Drop-in visits: Perfect for feeding fish, checking on small animals, or short daily visits for independent pets.

Step 2: Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth is gold when it comes to pet care. Ask:

  • Friends, family, or neighbours if they know a trusted sitter.
  • Your vet or local groomer — they often have reliable contacts.
  • Community groups (Facebook, Nextdoor, or local WhatsApp groups).

Personal recommendations are often the safest way to find someone trustworthy.

Step 3: Use Trusted UK Pet-Sitting Platforms

If you don’t know anyone personally, try these reputable options:

  • Tailster: A UK-based platform for pet sitters, walkers, and boarders with insurance included.
  • TrustedHousesitters: Great for house and pet sitting combined (often popular for cats and dogs).
  • Bark: Lets you compare local sitters with verified reviews.
  • Rover UK: Offers a range of services from vetted sitters and walkers.

Always check reviews, ratings, and experience levels before booking.

Step 4: Check Qualifications and Insurance

A professional pet sitter should:

  • Be insured (public liability cover is a must).
  • Have pet first-aid training if possible.
  • Be experienced with your specific type of pet — especially if you have exotics or pets with medical needs.

Don’t be shy about asking for proof. A good sitter will be happy to share their credentials.

Step 5: Arrange a Meet-and-Greet

Before committing, set up a meet-and-greet. This lets you:

  • See how they interact with your pet — do they seem comfortable and confident?
  • Discuss routines like feeding, walks, and any special needs.
  • Ask practical questions about communication, updates, and emergency procedures.

This is also a chance to trust your gut — if something feels off, keep looking.

Step 6: Get It in Writing

Always confirm the details in writing. A simple contract should cover:

  • Dates, times, and agreed duties.
  • Emergency contacts (yours, vet, backup contact).
  • Payment terms.

It’s an extra layer of protection for both you and the sitter.

Bonus Tip: Build a Relationship

If you find a great sitter, stick with them! Pets thrive on familiarity, and having a regular sitter who knows your pet’s quirks makes future trips even less stressful.

Final Thought:
Finding the right pet sitter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some planning, clear communication, and a bit of research, you can head off on your travels knowing your pet is in safe, loving hands.