What to Look for in a Reliable Pet Sitter: A Pet Owner’s Guide

Leaving your pet in someone else’s care is a big step, whether for a day or a full holiday in the UK you’ll often hear two terms: pet sitting and home boarding. Both can be brilliant solutions, but there are key things you should know before choosing.

Pet Sitting vs. Home Boarding

A pet sitter usually comes to your home to care for your pet, whether it's for regular visits during your working hours, a one-off while you're out for the day, or anything in between.  This suits many pets, as they’re happiest sticking to their familiar surroundings.

Home boarding is when your pet goes to stay in someone else’s home. Legally, this is a licensed activity in England, covered by the *Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. This means:

• Anyone boarding dogs in their home must hold a licence from their local council.

• Properties and practices are inspected for welfare, exercise, safety, and hygiene standards.

• Licence numbers must be displayed in advertising - a professional boarder will be happy to show you theirs.

If someone is offering home boarding without a licence, that’s a red flag - they could be operating illegally.

Professional Standards & Insurance

Check whether a sitter or boarder is a member of an organisation such as NarpsUK (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers), which promotes best practice. Professional pet carers should also have pet first aid knowledge and public liability insurance.

Meet‑and‑Greet Beforehand

Before you book, arrange a meet‑and‑greet at your house (if using pet sitting services) or at theirs (if home boarding). This lets you see how the sitter or boarder interacts with your pet and allows them to learn your pet’s routine. Pets are excellent judges of character - if your dog or cat seems relaxed and comfortable, that’s a very good sign.

References & Trusted Recommendations

Ask your vet, local rescue centre, or other pet parents for recommendations of a reliable pet sitter. A trustworthy pet sitter or boarder will also happily provide references.  Join your local Facebook Pet Sitting groups, they generally have a lot of recommendations or reviews which can be useful too.

Communication & Updates

Look for someone who gives regular updates - whether that’s daily messages, photos, or videos. After all, nothing beats seeing your furry friend happy while you’re away.

Backup Plan

Even the best‑laid plans can go wrong. A reliable sitter or boarder should always have a backup plan in place if something stops them coming (like illness or transport issues). Ask them about their backup plans and what would happen in case of an emergency. This will not only ensure your pet will never be left without care but will also show you how the sitter/boarder is prepared for such eventualities.

A Love for Animals

Last but most important - choose someone who clearly loves animals. Professional credentials are vital, but genuine warmth and patience make all the difference.

*Please note Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland essentially require licences for boarders to have but follow their own slightly different versions of regulations.