How to Choose the right Pet Sitter for Dog Boarding

Jessica 28/03/2025

Dog Boarding: Find a Trusted and Reliable Pet Sitter Near You

Here’s how to find the best sitter for your dog while you're on holiday.

Step 1: Start Your Search Early

The best sitters get booked up quickly, especially during peak holiday seasons. Begin your search well in advance to have plenty of options. A trusted platform, like Pawshake, is a good place to find sitters in your area. You can check if they meet your needs for dog safety and care.

It takes time to find the right sitter, and a thoughtful approach benefits everyone involved—especially your furry friend. Rushing the process can lead to stress and increase the risk of a poor experience.

Step 2: Research Sitter Profiles

Take the time to carefully review sitter profiles. Look for:

Experience with dogs of similar breed, size, and temperament.
Services offered (e.g., overnight boarding, extended stays, or daycare).
Availability during your travel dates.
Reviews from other pet owners who have used their services.
Photos of their home environment to ensure it's safe and suitable for dogs.

Pawshake offers Guarantee Coverage for all services booked and paid for through the app. This gives you peace of mind for unexpected situations.

If you find a sitter you like, you can favourite their profile for later or send them an inquiry for more information.

Step 3: Arrange a Meet-and-Greet

Before finalising a booking, set up a meet-and-greet with potential sitters. Since your dog will be staying in their home, visiting the location is essential to ensure it’s a good fit. This is also a necessary step to activate Pawshake’s Guarantee Coverage. During the meeting:

Observe how the sitter interacts with your dog and other pets in the home.
Discuss your pet’s routine, dietary needs, and special requirements.
Check that their home is clean, secure, and pet-friendly.
Ask about their experience with dog behaviour, training, and emergencies.
Ensure they understand dog safety protocols and have an emergency plan in place.
If your dog has anxieties, such as fear of children or crowds, inform the sitter so they can avoid stressful situations.

Pawshake provides Pet Intake forms via our Help Centre. Downloading and completing them before the meet-and-greet can help streamline the process.

Step 4: Compare Home Boarding Facilities

Since Pawshake pet sitters offer boarding in their own homes, evaluating their setup is crucial. What works for one dog may not work for another. Consider factors such as:

The number of pets being boarded at the same time.
If other animals are present, do they get along with your pet?
The level of supervision and interaction provided by the sitter.
The safety and cleanliness of the environment.
Availability of secure sleeping spaces and quiet areas for rest.
Access to fresh water and a well-maintained yard or play area.
Secure fencing and gates, especially for escape-prone dogs.

Step 5: Do a Trial Stay

If possible, arrange a short trial stay before your trip. This helps your dog get to know the sitter and the new place. It makes it easier when you leave for your holiday. A trial stay can also highlight any potential issues, such as separation anxiety.

Having a trial sit helps you see if your dog can settle. If not, you can fix the problem while you are still close by. This way, you won’t have to deal with it from far away during your trip.

Step 6: Book Your Sitter Through Pawshake and Get Your Booking ID

If the trial stay goes well, go ahead and book your sitter. Once your booking is confirmed and you have your booking ID and the booking commences, Pawshake’s Guarantee Coverage starts - to give you peace of mind.

Step 7: Provide Detailed Care Instructions

Once you’ve chosen and booked your sitter, ensure they have all the information they need to care for your dog properly. Use Pawshake’s Pet Intake forms as a guide. Provide details on:

Your dog’s daily routine, feeding schedule, and exercise needs.
Medical conditions, medications, and emergency vet contact information.
Any behavioural quirks or anxieties.
Items to bring, such as their bed, favourite toys, and food.
Specific instructions for dog safety, such as leash rules or dietary restrictions.

Step 8: Ensure a Stress-Free Drop-Off

When it’s time to leave for your holiday, keep the drop-off calm and low-key. Avoid making a big fuss, as this can increase your dog’s anxiety. Trust the sitter’s experience in creating a welcoming environment.

Your sitter may also offer an add-on service for pick-up and drop-off. You can refine your search using Pawshake’s 'Advanced Filters' to find sitters who provide this service.

Step 9: Stay in Touch

A great pet sitter will keep you updated with messages and photos throughout your trip. This reassurance lets you enjoy your holiday knowing your dog is happy and well cared for. Make sure to share how often you want to be contacted. Do you want regular updates or just occasional check-ins?

Step 10: Leave a Review

Once your booking is completed and your pet is safely home, leave a review to help future pet owners make informed decisions. Your feedback also supports great sitters and helps them improve their services.

Ready to Find the Perfect Sitter?

Trust your instincts when choosing a pet sitter—if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to explore other options. If a trial stay shows that home boarding isn’t right for your dog, Pawshake has other choices. One option is House Sitting, where your pet can stay at home with the sitter.