Updated on | by Critter Nets - Blogs
What to Expect When a Pet Sitter Visits Your Home
Leaving your pet in someone else's care, especially in your home, can bring a mix of emotions—relief, nervousness, and hope that your furry friend will be treated with the same love and attention you give them every day. If this is your first time working with a pet sitter, it’s completely normal to wonder what their visit will look like.
What does a pet sitter do Will they just feed and leave Do they play with your pet, stick around for cuddles, or check for unusual behavior
This guide from Critter Nets outlines exactly what to expect when a pet sitter visits your home. From scheduled routines and pet safety to emotional support and daily updates, this article will prepare you (and your pet) for a smooth, worry-free experience.
1. Pre-Visit Preparations: What Happens Before the First Day
Before your sitter ever steps foot into your home for official care duties, there’s usually an initial meet-and-greet.
Here’s what’s typically covered:
- A walkthrough of your home (feeding station, litter area, leashes, crates)
- Meeting your pet to build familiarity
- Discussing behavioral traits (e.g., nervousness, aggression, separation anxiety)
- Confirming the visit schedule (times, days, and expectations)
- Reviewing your written care plan or pet profile
This pre-visit meeting is a great time for you to ask questions and ensure you're comfortable with how the sitter handles your pet. Think of it as a trust-building handshake between everyone involved.
2. Arrival and Entry Protocols: Safety First
When your sitter arrives for a scheduled visit, professionalism and security come first. A quality sitter will:
- Enter quietly and calmly, using any access method you’ve approved (key, smart lock, garage code)
- Greet your pet with care, giving them a moment to recognize a familiar face
- Lock doors securely behind them during entry and exit
- Remove shoes or follow any home-specific hygiene or cleanliness requests
Your pet sitter’s goal is to enter with minimal disruption and start the care routine comfortably for your pet.
3. Sticking to Your Pet’s Routine
The most important part of pet sitting is consistency. Your sitter will follow the care instructions you provided—because pets thrive on routine.
Common care routines include:
- Feeding: Meals at specific times, with correct portions and any supplements or medications
- Fresh Water: Bowls are cleaned and refilled daily
- Litter Box/Clean-Up: Scooping litter, cleaning up accidents, or disposing of waste
- Exercise: Walks, fetch sessions, or supervised backyard time
- Enrichment: Playing with toys, brushing, or practicing tricks
Expect your sitter to stay long enough to give your pet genuine attention—not just food and a goodbye. For example, a 30-minute visit often includes feeding, potty break, and 10–15 minutes of interaction.
4. Monitoring Your Pet’s Health and Behavior
One of a sitter’s key responsibilities is to watch for signs of distress, illness, or anything out of the ordinary.
They’ll keep an eye on:
- Eating habits (Did your pet eat less than usual)
- Bathroom routines (Diarrhea, missed litter box, constipation)
- Behavior (Hiding, lethargy, excessive barking, anxiety)
- Injuries (Scratches, limping, cuts)
If something seems wrong, a responsible sitter will reach out immediately and, if needed, contact your vet using the info you’ve provided.
5. Household Duties and Pet Comfort
In addition to caring for your pet, many sitters will help with small household tasks—especially for longer visits or overnight care.
This may include:
- Bringing in the mail or newspaper
- Watering houseplants
- Rotating lights or curtains to make the home look occupied
- Light clean-up (pet hair, food bowls, litter areas)
These touches ensure both your pet and your home stay comfortable and secure while you’re away.
6. Communication: Real-Time Updates and Reassurance
Expect your sitter to communicate with you as agreed—whether that’s one update per visit or a morning/evening summary. Most sitters provide:
- Text or email updates
- Photos or short videos
- Notes on meals, walks, and bathroom habits
- Notifications of unusual behavior or changes
This kind of open communication helps you stay connected and calm, even from miles away.
Tip: Let your sitter know how frequently you’d like updates. Some pet parents prefer a full rundown, while others just want a quick photo and confirmation.
7. Respecting Your Home
Good sitters treat your home as respectfully as they treat your pets.
You can expect:
- Cleanliness (no muddy shoes, no mess left behind)
- Following house rules (no access to off-limits areas, respecting cameras or no-camera zones)
- Locking up properly when leaving
- Handling keys or security codes with confidentiality
Many pet parents feel more comfortable when a sitter is insured and background-checked—don’t be shy about asking for proof during the selection process.
8. Ending Each Visit on a Positive Note
Before leaving, your sitter will often:
- Double-check that your pet has clean water and a comfy place to rest
- Give a last potty break if needed
- Provide a treat or soothing goodbye
- Secure the home and follow your departure instructions
Your pet should be relaxed and cared for—not agitated or confused—after a good visit. That’s the ultimate sign that your sitter is doing their job well.
9. After the Final Visit: Recap and Feedback
When you're home again, most professional sitters offer a short summary or recap of their time with your pet. This may include:
- A visit log (times, feeding, walks, etc.)
- Noteworthy observations (behavior, eating patterns, mood)
- Final messages or photos
- Notes on supplies running low (food, litter, medication)
This wrap-up ensures you have the full picture and can assess how the experience went—for both your pet and your sitter.
10. Emotional Wellbeing: Your Pet Deserves More Than Just a Caretaker
Here’s something many pet owners overlook: A great sitter doesn’t just keep your pet alive—they make them feel safe, engaged, and emotionally supported.
Especially for pets who suffer from separation anxiety, a sitter’s ability to offer calm reassurance, play, and companionship makes a huge difference.
A pet that feels loved while you’re away is a pet that won’t regress in training, become withdrawn, or experience unnecessary stress.
Signs your sitter is doing a great job emotionally:
- Your pet is excited to see them
- They send photos showing tail wags, playful behavior, or calm cuddling
- Your pet seems relaxed and happy when you return
Conclusion: Knowing What to Expect Makes All the Difference
Choosing to have a pet sitter visit your home is a decision based on trust, and understanding the process helps reduce any anxiety you might have. A professional pet sitter will not only maintain your pet’s routine—they’ll offer companionship, monitor health, respect your space, and keep the lines of communication open.
When both pet parent and sitter are on the same page, the result is a smooth, stress-free experience for your pet—and peace of mind for you. So the next time you book a sitter, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and can step out the door with confidence.
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