Leaving your pets behind while you travel can be stressful. Whether you have dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or even farm animals, most pet owners want one thing above all else: someone dependable, experienced, and trustworthy caring for their pets and home.

If you are searching for a professional pet sitter in Spokane, Washington, it is important to understand that not all pet sitting services are the same. Some sitters work casually as a side job, while others operate established professional businesses with experience, insurance, training, scheduling systems, and emergency procedures in place.

Here are some important things to look for when choosing the right pet sitter for your pets and your peace of mind.

1. Look for a Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Pet Sitting Business

One of the first things you should ask is whether the pet sitter is properly insured and operates as a professional business.

Professional pet sitters should carry liability insurance and bonding to help protect both the client and the sitter. This is especially important when someone is entering your home, caring for your pets, administering medications, or staying overnight.

A professional business should also have:

• A clear website
• Service policies and rates
• Client agreements
• Emergency contact procedures
• Reliable communication systems

Hiring a professional pet sitter often provides a much higher level of accountability and consistency compared to hiring a casual sitter online.

2. Ask About Experience With Different Types of Pets

Every pet has different needs. Some dogs require structured walks and exercise, while senior pets may need medications, mobility assistance, or close observation.

Cats often do best staying comfortably in their own home environment rather than being transported to a boarding facility. Farm animals and exotic pets may require specialized care routines as well.

When interviewing a pet sitter, ask:

• What types of pets they regularly care for
• Whether they have experience with medications
• If they handle elderly or special-needs pets
• How they respond to emergencies
• Whether they can accommodate customized routines

An experienced professional sitter should be comfortable discussing all of these topics.

3. Read Reviews Carefully

Online reviews can tell you a great deal about a pet sitting company.

Look for reviews that mention:

• Reliability
• Communication
• Professionalism
• Daily updates and photos
• Long-term repeat clients
• Trustworthiness in the client’s home

Detailed reviews are often more valuable than simple star ratings because they help you understand the actual client experience.

4. Ask How Communication Is Handled

One of the biggest concerns pet owners have while traveling is wondering how their pets are doing.

Professional pet sitters should provide regular communication and updates. Many established companies now use online client portals and mobile apps that allow owners to:

• Request services online
• Receive visit updates
• View photos
• Review schedules
• Communicate directly with the sitter

Daily updates can provide tremendous peace of mind while you are away from home.

5. Understand the Difference Between Boarding and In-Home Pet Sitting

Many pets experience significantly less stress when they are able to remain in their familiar home environment.

In-home pet sitting allows pets to:

• Stay in their normal routines
• Sleep in familiar surroundings
• Avoid exposure to unfamiliar animals
• Receive one-on-one attention
• Reduce anxiety and stress

This is especially beneficial for:

• Senior pets
• Cats
• Anxious dogs
• Multi-pet households
• Pets requiring medication or specialized care

For many families, professional in-home pet sitting offers a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional boarding kennels.

6. Schedule a Consultation Before Booking

A professional pet sitting company should typically offer an initial consultation before services begin.

This meeting allows the sitter to:

• Meet your pets
• Review feeding and medication instructions
• Discuss routines and behavior
• Review home care instructions
• Answer questions

It also gives pet owners the opportunity to determine whether the sitter feels like a good fit for their household.

Trust and comfort are extremely important when allowing someone into your home and caring for beloved pets.

Choosing the Right Pet Sitter in Spokane

Finding the right pet sitter is about much more than simply finding the lowest price. Reliability, professionalism, communication, and experience all matter when it comes to your pets’ safety and well-being.

At Spokane’s Best Pet Sitter, we proudly provide professional in-home pet sitting services throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, South Hill, Mead, Colbert, Airway Heights, Otis Orchards, Deer Park, Post Falls, and surrounding communities.

We are committed to providing loving, dependable care with daily updates, personalized attention, and peace of mind while you are away.

To learn more about our services or request a consultation, please visit our Client Portal or contact Spokane’s Best Pet Sitter today.