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Questions to Ask Before a House Sit

Print this list and check off each topic as you discuss it with the homeowner

About the Pets

  • How many pets? Names, breeds, and ages
  • Daily routine - feeding times, amounts, and food brand
  • Where do they sleep?
  • Walking schedule, routes, and favorite parks
  • Any medications, allergies, or health conditions?
  • Special diet or feeding restrictions?
  • Behavior with strangers, other dogs, cats, children?
  • Separation anxiety or reactivity?
  • Resource guarding issues?
  • Interactions between pets - pecking order, conflicts?

About the Home

  • WiFi password and streaming logins
  • Heating / cooling system and thermostat
  • Parking - garage, driveway, permit needed?
  • Appliance instructions (washer, oven, dishwasher)
  • Alarm system - how to arm and disarm
  • Security cameras - locations disclosed?
  • Any rooms off-limits?
  • Where is the vacuum, cleaning supplies?
  • Garbage and recycling - schedule and sorting?
  • Welcome guide available?

Communication and Expectations

  • How often do they want updates?
  • Preferred communication channel (WhatsApp, SMS, GPS)?
  • Can you have guests? Partner? Overnight visitors?
  • Any tasks beyond pet care (plants, mail, car)?
  • Arrival time and departure time
  • Is there an overlap / handover period?

Emergencies

  • Vet name, address, and direct phone number
  • Emergency vet (after-hours) details
  • Pet insurance - policy number and claims contact
  • Local emergency contact (neighbor, family, friend)
  • Pet first aid kit location
  • Cat carriers or dog crate location
  • Budget threshold for emergency vet care
  • Any procedures they would not want performed?
  • Chronic conditions - when to call vet vs wait?

The Neighborhood

  • Off-leash areas nearby?
  • Dogs in the neighborhood to avoid?
  • Nearest grocery store, pharmacy, hospital
  • Food delivery services that work at this address?
  • Wildlife or hazards to watch for?
  • Which neighbors know you'll be there?
  • Neighbor with a spare key?
  • Public transport options - bus, train, bike?

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Vague answers about pet behavior
  • No vet information available
  • Excessive rules without explanations
  • Reluctance to video call or meet
  • Downplaying the workload
  • No overlap offered

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