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Original poster

Has anyone had a dog sitter come and stay while they're away?

25 replies

IhearyouClemFandango · 08/02/2023 20:31

I'm feeling quite weirded out by it 😂 DH arranged for a dog sitter for our elderly dog when we are away next week, as we didn't think he would like kennels. For some reason he/we assumed this meant he went to stay with her.

But it turns out that she actually comes and stays at ours.

I don't know what to expect! But equally don't necessarily know what to ask as I don't know what the norm is.

Does anyone have any insight?

OP posts:

watchfulwishes · 08/02/2023 20:32

I would not like this at all, having a stranger in your house.

Can you make different arrangements?

samsmum2 · 08/02/2023 20:34

My parents used to do this with their elderly dog, who wouldn't have coped with kennels. It worked brilliantly - the woman was lovely and made a real fuss of the dog, and it gave them peace of mind that the dog was at home with everything familiar around it and someone who was there, dedicated to walking/feeding it/fussing over it!

Whitney168 · 08/02/2023 20:35

Yes, lots of times. It’s certainly by far the best thing for a elderly dog.

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Evenstar · 08/02/2023 20:36

I have had four different sitters do this, it was absolutely fine and I liked the added security of having someone staying so the house wasn’t empty. Make sure they have insurance and a criminal record check.

We have an old house that has a lock on our bedroom door, so we locked that and anything personal was in there.

userxx · 08/02/2023 20:37

This is much better for your dog, I'm assuming she has references.

I'd make sure the fridge is well stocked. Stuff like this wouldn't bother me at all.

Anonaymoose · 08/02/2023 20:38

I would check references/insurance and they should be asking lots of questions about your pet's routines, home security etc. but really it's no different to giving a cat sitter access to your house and plenty people do this. I would expect a meet and greet visit too to make sure your dog is ok with this person. There's a website called housitters I think where lots of people do this.
I'm actually considering doing this when I retire (which is many years off!)

Skinnermarink · 08/02/2023 20:40

I’ve done this as a dog sitter! And cats. I absolutely doted on the animals and I watered the plants too. It’s really fine, it’s not an odd thing.

lilyfire · 08/02/2023 20:46

Yes we have. We had other small animals as well so was much easier rather than arranging separate care for all of them. It was fine - checked references and she was very nice. Dog seemed happy.

Original poster

IhearyouClemFandango · 08/02/2023 20:56

Thanks all. We do vaguely know her, it’s a small community. And my parents will be nearby so will probably pop by every few days to check the Guinea pigs etc (who she will also feed). And I imagine she’ll be out and about during the day.

It’s not that I think she will steal or be messy or whatever, but I worry she would judge our house or something.

OP posts:

frustratedashell · 08/02/2023 20:57

Another dog sitter here. The dogs are more relaxed at home and I spoil them with lots of attention. I have several regular clients, some of them leave me treats and food in the fridge, though it's not expected. I leave the house clean and tidy. The house is more secure when someone is there . Also plants etc are watered.
I can understand that some people aren't comfortable with people being in their home, I always visit first and get to know the owners and the animals.

SnuggleBuggleBoo · 08/02/2023 21:25

Yeah, she was fucking nuts. We came home to find my dog as round as a football (we'd only been away a week!) and a load of 'Barbie' cake decorating stuff inn the kitchen cupboard. I think she'd been making little girl cakes and giving them to the dog instead of walking her!!

Having said that, I'm sure the vast vast majority of dog sitters are nice normal people, so please don't stress too much! Does she have a DBS? References? Is it through an agency?

MarieInternette · 08/02/2023 21:51

I’ve used TrustedHousesitters.com many times and had nothing but positive experiences with it. Same for many friends and acquaintances. I like that site because you can choose your sitter based on other people’s reviews of them which obvs can’t be faked.
If your sitter comes recommended and you can check her references I would just lock/hide any valuables or bank statements and crack on. Your pet would prefer to be in their own home than a kennel so I guess if this is important to you it’s a risk you have to take.

Yayyayitsaholiholiday · 08/02/2023 21:55

If you want the dog to stay at someone else’s house, you’re looking for a dog boarder. They will be cheaper per day than a sitter

JoanOgden · 08/02/2023 21:55

I have catsitters who stay in my flat when I'm away through Trusted Housesitters and they've all been brilliant. I get a cleaner in before I go but my flat isn't a showhome; but the catsitters are getting a free week in London so I think it's a fair exchange!

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 08/02/2023 21:57

I have done this for 11 years, never a problem. I make sure the guest room, bathroom, kitchen and lounge are scrupulously clean, and that there are towels laid out, etc. I also make sure there is good wine, cheese, chocolate, crisps, Coca-cola and other treats on hand. Sometimes if I'm organized i leave her a voucher for a pizza or takeaway.

Can't imagine sending my small dog off to kennels, and I travel a lot, so feel very lucky to have this sitter.

Original poster

IhearyouClemFandango · 08/02/2023 22:51

I’m coming round to it. Our old boy will definitely prefer it, and she is well known locally so is perfectly reputable.

Our room has all sorts of stuff in it (not dodgy, it is just the last room to be decorated/sorted so if the general dumping ground) and still has a toddler bed attached to ours etc so will probably give her my daughter’s room, she has the comfiest bed ever!

OP posts:

Thelnebriati · 08/02/2023 22:56

If you can find a reliable sitter its not only better for your dog, it means you aren't leaving the house empty so it cuts down the risk of being burgled as well.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 08/02/2023 22:58

I have regularly used live-in cat sitters for about ten years. Always from the same company who undertake the DBS and vetting processes. I’m now on my third sitter and all three have been lovely. They sleep in my guest bedroom but I don’t lock any rooms as I trust them fully and my various cats over the years have all fallen in love with them and been extremely well cared for. Having a live-in also means that the house is rarely empty. Their company rules are they can leave the house for three hours maximum in daylight and only 30 minutes after dark. They give me complete peace of mind when I’m away.

Justcannot · 08/02/2023 23:28

I have done dog sitting a few times, she's not judging you, she's probably enjoying the experience of being in a new house, and spending time with your lovely dog. We do it because we used to have a dog and loved it, but currently can't due to work travel and a rented flat, so they could leave me basically a hovel to live in and I'd be fine.

Its nice to leave a few snacks or treats, or judt to say to feel free to use what's in the fridge. But not needed. Leave lots of instructions, including your vets number and an emergrncy contact eho knowd the house, and tell her how much contact you want; some people want daily/a couple of times a day photos and updates, some only want a message if there's a problem.

PenelopeTitsDrop3121 · 09/02/2023 03:57

I wouldn't be comfortable with this. My dog wouldn't do kennels as I couldn't live with myself (she's an ex puppy farm dog used for breeding) and she always stays at a dog sitter's house. It works well.

greenspaces4peace · 09/02/2023 04:16

My friend does this throughout Canada. She pays her travel. Stays in the persons home, cares for their pets for a small fee.

newusernamegloria · 09/02/2023 04:28

I've done it a few times. Multiple pets so it works great! Only used people who were personally known by friends or friends of friends. Did a big clean as I was nervous of the house being nice enough. Left them some nice food and I did lock away some private papers like banking things.

Buildingthefuture · 09/02/2023 06:11

I do this quite a lot. Never had a problem with it and it is much better for the dogs. I use a company, but we usually have the same couple. I do keep my cleaner on whilst we are gone though - she’s been with us for donkeys and she’s very sharp eyed. Any sign of anything amiss or that the dogs weren’t happy, she’d be straight on the phone….

ginsparkles · 09/02/2023 06:51

We do this. It started when our previous dog was very old, she hated kennels, found it very distressing so we organised a dog sitter.

We organised one through people we knew so they came to us highly recommended. We met them before going. I was a bit anxious before hand, but she kept in regular contact so we were reassured all was well.

She now walks new Ddog every day, and stays whenever we are away to look after the dog and the small furries.

We actually prefer it to kennels, the pets are happier and less stressed. Ddog knows her really well and loves having her to stay. And we have the added security of the house not being empty whilst we are away.

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 09/02/2023 07:49

IhearyouClemFandango · 08/02/2023 22:51

I’m coming round to it. Our old boy will definitely prefer it, and she is well known locally so is perfectly reputable.

I seldom (only every few years) see my longtime sitter in person as she arrives after i leave on holiday but she stopped by at Christmas as she was in the area.

My dog heard her voice & cane running into the room straight for her, and spent the visit on her lap being petted. He's normally quite shy.

Always knew he was in good hands with her but that was great to see. She always leaves the house spotless, too.

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