The truth is, finding the right person to trust with your home and your furry family members can feel like navigating a dating app.
So how do you swipe left on disaster and right on the perfect match? Let's dive into the red flags you need to watch for.
The First Impression: Decoding the Online Profile
Think of a sitter’s online profile as their opening line. Is it charming and reassuring, or does it leave you with a bad taste in your mouth? We’ve learned that the best sitters put real effort into their profiles because they’re competing for incredible sits—like yours.
A major red flag is an incomplete profile. No photos, vague descriptions, and a lack of personality should give you pause. If they can't be bothered to sell themselves to you, how much effort will they put into looking after your Corgi's complex dietary needs?
Another warning sign is a profile that reads more like a list of demands or focuses entirely on their own benefits (e.g., "Need a place with high-speed Wi-Fi and a pool"). While we all enjoy the perks, the primary focus should be on pet care and responsibility. Their profile should reassure you, not make you feel like you’re just providing a free hotel.
Communication Breakdown: The Conversation Red Flags
Once you start talking, the picture becomes even clearer. Communication is where Caro and I believe we excel, and it’s where you can spot trouble early on.
Watch out for slow, one-word, or unprofessional replies. If they take days to respond to your initial message or seem disinterested in your questions, imagine trying to get an update from them when you’re on a beach halfway across the world.
A small red flag that might pop up is if a pet sitter doesn't seem interested in your pets routine. As pet sitters we do expect the pet owner to provide us with all the information, but we do show interest and we will ask questions just to clarify things. So to avoid confusion, provide a list of necessary things about what your animal needs and if they don't follow or don't want to find out more, you can always reject their house sit application
And then there’s the gut feeling. From our chats with homeowners, this is the most powerful tool you have. If a conversation feels off, if their answers are evasive, or if you just don’t click, it's okay to move on. There will always be more sitters.
Trust But Verify: Experience, Reviews, and References
"But what if they don't have any reviews?" This is a question we hear a lot. A lack of reviews isn’t an automatic dealbreaker. We all started with zero. When we did our first sit as a couple, we had nothing but an enthusiastic profile and a willingness to prove ourselves.
However, if a sitter has no reviews, the rest of their application needs to be flawless. Their profile should be detailed, their communication impeccable, and they should be more than willing to hop on a video call. A WhatsApp call is our go-to. It lets you put a face to the name, see their demeanor, and even give them a virtual tour of your home. If someone with no reviews is also hesitant to do a call? That’s a red flag.
If a sitter claims to have extensive experience but can’t provide any references or evidence, be wary. You can always ask for proof, and a legitimate sitter won't be offended.
The Vibe Check: The Meet-and-Greet (Virtual or In-Person)
The meet-and-greet is your final audition. For sitters like us who travel from far away, an in-person meeting isn't always possible. But a video call is non-negotiable. A sitter who avoids this step is a major red flag.
During the call, pay attention to how they interact.
Are they listening? A sitter who seems distracted or dismissive when you explain your cat’s specific feeding schedule is a bad sign. It is absolutely your right to provide detailed instructions, and it’s their job to follow them. If they seem unwilling, they are not the sitter for you.
How does your pet react? Animals are great judges of character. Of course, some pets are shy and may take a few days to warm up to a stranger. But if your dog is actively fearful or aggressive toward a potential sitter, you should trust its instincts. Your pet’s well-being is the number one priority.
*Do they respect your time? A sitter who is late for a scheduled call without a good reason is showing you they don't value your time. Punctuality and reliability are crucial, especially when flight schedules and travel plans are on the line.
Putting It All Together: Trust Your Gut
Based on our journey and countless conversations, we believe about 90% of sitters are exactly what you need, reliable and caring. Another 5% will go so far above and beyond they’ll feel like family. And then there's the last 5%, the ones who are just not trustworthy. Your job is to spot that 5%.
If you find a profile that looks great and the reviews are glowing but you still feel uncertain after a call, listen to that feeling. Don’t talk yourself into it because it’s convenient. Your peace of mind is priceless. Finding the right sitter is about finding a partnership built on trust.
We’ve built our entire lifestyle on this trust, and we know how much it means to come home to happy pets and a tidy house. The perfect sitter for you is out there, ready to give your pets all the cuddles they deserve while you’re away.
Happy travels,
Konrad & Caro 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
Should I be concerned if a pet sitter has no reviews or references?
Not always, everyone starts somewhere but it is something to look into further. A sitter with no references should be willing to provide other proof of experience, such as volunteer work, pet certifications, or verified identity on trusted platforms.
Is inconsistent communication a red flag?
Absolutely. Slow replies, vague messages, or disappearing for long periods before the sit begins can indicate future problems. A reliable pet sitter should be responsive, clear, and willing to answer your questions openly.
Is it a red flag if a pet sitter doesn’t follow instructions during the meet & greet?
Yes. If the sitter ignores simple instructions, like how to approach your pet, where to let them sniff, or basic house rules, it can indicate they may not respect your routines during the actual sit.
What behavioural red flags should I look out for during the first conversation?
Avoid sitters who seem impatient, dismissive, uninterested, or annoyed by your questions. A lack of patience or empathy often shows how they’ll treat your pet when you’re not around.
Should I be concerned if the sitter doesn’t provide updates during the sit?
Yes. If they only send minimal or no updates, it can mean they’re not spending the agreed time with your pet. Reliable sitters usually provide daily photos, videos, or messages to reassure you that everything is going well.
But this is something that you should definitely discuss before accepting them as a house or pet sitter.
