In short:Look for a Pet Sitter whose identity is verified, whose reviews describe personalised care (not just five stars), whose experience fits your pet’s specific needs, and who communicates clearly before you book. Then meet them. A good sitter will be willing and excited to meet you (and your pet)! |
Finding a pet sitter for the first time can come with a few questions. Will they get along with your pet? Do they have the right experience? How do you know when you’ve found the one?
Good news: you don’t need to be a professional sitter detective to figure it out!
This guide walks through what actually matters, so you can choose with confidence rather than crossed fingers.
What should you look for in a pet sitter?
On the Mad Paws app, let’s zoom in on how to navigate and understand what to look for in a Pet Sitter profile. From their experience and reviews to their availability and the care they offer, there are a few key things to look for:
 | 1. Verified identityEvery sitter on Mad Paws has their identity verified, and every application is reviewed by our team before a profile goes live. Sitters can also choose to add a police check. If they have, you’ll see a Police Check badge on their profile. It’s optional, so it’s worth deciding how much weight you’d like to give it for your situation. Someone coming into your home for a week might warrant more verification than a 30-minute drop-in. |
 | 2. ReviewsCheck the Sitter’s star ratings on their profile. These are from other pet parent clients they’ve had before, so you can establish what other think think about their service. What’s useful is the actual feedback – the words other pet parents have used to describe their experience with the Pet Sitter. Look for reviews that mention the sitter’s communication, how they handled routines or medication, and whether owners booked them again. |
 | 3. ExperienceThis can come in many forms. Some Sitters may have completed lots of bookings before, and some may be newer to the platform. Others can even have qualifications and special skills. We recommend prioritising what’s most important to you and your situation. For example, a Sitter who’s brilliant with confident labradors might not be the right fit for a nervous rescue or a cat on a medication schedule. Check what species and ages they’ve cared for, whether they’ve handled anything similar to your pet’s needs, and how many animals they look after at once. |
 | 4. Intangible inclusionsSome pets are most comfortable when their routine stays consistent, whereas others are happy to go with the flow. But what we all know is… all pets have their own unique personality and needs. A Mad Paws Sitter profile will typically outline what you can expect from their particular service:
Finding a Pet Sitter that can cater to your pet’s needs and usual lifestyle will help to create a smoother experience, so it’s good to narrow down your search based on these things too. |
 | 5. Clear, easy communicationA key thing to look for in a Pet Sitter is how they reply to your first message. It’s generally a good preview of how they’ll care for your pet. Were they prompt in their reply? Are their answers specific? Do they ask about your pet’s routine and needs or just say “no worries!”? While some of this can be established at the Meet & Greet, the best Sitters ask more questions than you expect. |
How do you read a Pet Sitter’s profile?
Treat it like a short job interview you can do from the couch. Take note of:
- Their bio: Does it sound like a person who genuinely loves animals? Do they give you a good sense of who they are and what you can expect from their service? This is where sometimes enthusiasm and reliability will shine through, beyond just a list of experience with other pets.
- Their photo gallery: Browse through photos of other pets they’ve cared for and how they show their own personality. Look for any photos of the space your pet would be in, such as the yard or the living area.
- The Q&As: Scroll to the bottom of their profile and read the Q&As (if provided). This helps to match up your expectations to their inclusions – for example: Where will you walk my dog? Tell us about nearby parks.
- Availability and response time: A Sitter who replies promptly is usually one who’ll keep you in the loop while you’re away.
Is a Meet & Greet necessary?
Yes! With the exception of repeat bookings with the same Sitter, all new matches should arrange a Meet & Greet prior to payment.
This is the step that makes the biggest difference, so don’t skip it, especially for overnight stays or longer bookings. Meeting before you book lets you ask more questions, see how your pet reacts, and how the Sitter interacts with your pet.
| 💡 Read our helpful Meet & Greet FAQs article to get the full run-down on what/why/how/when to conduct a Mad Paws Meet & Greet. |
If you’re having a sitter come into your home, it’s also a good time to cover house details like entry instructions. Meeting first and using a lockbox are sensible ways to manage keys.
And trust your gut. If something feels off, or your pet seems uneasy, it’s absolutely fine to keep looking.
What are the red flags when choosing a pet sitter?
❌ They’d rather not meet before the booking
❌ Vague answers about emergencies, routines or experience
❌ A profile with no real detail or only generic reviews
❌ Pressure to move the conversation (or the payment) off the platform
❌ They say yes to everything, including dates and animals, without asking about your pet
One bad sign isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but two or three together means it’s time to look at another profile.
What if it’s not a good match?
It happens, and that’s why it’s a good reason to meet first! At any stage throughout the booking process, if you change your mind or if your pet doesn’t click with a sitter, you can always choose another one. Even after a Meet & Greet, there’s no obligation to commit to a Sitter you’re not vibing with. There are plenty of sitters across Australia, so you don’t have to settle!
Frequently asked questionsCan I meet a Pet Sitter before I book? Yes, and we recommend it. Arrange a Meet & Greet so you can see how the sitter and your pet get along before you confirm. Are Mad Paws pet sitters police checked? All sitters have their identity verified. Police checks are optional, and sitters who’ve provided one display a Police Check badge on their profile. How do I know a sitter is right for my anxious or older pet? Check reviews for similar pets, and be upfront about your pet’s needs when you first message. Then use the Meet & Greet to see how they respond in person. Is it safe to give a sitter my house keys? Meet them in person first, and consider using a lockbox. That way you control access, and the keys can stay with you. What if my pet doesn’t get along with the sitter? There’s no obligation to commit to someone you don’t think is the best fit. You simply connect with another sitter. Can I cancel a booking if I change my mind? Yes, every Sitter sets their cancellation policy (from flexible to strict), meaning you can cancel and get a refund up to 1 day before the booking. |
Ready to find your pet’s perfect match?
Now that you know what to look for in a Pet Sitter, jump onto the Mad Paws app and browse options in your area. Read their reviews, say hello, and book a Meet & Greet. The right match is out there, and it’s worth the time to find them!
