Getting a pet sitter is important, but finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Not to mention that it’s also stressful to leave your pets with someone else.
With so many options out there — apps, word of mouth, neighborhood flyers — it's hard to know where to start or who to trust.
After years of helping customers find reliable sitters, we’ve seen what works and what goes wrong. Here's what to look for (and what to watch out for) when choosing someone to care for your pet.
Green Flags: What Good Looks Like
🟠 Experience and references. A great pet sitter should be able to point to real experience — whether that's professional history, training, or long-term clients who can vouch for them. Don't hesitate to ask for references and actually follow up on them.
🟠 They want to meet your pet first. A confident, caring sitter will suggest a meet-and-greet before committing. This lets them assess your pet's personality and needs, and gives your pet a chance to warm up to them before you're out the door.
🟠 They ask good questions. Does your pet have dietary restrictions? Medications? Triggers or fears? A sitter who asks detailed questions is someone who's thinking ahead and taking the job seriously.
🟠 They're calm and confident around animals. You'll be able to feel this pretty quickly. Animals pick up on anxious energy — someone who's relaxed and knows how to read animal body language is a huge plus.
Need a sitter you can trust this month? Some of our Bernal Beast staff members are experienced sitters (that we recommend!) Reach out to Dylan at dylan@bernalbeast.com if you’re interested.
Red Flags: What To Watch Out For
🟠 Vague or evasive answers. If someone can't clearly explain their experience, their emergency protocol, or how they handle a sick or injured pet, that's a problem. You want someone who's thought these scenarios through.
🟠 No interest in meeting your pet beforehand. Skipping the meet-and-greet is a shortcut that can lead to a bad match — or worse, a stressed or unsafe pet.
🟠 Overcrowded schedules. If a sitter is juggling too many clients at once, your pet may not get the attention they need. Ask how many animals they care for at a time and whether they have backup support if something comes up.
🟠 Poor communication. If they're slow to respond, unclear, or hard to pin down before you've even hired them, imagine what it'll be like when you're traveling and need an update on your pet.
Looking for a Trusted Referral? Ask Us!
Finding someone you can truly trust with your pet is no small thing — and that's where we can help.
Unlike apps where you’re starting from scratch, our sitters are part of our team. People we trust with animals every day.
Looking for a reliable pet sitter at Bernal Heights, San Francisco area right now?Contact us and we’ll connect you with someone we trust.
