Pet Sitting 101 — What Every Canadian Pet Owner Should Know
Understand pet sitting vs boarding, what to look for in a sitter, how to prepare your pet, costs by service type, and how to keep your pet happy while you're away.
Pet Sitting vs Boarding — Which Is Right for You?
The biggest decision most pet owners face is whether to hire an in-home pet sitter or use a boarding facility. Both have advantages depending on your pet's personality, health, and your travel plans.
In-Home Pet Sitting
- Your pet stays in their own environment with familiar smells, bed, and routine
- Less stress for anxious pets, senior pets, or cats who hate car rides
- Sitter can also water plants, bring in mail, and keep your home looking lived-in
- One-on-one attention for your pet
- Best for pets with medical needs or separation anxiety
Boarding Facilities
- Staff on-site 24/7 — good for pets who need constant supervision
- Social dogs may enjoy group play and interaction with other dogs
- Structured schedules with regular feeding, exercise, and playtime
- Some facilities offer grooming, training, and vet services
- Can be more affordable for single-pet households
What to Look for in a Pet Sitter
Finding the right sitter is about more than availability. Here's what experienced pet owners check before booking:
Insurance and Bonding
Professional pet sitters should carry liability insurance and be bonded. This protects you if something goes wrong — an accident, injury, or property damage.
Experience with Your Pet Type
A great dog sitter isn't automatically great with cats, birds, or reptiles. Ask about experience with your specific type and breed of pet.
References and Reviews
Ask for at least 2-3 references from current clients. Check online reviews. A good sitter will happily share these.
Meet-and-Greet
Always do an in-person meet-and-greet before booking. Watch how the sitter interacts with your pet. Your pet's reaction matters.
Emergency Plan
Ask what happens in an emergency. Do they have your vet's number? A backup sitter? Transportation for vet visits?
How to Prepare Your Pet for a Sitter
A little preparation goes a long way. Here's how to set your pet and sitter up for success:
Write everything down. Feeding schedule, medication instructions, vet contact info, emergency contacts, your pet's quirks and triggers, and house rules. Even experienced sitters appreciate written instructions.
Do a trial run. Before a long trip, book a shorter stay — a single overnight or a few drop-in visits. This lets your pet adjust and you can see how the sitter communicates.
Leave supplies ready. Enough food, medication, treats, poop bags, and litter for the full duration plus a few extra days. Label everything clearly.
Share your vet info. Leave your vet's name, address, and phone number. Authorize the sitter to seek emergency treatment and discuss payment arrangements in advance.
Leave a spare key. Give the sitter a key in advance, and consider leaving one with a trusted neighbor as backup.
Pet Care Costs in Canada by Service Type
Rates vary by city, pet size, number of pets, and sitter experience. Here are typical ranges across Canada:
| Service | Typical Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Pet Sitting | $40–$80/night | Vacations, anxious pets, multiple pets |
| Dog Walking | $15–$30/walk | Working owners, high-energy dogs |
| Drop-In Visits | $15–$25/visit | Cats, short trips, medication needs |
| Boarding Facility | $30–$75/night | Social dogs, owners wanting 24/7 coverage |
| Puppy/Senior Care | $50–$100/night | Special needs, frequent potty breaks |
Rates are approximate and vary by region. Always get a quote from your sitter.
Medication and Special Needs Care
Many pets require daily medication, insulin injections, or special diets. Here's what you need to know:
Most professional pet sitters can administer oral medications, eye drops, ear drops, and topical treatments. Some are trained to give subcutaneous fluids or insulin injections — always ask about their experience with your pet's specific needs.
For pets with complex medical needs, look for sitters who specialize in senior or medical-needs care. These sitters typically charge a premium but have experience handling emergencies and monitoring symptoms.
Always do a medication training session with your sitter before you leave. Show them exactly how to give the medication, what time, and what to watch for. Leave written instructions with dosages and your vet's emergency number.
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