Before you hand over a key

How to hire a sitter or walker here

This directory lists independent sitters and walkers. It does not employ, bond, or guarantee them. You call them. Ask these yourself.

Sitter, drop-in, or boarding?

Sitting is at your house. A drop-in is a short visit. Boarding is at theirs. Say which you want. Ask how long your pet is actually watched.

Will you meet us first?

Ask for a meet before you book. Watch how they handle the animal. Walk feed, entry, and meds together.

How long will my pet be alone?

Ask the longest gap in hours. Overnight can still include hours they are gone.

What other pets are in the home?

Their pets, other clients, group walks. Ask if yours can be the only animal.

Can you give this medication?

Name the med and how it is given. Ask them to show you they can do it.

What is the emergency vet plan?

Which hospital. Who authorizes treatment. What they do if they cannot reach you.

Watch-outs

They skip the meet.
They will not say how long the pet is alone.
They have no named emergency vet.

Why Google ratings matter

Neighbors open Google before they call. They scan stars and recent notes, then decide if a sitter looks real and reachable. A thin or silent profile loses that job. SteadyRank keeps the follow-up loop after a closed job ($297/mo). No rank promise. No lead cut.

Back to the list

Before you book pet care

State business license: Search the business name on the Washington Department of Revenue — Business Lookup. It shows whether the business holds an active Washington business license. No match is not proof of a problem (the license may be under an owner’s name), but it is a fair question to ask.
Meet-and-greet first: Ask for a meet-and-greet before the first walk or stay. Watch how the sitter handles your pet, and hand over vet records, feeding notes and an emergency contact.
Insurance and emergencies: Ask whether the business carries pet-care liability insurance or a bond, and what they do if your pet gets hurt or sick: which vet, who pays first, how they reach you.

Links checked on 2026-10-08. This is general guidance, not legal advice.