Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Housesit

Daily routine questions

• “What does a typical day look like for [pet name]?” – Let them describe it in their own words. You'll learn more from their narrative than from a checklist.
• “What times do they eat, and what exactly do they eat?” – Including portion sizes, wet vs dry, any supplements or medications mixed in.
• “Where does the pet sleep?” – Crucial. If they sleep on the owner's bed and you don't want that, discuss it now.
• “How long can they be left alone?” – Some pets genuinely cannot be alone for more than an hour. Know this before you commit.

Behaviour questions

• “How are they with strangers/other dogs/cats?” – Listen carefully here. “He's protective” often means reactive or aggressive.
• “How are they on a leash? Any pulling or reactivity?” – A 40kg dog that lunges at other dogs is very different from one that walks calmly.
• “What's their recall like off-lead?” – Can they be let off, or must they stay on the lead always?
• “Any separation anxiety?” – Barking, destruction, soiling when alone? This dramatically affects your freedom.

Health questions

• “Any medical conditions or medications?” – Frequency, dosage, technique (pills hidden in food vs injections).
• “Are they up to date on vaccinations?” – Especially relevant if you'll be around other animals.
• “Any allergies or dietary restrictions?” – Including treats you shouldn't give.
• “For elderly pets: Any end-of-life wishes I should know about?” – Difficult but important for very senior animals.

Practical essentials

• “Is there reliable WiFi?” – Critical if you work remotely. Ask for a speed test result if possible.
• “Is there a desk or workspace I could use?” – If you work remotely, a kitchen table isn't always suitable. And in winter, check that the workspace is in a heated part of the house.
• “What's the parking situation?” – If you're driving, is there off-street parking? Permit required?
• “Is the area walkable for shops and essentials?” – Or will you need a car for everything?
• “Any areas of the house that are off-limits?” – Locked rooms, home offices, storage areas.

Quirks and systems

• “Anything unusual about the heating, hot water, or appliances?” – Old houses often have quirks.
• “Is there an alarm system? How does it work?” – Including what happens if it goes off accidentally.
• “Are there any cameras inside or outside the house?” – You have a right to know. Indoor cameras should be off during your stay.
• “Will anyone else have access during the sit?” – Cleaners, gardeners, family members popping by?
• “Is there a cat flap, and how does it work?” – Some owners expect doors or windows left open for cat access. In winter, this matters. Microchip flaps, curfew timings – clarify now.
• “Is there anything sentimental or irreplaceable I should know about?” – Valuable items, family heirlooms, antiques in high-pet-traffic areas. It's easier to discuss this now than after an accident.

Additional responsibilities

• “Any garden or plant watering needed?” – Can be substantial in summer.
• “Mail, bins, recycling – anything I need to manage?”
• “Any other animals I should know about?” – Fish, chickens, outdoor cats that aren't in the listing.

• “What time are you actually leaving, and what time do you return?” – Sit dates and actual departure times often differ. Clarify handover timing.
• “What time would you like me to arrive?” – Allow time for a proper handover.
• “How contactable will you be during the trip?” – Some owners are in remote areas with limited signal.
• “Who's your emergency backup if I can't reach you?” – Neighbour, friend, family member.
• “Where's the nearest vet, and do they have your details on file?” – Some vets won't treat without owner authorisation. Our guide to handling pet emergencies covers what to arrange in advance.
• “How would vet bills be handled in an emergency?” – Card on file? You pay and get reimbursed? Clarify before it matters.

Questions to Ask About Cleaning

• “What are your expectations for how I leave the home?” – Let them describe their standard. Match expectations now.
• “Should I wash the sheets and towels I use?” – Surprisingly controversial. Some owners have specific preferences.
• “Is there anything beyond normal tidiness you'd like me to do?” – Deep cleaning, garden maintenance, fridge clean-out?

Questions to Ask About Surveillance

• “Are there any cameras inside the home? Can they be turned off during my stay?”
• “What smart home devices will be active?” – Ring doorbells, Alexa, motion sensors that send notifications.
• “How often do you expect updates?” – Daily photos? Weekly check-ins? Constant monitoring feels very different from occasional updates.

Questions to Ask About Vet Emergencies

• “How would vet bills be paid in an emergency?” – Card on file at the vet? You pay and get reimbursed? Cash left for emergencies?
• “What authorisation does the vet need to treat?” – Some won't treat without owner consent.
• “Is there a spending limit I should know about?” – Before calling you for approval vs. acting immediately.

Questions to Clarify

• “Will I have the entire house to myself, or are there shared spaces?”
• “Will any family members, tenants, or lodgers be present during my stay?”
• “Are there any regular visitors I should expect?” – Cleaners, gardeners, family checking in.

The question that reveals everything

Experienced sitters often ask one deceptively simple question:

“Has anything ever gone wrong on a previous sit? How was it handled?”

Their answer tells you volumes. Homeowners who are honest, reflective, and reasonable will share openly. Those who blame every previous sitter for every problem may be difficult to satisfy themselves.