For pet owners · Pet care
How do I find a trustworthy pet sitter in Canada?
Start with people your vet, neighbours or local pet community already know, then check any sitter yourself: ask about experience with your kind of animal, call references, hold a meet-and-greet in your home, book a short trial visit, and agree in writing on keys, emergencies and vet contact before a longer trip.
In 60 seconds
- The best starting points are word of mouth from your vet clinic, neighbours and other pet owners, plus platforms where you can screen sitters yourself.
- Before you choose anyone, ask about experience with your species, age and health needs, and call at least two references who have used the sitter.
- A meet-and-greet in your home shows you how the sitter handles your pet and lets your pet meet them before you leave.
- A short paid trial visit or overnight before a long trip is the cheapest way to find problems while you are still close by.
- Keys, alarm codes and emergency plans should be agreed in writing, including who can authorize vet care while you are away.
- While your pet is in their care, a sitter takes on legal duties under the Criminal Code and provincial animal protection laws, which differ by province.
Where should I look for a pet sitter in Canada?
The most reliable places to look are people who already know you or your pet: your vet clinic, groomer, neighbours, friends with similar animals and local breed or rescue groups. Online platforms widen the pool, but any sitter you find there still needs the same checks as someone recommended by a friend.
Ask your vet clinic first. Staff often know who looks after patients well, and some clinic staff pet sit on the side. A recommendation is a starting point, not a substitute for your own checks, because a sitter who suits a calm senior cat may not suit a young, anxious dog.
Start early. Popular sitters can book up around long weekends and holidays, and you want time for a meet-and-greet and a trial before the real trip.
What should I check before choosing a pet sitter?
Check experience with your type of animal, how the sitter handles emergencies, whether they can give medication your pet needs, and what references say. Ask for at least two references from people whose pets they looked after, and actually call them. Also confirm availability for your exact dates and how they will send you updates.
- Experience with your species, breed size, age and any health conditions
- Comfort giving pills, liquids, injections or special diets if your pet needs them
- Two or more references you can phone, not just written comments
- Any first aid training for pets, and whether they carry liability insurance
- What they would do if your pet got sick, escaped or stopped eating
- How often they send updates, and in what form (text, photos, video)
- Backup plan if the sitter gets sick during your trip
What should happen at a pet sitter meet-and-greet?
A meet-and-greet should happen in your home, with your pet present, before any booking is final. Watch how the sitter approaches your animal, walk them through feeding, medication and the house, and ask how they would handle a problem. If your pet or your instincts are uneasy, keep looking.
Let the sitter do the things they will do alone: put on the harness, measure food, find the litter scoop, open and lock the door. Small hesitations now are easy to fix. A sitter who asks good questions about your pet’s habits is usually a better sign than one who says everything will be fine.
Why book a trial visit before a long trip?
A trial visit or short overnight lets you test the arrangement while you are still nearby and can step in. Book one before any trip longer than a weekend. It shows whether the sitter follows your instructions, sends the updates they promised, and whether your pet eats, rests and behaves normally with them.
Pay for the trial like any other visit and treat it as a real test. Afterward, check that the food was measured correctly, doors and windows were locked, and the house was left the way you expect. Ask the sitter what they noticed. Their observations tell you how closely they pay attention.
How should I handle keys and home access with a pet sitter?
Give a sitter only the access they need, and write down how it works. Hand over keys in person or use a lockbox or smart lock code you can change after the trip. Tell them about alarm codes, tricky locks and which neighbour holds a spare, and agree on when keys come back.
- Label keys without your address attached
- Change any temporary codes when the sitter is finished
- Tell your alarm company or building concierge who is authorized to enter
- Leave a trusted neighbour’s number in case the sitter is locked out
Is a pet sitter legally responsible for my pet while I am away?
Yes, in general. The Criminal Code makes it an offence for an owner or a person with custody or control of an animal to wilfully neglect it or fail to provide adequate food, water, shelter and care. Provincial animal protection laws add their own duties, and they differ from province to province.
For example, British Columbia’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act defines a person responsible for an animal to include someone who has custody or control of it, and says that person must care for the animal. Nova Scotia’s Animal Protection Act defines a custodian to include someone given custody, care or control of an animal. Check your own province’s statute, and speak with a lawyer if you need advice on a specific situation.
How does Maple Care help me find a pet sitter?
On Maple Care you can post a free, anonymous pet care request that shows only your city. Independent care professionals who want your contact details pay to get them, and you choose how many can (at least five). You still interview, check references and agree rates and payment directly with the sitter.
Our team reviews every account, and professionals can earn badges for certifications we check, such as pet first aid. Badges are a screening signal, not a background check. Maple Care does not supervise anyone’s work or handle payment for care. Ask our team for our care agreement template if you want a written starting point.
Free to post. Your contact details stay private.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?
Book as early as you can, ideally several weeks ahead for ordinary trips and earlier for summer and the December holidays. That leaves time for a meet-and-greet, a trial visit and a backup plan if your first choice is not available or not the right fit for your pet.
Should I ask a pet sitter for a criminal record check?
You can ask. A sitter will have keys to your home, so some owners request a police record check. Rules on what checks show and who can request them vary by province and police service, so ask your local police service what applies. References and a trial visit still matter as much.
What if my pet does not like the sitter?
Some pets take time to warm up, but clear fear, hiding or aggression at the meet-and-greet is worth taking seriously. Try a second short visit. If your pet is still very stressed, look for a different sitter or consider whether another type of care suits that animal better.
Is a friend or neighbour as good as a professional pet sitter?
Sometimes. A friend who knows your pet well can be a great choice for a healthy animal and a short trip. For pets on medication, with complex needs, or for longer trips, someone with experience and a plan for emergencies is usually safer.
What should I do if something goes wrong while I am away?
Agree before you leave on who the sitter calls first, which vet clinic to use, and who can approve treatment and costs. Leave a trusted local contact who can step in. If you suspect neglect, you can contact your provincial animal protection authority or SPCA.
Sources and evidence
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