I run an in-home pet sitting business, and the #1 question I get before every booking is some version of "how do I know you'll actually take care of my dog like I would?"

Fair question. Here's what separates a sitter you can trust from one you're just hoping works out:

1. They ask about routine before price. If the first conversation is only about cost, that's a red flag. A good sitter wants to know feeding times, walk schedules, anxiety triggers, and vet info before anything else.

2. Daily proof, not just promises. Photos and videos aren't a nice-to-have — they're the entire point. If a sitter can't show you what's happening in real time, you're flying blind.

3. They sit in YOUR home. Boarding facilities are convenient but stressful for a lot of pets — new smells, new animals, new stress hormones. In-home sitting keeps your pet's routine, bed, and environment exactly the same. Less disruption = calmer pet.

4. Background checks aren't optional. You're handing someone keys to your home and the life of a family member. If a service can't tell you how they vet sitters, ask twice.

I started Cozy Paws Sitting because I was tired of hearing horror stories from friends who came home to skipped walks and no updates. If you're a busy professional who travels and wants your pet cared for like you'd do it yourself, that's exactly who we built this for.

Happy to answer questions from anyone thinking about starting a pet care business too — happy to share what's worked.