I've been doing in-home pet sitting for a while now, and I've seen what works — and what a lot of sitters skip.

Here's what actually matters when someone's watching your dog at home:

1. Keep their routine exactly the same.

Same feeding times, same walk schedule, same bedtime. Dogs are creatures of habit. Change stresses them out more than you being gone does.

2. Send photo/video updates without being asked.

If your sitter only sends updates when you text first, that's a red flag. You should be getting check-ins throughout the day without having to wonder how your pup is doing.

3. Know basic pet first aid.

What do you do if a dog eats something they shouldn't? Has a seizure? Gets stung? Your sitter should know the answer to all of these before it happens.

4. Meet the pet before the first sit.

Every animal is different. A good sitter does a meet-and-greet to learn your dog's quirks, triggers, and favorite spots — not just show up on day one and wing it.

5. Actually stay at your home (if that's the arrangement).

Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. In-home means in-home. Your dog shouldn't be alone overnight.

This is the standard I hold myself to with every client. If you're looking for reliable, attentive in-home pet care — that's what Pawsitive Touch is all about. 🐾