How to Find a Pet Sitter in Canada as a Newcomer

Are you migrating to Canada with your beloved pet and dreaming about travelling to explore this new country, but not sure who will care for them while you’re away? If you’re wondering how to find a pet sitter in Canada, you’re not alone.

Going on vacation is always an exciting experience, but leaving your pet behind can bring a lot of anxiety. Back home, maybe you had a friend, a cat-loving aunt, or someone who helped you out. But as a newcomer, you probably haven’t built that support circle yet.

Let me share how, based on our experience, finding a great pet sitter changed everything for us, and how we travel knowing our cat Corita is in the best hands.

1. What is a Pet Sitter?

If you’re starting to explore how to find a pet sitter in Canada, it’s helpful to understand what a pet sitter actually does.

A pet sitter is someone who temporarily cares for another person’s pet, usually in the pet’s own home, while the owner is away.

Pet sitting is a wonderful way to make sure your pet is loved and cared for while you’re not around. It usually includes giving food and water, taking care of exercise needs, and offering company, always following the owner’s instructions.

2. How Do I Find a Trustworthy and Reliable Pet Sitter?

If you’re wondering how to find a pet sitter in Canada who is reliable and trustworthy, let me tell you what worked for us.

We discovered the TrustedHousesitters platform, and it’s been a game changer ever since.

TrustedHousesitters connects pet owners with caring and responsible pet sitters from all over the world. It’s perfect for anyone who travels often or needs to be away from home for a while, as it offers a simple and affordable way to make sure your pets are in good hands.

One thing we love is that the sitters on this platform don’t charge for their services. It’s a kind exchange between people who love animals and enjoy travelling. The review system also gave us a lot of confidence. You can read honest feedback from other pet owners about the sitters who apply to care for your home and pets.

3. What Does a Pet Sitter Do?

As you figure out how to find a pet sitter in Canada, it’s important to understand what a pet sitter usually does, and how their tasks can be adapted to your pet’s specific needs.

The duties of a pet sitter can vary depending on your instructions, but they usually include the basics: giving food and water, providing exercise and playtime, and keeping your pet company while you’re away. Some sitters can also help with things like brushing, bathing, or giving medications if needed.

A good pet sitter will also update you regularly, often by sending photos or short videos, so you can feel at ease while you’re away.

To help your sitter do the best job possible, it’s a good idea to leave clear instructions, things like your pet’s routine, any special care or training, and other important details. You can also ask for help with small tasks like watering plants, picking up mail, or taking out the recycling.

4. How Much Does a Pet Sitter Cost in Canada?

When you’re learning how to find a pet sitter in Canada, one of the first questions that comes up is cost, and the answer depends on where you look.

On platforms like TrustedHousesitters, you don’t pay the sitter directly. Instead, you pay for a yearly membership, which allows you to connect with as many pet sitters as you need, with no extra fees per sit.

To get started as a pet owner, you simply create an account on their website. You’ll be asked for basic details like your name, email, and location.

Once your account is ready, you can build a profile with information about your pets, their routines, and your home. This helps potential sitters understand what’s expected and see if they’re a good match for your furry family.

5. How Long Can a Pet Sitter Stay With My Pet?

When you’re figuring out how to find a pet sitter in Canada, one of the things to consider is how long you’ll need them to stay.

The answer is simple: as long as you need. You just have to mention the dates clearly in your listing. I’ve seen stays for a weekend, a week, a month, or even longer.

Having a pet sitter means your pets get to stay in the comfort of their home, which is especially helpful for animals that get anxious or stressed in unfamiliar places like kennels. A sitter can give your pets personal attention, follow their routines, and make sure all their needs are met while you’re away.

6. What Qualifications or Training Should a Pet Sitter Have?

If you’re learning how to find a pet sitter in Canada, you might wonder what kind of training or experience they should have.

The truth is, there are no official requirements or certifications to be a pet sitter. But since this person will be responsible for your beloved pet, it’s important to make sure they’re a good fit. For example, if your pet needs a daily insulin injection or special care, you’ll want someone with experience handling that.

Once your listing is live, you can start checking out sitters who are interested. Platforms like TrustedHousesitters let you search by location, availability, and experience. You can view their profiles, read reviews from other pet owners, and message them with any questions to help you decide if they’re the right match for your pet.

7. How Do I Prepare My Pet and Home for a Pet Sitter?

Once you’ve figured out how to find a pet sitter in Canada, the next step is to prepare your home and pets before you leave for your trip.

This means making sure your home is clean and tidy, that your pets have enough food and supplies, and, most importantly, that your sitter has everything they need to care for your furry family.

Be sure to leave detailed care instructions, including feeding schedules, favorite toys, health concerns, and any medication your pet needs. Also, make sure your sitter has all the keys, security codes, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important info to feel at home and take care of everything smoothly.

8. What If My Pet Has Special Needs or Requires Medication?

When learning how to find a pet sitter in Canada, it’s important to be clear about any special needs your pet may have.

If your pet needs medication or has a specific routine, include that information in your listing. It helps potential sitters know what to expect and makes the onboarding process much easier.

For example, our cat uses an inhaler every morning (yes, she really does!). So we created a simple step-by-step guide with pictures showing how it works. When we have an interview or a pre-visit with a possible pet sitter, we show them exactly how to use it. This helps everyone feel more confident and prepared.

9. What If There Is an Emergency While I Am Away?

When you’re figuring out how to find a pet sitter in Canada, one important step is preparing for unexpected situations, like emergencies.

Once you’ve confirmed a sitter, it’s a good idea to prepare and share a Welcome Guide. This document can be as detailed as you want, and after more than a year of experience, I can tell you, it makes things much easier for both you and your sitter.

In this guide, we include everything from the Wi-Fi password to where to find cleaning supplies. But most importantly, it has all the emergency info: your vet’s contact, nearby animal hospitals, pet insurance details, and anything else they might need if something happens.

Create this guide once, and just update it when anything changes. It brings a lot of peace of mind while you’re away.

10. Can a Pet Sitter Stay in My Home, or Do They Take My Pet to Theirs?

If you’re looking into how to find a pet sitter in Canada, you might wonder where the sitter will stay, your home or theirs?

TrustedHousesitters works by having pet sitters stay in your home. That way, your pet stays in their familiar environment, surrounded by their routines and favourite spots. It’s less stressful for them, and for you, too, knowing they’re safe and comfortable at home while you’re away.

11. How Do I Get a Pet Sitter in Canada?

Now that you know the basics of how to find a pet sitter in Canada, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Register on TrustedHousesitters
   Create an account on the platform.
2. Build your profile and listing
   Share detailed information about your pets, like their routines, any medical conditions, how long you’ll be away, and anything else a potential sitter should know. You can also describe your home, including its location, size, and any special features.
3. Post your listing in advance
   Give yourself enough time to review applications and choose the sitter that feels right for you.
4. Receive applications or invite sitters
   Sit back and wait for people to apply, or reach out to someone directly through the platform.
5. Interview your potential sitters (optional but helpful)
   A short video call or message exchange can help you feel confident they’re the right match.
6. Confirm your sitter
   Once you’ve found someone who feels like a good fit, accept them through the platform.
7. Prepare your home
   Follow the tips mentioned in section 7, like leaving clear instructions, pet supplies, and access details.
8. Stay in touch while you’re away
   Use the TrustedHousesitters messaging system to check in, ask for updates, and share anything new that comes up.
9. Leave a review when you return
   Thank your sitter and leave a review! It helps other pet owners and gives feedback to the sitter.

Conclusion

I hope this post gave you the clarity and confidence to explore how to find a pet sitter in Canada. It might feel like a big step at first, especially if you’re new to the country, but once you try it, you’ll see how much peace of mind it can bring. And who knows? You might even find someone you’ll want to invite back again and again.

You can use a combined membership on TrustedHousesitters, which allows you to be both pet owner and pet sitter. That way, you can have someone caring for your pet when you’re away and also offer your help to others who need a sitter.

And if you’re curious about becoming a pet sitter yourself, check out How to Start Pet Sitting While Travelling for Free for all the details.

Looking for more helpful tips for pet owners in Canada? You might also like What to Buy for a Cat in Canada: 15 Essentials.

Thanks for reading, and good luck finding the perfect sitter for your furry friend!