“Dog sitting” can describe very different arrangements. Start by choosing where your dog will stay, how long care lasts and who will be there.
What the services mean
- Home visits: a carer visits your home at agreed times. Confirm the visit length and the time your dog will spend alone.
- House sitting: a sitter stays in your home. Agree overnight presence and daytime absences explicitly.
- Day care: your dog attends a provider’s premises during the day. Ask about grouping, rest and supervision.
- Home boarding: your dog stays in the provider’s home overnight. Check suitability, other dogs and the applicable licence.
- Dog walking: exercise at agreed times. Ask about group size, transport, off-lead consent and weather plans.
Meet before you commit
Discuss your dog’s routine, comfort around people and animals, escape risks and any care requirements. See the relevant environment where appropriate. Agree a trial or gradual introduction when needed. A platform profile or review cannot answer every suitability question.
Check the arrangement, then the paperwork
Ask who actually provides care, what insurance covers, who is the emergency backup, which vet will be contacted, and how costs and cancellations work. Discuss medication and emergency consent directly and securely.
Licensing differs across the UK
Commercial dog boarding and day care may need a licence. The rules depend on the activity and nation. In England, arranging boarding can also be within scope. Do not assume England’s star ratings apply everywhere.
Use the official guidance for England, Wales and Scotland, or Northern Ireland, then check with the relevant authority. Licence details in a listing must be confirmed with that authority.
Create a care handover checklist or find dog sitting services.