People commonly have a number of questions when it comes to pet sitting, especially since it’s a relatively new thing in many places. Whether you’re wondering how much to pay a cat sitter, just what a house sitter does, or whether or not a dog sitter will also collect your mail, I’ve got you covered. In fact, if you don’t see the answer to your question here, feel free to contact me and ask me directly.
Depending on the amount of time and the services needed, a dog sitter in Toronto typically costs $30-90 a night with some offering cheaper rates for weeks or months.
When choosing a house sitter for your pets, it’s best to meet in-person when possible. If not, then a video call is a great second option. During this time, you should ask about their past experience, services they offer, previous examples of emergency situations, their ability to handle special needs such as pills or IV administration, and references.
When speaking with a home owner, a pet sitter should always ask how many animals they will be responsible for, what types of animals (cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, etc.), the temperament of each animal, how each one is addressed for good or bad behaviour, any medical issues or allergies, their daily routines, special rules related to the house (not allowed on the furniture, etc.), whether or not they can be left alone and for how long, and contact info for both the local vet and a neighbour, friend, or family member.
If you’re looking for a variety of pet services related to cats or dogs (and perhaps other animals), Rover is a great app. However, something like Trusted Housesitters is also a good option if you’re considering a cat or dog sitter.
Whether you’re looking for a cat or dog sitter, hiring a pet sitter is a great option for everyone involved. For your pets, they are able to stay in their own home while maintaining their usual routine and receiving the attention they need. For you, you’re able to cater the service to meet the needs of your animals as well as your house with many pet sitters also offering mail collection, plant watering, and other things.
In Canada, dog sitters make roughly $39,000 per year or $20 an hour. This varies from province to province with those in Ontario making less than $38,000 a year as pet sitters.
A pet sitter looks after your animals while you’re away from your house. They ensure your dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, or other pets are taken care of as you would normally do, and they also water your plants and tend to other things around your home.
As a pet or house sitter, tipping is not typically expected. However, if the house sitter has expenses related to taking care of the animal(s) or something related to the home, you will normally be expected to cover them. In most cases, you can ask for receipts and then work out how and when to pay them.
The typical rate for a cat sitter may depend on the area in which you live, how long you need them for, and what services you require. It can also sometimes be less than the rate for dog sitting. Within Toronto, cat sitting typically costs $30-90 a night with some pet sitters providing discounts for weekly or month long bookings.
A cat sitter will typically look after your cat(s) for you when you are away from your home. Similar to you, they can be expected to feed the cat(s), clean the litter(s), and play with them. In some circumstances, they may also administer medications or IVs or groom them, but this should be discussed previous to the cat sit.
When picking a cat sitter, you should be sure they are comfortable with cats, especially those similar to your animal(s). Being familiar with the breed is a bonus, but also having experience with cats similar in age can be helpful too. If necessary, you should make sure they are comfortable with giving medications as well. If in doubt, a video call or home visit is recommended to get a feeling for how they will engage with your cat(s) before confirming them to cat sit for you.
If you’re looking for someone in Toronto to cat sit for you, you can use a variety of apps or websites to find the perfect cat sitter. Along with these, there are also a number of sitters listed in things such as the Yellow Pages, and many have websites of their own. Be sure to look for reviews, either on their website, social media, or things like Yelp, and book a house visit or video call to see if you’re comfortable with them cat sitting for you before confirming.
If you’re looking for a pet sitter in Toronto, there are a number of resources you can use. Searching through Google will provide some great results, and many who pet sit in Toronto (and outlying areas such as North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, etc.) have websites and profiles on such things as Yelp to offer more info. Along with this, a lot of Toronto pet sitters use apps such as Rover to find clients too.
The easiest way to start house sitting is to let friends and family know that you’re interested in taking care of their dogs, cats, or other animals. Becoming a pet sitter depends on developing trust with the pet owners, and this would already be done with those you know. From there, you can use word of mouth to develop a larger network of home owners before looking online for house sitting websites that require references and other things.
Depending on the arrangement with the home owner and/or the platform used to book the sit, a house sitter can get paid for pet sitting or looking after a home. The rate will vary depending on location, length of the sit, how many animals are involved, and other things. Whether or not payment is to be involved and just how much it will be should always be worked out before the sit is confirmed to avoid any issues.
Like any job, pet sitting can have risks. However, they’re generally no different than if you were looking after a pet of your own. Most pet owners will alert you to any issues with the animals you are to take care of, and a visit before the sit starts is always recommended to see how you get along with them. Outside of this, it’s best to avoid other dogs when walking the animals you are taking care of unless the pet owners specifically say they are great with other animals. This can help to minimize and potential problems that could come up during the sit.
No. Typically, a cat sitter will stay at your home with the animal(s) in order to ensure the least stressful experience for them. By keeping them in the space they are familiar with and maintaining their routine as instructed, your cat(s) is/are sure to greet you happy and healthy when you return. If you’re looking for someone to host your animal(s), then you should find a pet boarder.
Depending on the experience of the cat or dog sitter you speak with, they may be able to administer a variety of medications. Although it’s not common for house sits to involve such things, it does happen and many pet sitters may have already given pills, provided IV fluids, etc. Regardless, it’s best to have the potential house sitter visit you beforehand to go over any procedures and ensure they are comfortable with what is required.
When choosing a pet sitter, these are some red flags to look for:
- they provide delayed or late responses without a reason for being unable to be prompt
- they are unable to provide references or positive reviews from a recognized platform
- they seem disinterested in learning about the needs of the animals or home
- they refuse to do a video chat or call beforehand
Although it’s common for the words to be used interchangeably, there is a slight difference. A pet sitter focuses primarily on the care of your animals, while a house sitter also looks after your home. This could include collecting your mail, watering the plants, and even maintaining a pool in the summer. Not to mention, they can keep the space secure, and ensure it’s occupied while you’re away. In most cases, a professional pet sitter in Toronto will do both, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular option compared to kennels or boarding. When considering someone, it’s always a good idea to confirm exactly what’s included so there are no surprises.
For most cats and dogs, a pet sitter is the best option. Kennels or pet boarding businesses, while a perfectly valid choice, place your animal in an unfamiliar environment alongside other animals, which can cause anxiety — particularly for older pets or those with health issues. A pet sitter will keep your animal in their own home, surrounded by familiar smells, toys, and routines. For dogs, this means walks on their usual routes (and perhaps to see their usual friends). For cats, it means no frightening car rides or strange surroundings. In Toronto, where many pet owners live in condos and apartments, in-home pet sitting is especially practical, since it avoids the need to transport your furry friend(s) altogether.
Yes, and I prefer it in some cases! While my sits are primarily in downtown Toronto, I also cover a number of areas outside of this, including North York, Midtown Toronto, The Junction, Roncesvalles, Thornhill, and more. Depending on the requirements, I would also consider a sit within other parts of the GTA. If you’re unsure whether your neighbourhood is within my service area, feel free to reach out with your location and travel dates and I’ll let you know. Given that many of my clients are repeat customers, I’m also happy to accommodate areas I’ve sat in previously even if they fall slightly outside my usual range.
Yes, this is something I have significant experience with. Over the years, I’ve cared for elderly cats and dogs, blind animals, anxious pets, and animals requiring medications, subcutaneous IV fluids, special diets, and other specific care. If your pet has medical or behavioural needs, the most important thing is to discuss these in detail before the sit begins. Especially in these cases, I always recommend a meet-and-greet beforehand so I can familiarize myself with your pet’s routine, go over any procedures, and make sure both you and your animal feel comfortable before you leave.
Short notice sits are possible, yes. That being said, booking in advance is always recommended. When it comes to holidays such as Christmas, March Break, and the summer months, my calendar can fill up quickly. Of course, I understand that travel plans don’t always come together weeks or months ahead of time. If you need a last-minute pet sitter in Toronto, the best approach is to reach out directly with your dates and I’ll confirm availability as quickly as possible. For urgent requests, please include as much detail as you can (number of pets, type, any special needs) so I can give you an accurate answer right away.
All of my sits are overnight and live-in, meaning I stay at your home for the duration of your trip rather than visiting at set times during the day. This is one of the key advantages of hiring a pet sitter over a kennel or drop-in service: your animal maintains their normal environment and routine around the clock, with someone present in the home overnight. For cats in particular, this provides significantly more continuity than a daily check-in would. In many cases, this translates to less stress for your furry family and happier faces and wagging tails when you return.
Before any sit begins, I always make a point of collecting emergency contact information, your preferred veterinarian’s details, and any relevant medical history for your animals. If something unexpected comes up during the sit, including a health concern, a household issue, or anything else, I’ll contact you as quick as I can. For anything requiring immediate veterinary attention, I’ll act first and keep you informed throughout. From rushing a cat to a vet in Thailand due to a possible snake bite to handling full condo renovations in Toronto, I’m comfortable handling situations that go beyond routine care. You won’t be left guessing.
I do indeed! Beyond the written reviews and testimonials on this site, I’m happy to connect you with past clients who are willing to speak directly about their experience. If you’d prefer to hear firsthand from someone whose pets and home I’ve cared for before committing to a booking, just mention it when you reach out and I’ll arrange it. Many of my clients are repeat customers with whom I’ve built long-term relationships and even friendships, and I would gladly have them share their stories with you.
My house and pet sitting rate covers in-home care for your pet(s) and your home for the full duration of the sit. That includes feeding according to your established routine, providing fresh water, cleaning litters, walks as needed, any medications or special care an animal requires, and regular photo and message updates so you always know how things are going. On the home side, I keep the space tidy, collect mail, water plants if needed, and make sure everything is in good order for when you return. There are no hidden add-ons for standard care, and I always consult with you before making any unexpected purchases, e.g., vet visits or extra food. If your situation has specific requirements, please disclose them upfront before anything is confirmed.
For most regular travel, booking three to four weeks ahead is a comfortable window. That said, the further out you can plan, the better. Peak periods such as Christmas, New Year’s, March Break, and the summer months from June through August fill up quickly, and I’d recommend reaching out at least four to six weeks ahead for those dates if possible. Thanksgiving and long weekends in the spring are often also booked farther in advance. If you’re a returning client with recurring travel, it’s worth getting in touch even if the details aren’t fully confirmed yet. I often won’t book beyond a month or two just to avoid a possible cancellation due to work or an unforeseen event, but I can put a tentative hold on dates when notified in advance.
Payment is made once the sit is confirmed rather than at the time of inquiry. If you need to cancel, please do so at least one week before the start date. Cancellations made outside of that window are subject to a fee of 50% of the total booking amount. This policy exists to fairly account for the time that’s been set aside and any other bookings that may have been declined for those dates. For longer sits or bookings during peak holiday periods, feel free to ask about the specifics when you get in touch.
My primary experience is with cats and dogs, and the majority of my sits involve one or both. That said, I’ve cared for a variety of animals (e.g., lizards and rabbits) over the years, and I’m open to discussing other types of pets depending on the situation. If you have a rabbit, bird, lizard, or other animal as part of your household, then feel free to get in touch and we can talk through whether it’s a good fit.
Can you care for multiple pets at the same time?
Yes, multi-pet households are common and very much something I’ve done before. I’ve sat for households with as many as six dogs at once, as well as homes with a mix of dogs and cats. Each animal gets individual attention, and I follow whatever feeding, medication, or care routines are specific to each one. If your pets have a unique dynamic between them — or if one requires more involved care than the others — that’s worth discussing beforehand so we can set things up to go as smoothly as possible while you’re away.