What Makes a Great Pet Sitter? Traits to Look For

A Guide from Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA

Lezlie DeGan Founder & Owner

Leaving your furry friend in someone else’s care isn’t just a logistical decision — it’s a deeply personal one. You’re not just hiring someone to feed and walk your pet. You’re choosing someone to nurture them, to observe them closely, and to be there when you can’t. So what should you look for in a truly great pet sitter?

At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we believe pet sitting is a profession that calls for more than just a love of animals. It requires responsibility, empathy, skill, and reliability. Whether you’re hiring for a weekend away or a long vacation, here are the qualities that separate the good from the truly great.

1. Reliability You Can Set Your Watch To

A great pet sitter treats your schedule — and your pet’s — with respect. That means:

Arriving on time, every time
Never missing a scheduled visit
Clearly communicating about any delays or changes

At Lezlie’s, we pride ourselves on punctuality. Your pet’s routine matters, and we stick to it — whether it’s a 6am walk or a 9pm medication.

2. Genuine Love and Patience for All Animals

Loving animals is a prerequisite, but great pet sitters show:

Patience with shy, nervous, or quirky pets
Kindness in every interaction, even with difficult animals
Respect for your pet’s boundaries and body language

At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting, we understand that some pets take time to warm up. We never rush the bonding process — we meet animals where they are.

3. Detail-Oriented and Observant

The best sitters notice when something’s off. Whether it’s a skipped meal, a strange limp, or an unusual behavior, observant sitters can catch early warning signs of illness or stress.

We train our team at Lezlie’s to:

Monitor food and water intake
Check litter boxes or waste habits for changes
Log behavioral cues that may indicate stress or health issues

It’s not just pet care — it’s pet wellness monitoring.

4. Excellent Communication Skills

You shouldn’t be left wondering how your pet is doing. Great sitters provide updates that are:

Timely
Honest
Reassuring

At Lezlie’s, we send daily photos, videos, or personalized updates based on your preferences. Whether you want a quick text or a detailed summary, we keep you in the loop — and at ease.

5. Flexibility and Problem-Solving Ability

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Great pet sitters know how to handle:

A power outage
A sick pet
A door that sticks
A thunderstorm that spooks your dog

They’re calm under pressure and ready with a plan. At Lezlie’s, our sitters are trained to think ahead, act fast, and always put your pet’s safety first.

6. Trustworthiness in Your Home

You’re not just giving a sitter access to your pet — you’re inviting them into your private space. That requires:

Respect for your property
Following all instructions exactly
Locking up securely
Discretion and professionalism

All team members at Lezlie’s Pet Sitting are vetted, insured, and trained with your peace of mind in mind. Our goal is to leave your home just as we found it — and your pet even happier.

7. Experience and Continued Learning

Anyone can say they “love animals,” but experienced sitters have:

Worked with a variety of pets and temperaments
Administered medications or managed special needs
Learned from years of real-life, in-the-field situations

At Lezlie’s, we believe in continued growth. Our team regularly shares insights, attends local pet care workshops, and stays current on best practices for safety and enrichment.

8. Consistency and Familiarity

Pets bond best with people they know. That’s why a great pet sitter strives to create consistency. Whether it’s remembering how your dog likes her belly rubbed or where your cat prefers her food bowl, details matter.

Our clients in Marietta appreciate that Lezlie’s Pet Sitting provides consistent caregivers who build long-term relationships with pets. Familiar faces = happy tails.

9. Respect for Every Animal’s Personality

Not every dog is a social butterfly. Not every cat wants affection. A great sitter adapts their approach, offering care that’s respectful, not forced.

At Lezlie’s, we:

Let nervous pets warm up on their own time
Use positive reinforcement
Never punish or scold — we support and guide

Every visit is built around your pet’s emotional needs.

Final Thoughts: Hire With Your Heart and Your Head

It’s okay to trust your gut when choosing a sitter — but make sure your heart and your checklist agree. A great pet sitter is one part caregiver, one part communicator, and one part companion to your furry family member.

At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we strive to meet and exceed every one of these qualities — and our long-time clients (and their pets!) agree.

Ready to find a sitter you can truly rely on? Reach out to Lezlie’s today and schedule a meet-and-greet. Because your pet deserves nothing less than great.

What Makes a Great Pet Sitter? Traits to Look For