If you arrange a meeting with a prospective sitter and he shows up late, it may be an indication that he is not responsible or capable of looking after pets properly. A good pet sitter should arrive to meetings on time, be easily reachable by phone, clearly explain the terms of payment and exhibit a professional, positive attitude. The sitter should behave courteously and kindly to both you and your pet and should be willing to provide character references upon request.
Any pet sitter that you hire should have previous experience with caring for pets over a long period of time. In addition, he should have experience in caring for your particular species of pet. For example, don't hire a sitter that specializes in dogs to watch over your iguana. The ideal pet sitter will plan ahead for potential emergencies. Ask your prospective sitter if he has an on-call veterinarian and where he would take your pet during a natural disaster or similar event.
Above all, any prospective pet sitter must be truly concerned about your pet's well being and be committed to keeping your pet safe and happy until your return. When you meet with the sitter, he should be eager to learn about your pet and to interact with your pet in a cheerful manner. The sitter should be comfortable interacting with animals. Never hire someone who is afraid of your pet. Don't be afraid to interview multiple potential sitters to find the person who is most genuinely excited about spending time with your pets.
