What to Expect From a Pet Sitter: How Booking With Safe & Sound Works

Thinking about reaching out but not quite sure what happens next? This one's for you...

Knowing what to expect from a pet sitter before you commit makes the whole process feel a lot less daunting. So we've laid out exactly how things work from first hello to happy homecoming.

Whether you're booking a professional pet sitter in New Zealand for the first time or just want to know how we specifically do things, we hope this helps.

Step 1: Do your research

Before reaching out to any sitter, it's worth making sure in-home pet sitting is actually the right fit for your situation. If you're not sure, our blog is a good place to start! We've written honestly about what in-home sitting actually involves, how it compares to other options, and what to look for when choosing someone you can trust.

Step 2: Get to know us

Just like any new friendship, not every sitter will be the right fit for every family... and that's completely okay! Before getting in touch, have a read through our About page and Services page to get a feel for who we are, how we work, and whether we sound like the right match for your furry fam.

Bonus: read through some of our reviews to learn more about our past pet pals & fur fams!

Step 3: Reach out & book a complimentary Meet & Greet

If we're sounding like a good fit, the next step is simply getting in touch. We'll have a chat about your upcoming trip and we'll set up a complimentary Meet & Greet over Zoom or FaceTime before taking any bookings.

We know jumping on a video call isn't everyone's favourite thing, so we promise to keep it relaxed and low-key. Usually 20–30 minutes is plenty of time to get to know each other, talk through your pets and home, and make sure the vibe feels right on both sides.

There's absolutely no obligation at this stage, it's just a conversation without pressure or stress.
If travel plans allow, we're also happy to pop by in person to meet the pets before the sit begins.

Step 4: The intake form & getting the details right

Once we've decided we're the best choice for your fam we'll send through a detailed intake form covering everything we need to know about your pets. Their diet, daily routine, medications, play preferences, any quirks or behavioural things to be aware of are usually captured here. This means we know exactly what to do to keep your pets and home safe & sound, without interrupting your holiday!

This is also the stage where we want to make sure every question gets answered, yours and ours! We'll ask plenty, and we genuinely love it when pet parents do the same. The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable, prepared, and genuinely excited about the upcoming adventure.

Step 5: The important (but boring) admin

Agreements, deposits/ payments, and all the necessary paperwork happen here. We know it's not the glamorous part, but it's what makes everything official and gives everyone peace of mind going in.

Step 6: Holiday time! 🎉

This is the good bit. Off you go on the holiday of your dreams. You get to enjoy your trip without worries, and your pets get a live-in bestie to keep them happy and safe!

We'll keep in touch with regular photos and updates so you can feel close to your pets even when you're far away. Whether you want daily check-ins or just a few reassuring snaps throughout the trip, we'll work to whatever communication style helps you actually switch off and enjoy your time away.

Step 7: Coming home

You'll be excited to get back — and we'll do our best to make sure your home and pets are ready for you.

Depending on how travel plans work out, we can try to be there to greet you in person, but we've found most pet parents are just as happy to receive a wrap-up text with all the important details. Where the keys are, whether the pets have been fed and walked, anything worth knowing... and then come home to their own space, ready to relax.

We'll figure out what works best for you and make arrangements accordingly.

A few days after your trip, we'll send a short follow-up email — partly to hear how your holiday went, and partly to ask if you'd be willing to leave a Google Review. It's completely optional, but it means the world to us and helps other New Zealand, Canadian, and Aussie pet parents find us when they need someone they can trust. 🧡

And that's it. Easy as. ✌️

Still wondering what to expect from a pet sitter?

We're always happy to answer questions before you commit to anything. The first step is just saying hello — no pressure, no obligation, just a conversation about your pets and your plans.

Get in touch!