Leaving town sounds fun in theory. But if you’re a pet parent looking for a pet sitter in Chattanooga, you know it comes with a side of guilt—and a whole lot of overthinking. Who’s going to feed them at the exact right time? Who knows their bedtime routine? Who understands that they don’t just like belly rubs—they demand them?
Welcome to Professional Pet Sitters Week (March 1–7)—the perfect time to celebrate the heroes who keep our animals happy while we’re away and help you find the right one for your favorite furry family member.
Suitcase = Sad Eyes
If you’ve ever packed a bag and been stared down by a dog who looks like he’s writing your eulogy, you’re not alone. Nitro— the best boy ever — used to sit beside the bed and shoot me the saddest puppy-dog eyes the moment the suitcase came out.
Honestly, I spent just as much time whispering, “I love you and I will return to you as soon as humanly possible,” as I did folding clothes.
Get Clear on What You (and Your Pet) Actually Need
Before you even start the sitter search, take a moment to map out exactly what your pet needs. Are you gone for a day? A week? Is your dog on a strict medication schedule? Does your cat only drink water if it’s sprayed directly into his mouth from a spray bottle?
(True story. I saw a reel the other day where a guy explained this was the only way his cat would hydrate. Can you imagine being the sitter who got that note?)
The more detail you provide, the better chance you’ll find someone who fits your situation (and your pet’s quirks).
Ask the Good Questions (a.k.a. Your Inner Detective Mode)
Hiring a pet sitter in Chattanooga isn’t just about someone showing up on time. It’s about trusting someone with a living, breathing family member. Ask questions like:
Are you insured and bonded?
Do you have pet CPR or first aid training?
What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?
Can you handle special needs, medications, or behavioral quirks?
I have a friend with a cat who needs daily insulin shots and another whose dog has epilepsy. These aren’t your average drop-in visits—this is medical care. Make sure your sitter is capable and comfortable with what your pet needs.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all sitters are created equal. Some are gems. Some… not so much. Here are a few warning signs that should make you think twice:
- They dodge your questions or seem annoyed by them.
- They don’t ask about your pet’s routine or personality.
- They skip the meet-and-greet entirely.
- They’re vague about experience with medications or anxious pets.
- They dismiss your concerns or act like you’re being “extra.”
- Their references are nonexistent—or suspiciously glowing and vague.
- Your gut says “ehhh…” (Always listen to your gut.)
Do a Meet-and-Greet (and Watch for the Tail Tells)
This is your moment to see how the sitter interacts with your pet—and vice versa. A good sitter will safely greet your pet, ask questions, and try to connect. A bad one will stand awkwardly in the doorway like they’re waiting for a pizza delivery.
Watch your pet’s body language too. Happy tail wags? Curious sniffing? Or hiding under the couch like it’s the apocalypse? Those clues matter.
Read the Reviews—Then Trust Your Gut
Yes, reviews matter. Look for ones that go beyond “they were great” and instead highlight trust, reliability, and emotional connection.
Better yet, ask around. Personal referrals from neighbors, your vet, or your photographer (👋 hi again) can go a long way.
Set Expectations Like a Pro
Think of it like creating the ultimate pet care cheat sheet. Include:
- Emergency contact info
- Vet details
- Food/medication instructions
- Weird habits (like barking at ceiling fans or refusing to walk past mailboxes)
And yes, ask for updates. A sitter who sends photos, short texts, or silly stories? That’s the one you want.
👉 This Rover article also has a great breakdown of what to leave behind for your sitter.
Prep the House (and the Vibe)
Label things, leave out treats, and make sure the leash isn’t buried under last season’s coat pile. If your sitter is staying overnight, set them up with a place to sleep and your Wi-Fi password. A smooth experience for them means a better experience for your pet.
Found a Great Pet Sitter in Chattanooga? Hang Onto Them.
When you find a pet sitter in Chattanooga who sends you pupdates and doesn’t flinch when your dog licks their face?
Hang onto them like gold. Book early. Tip well. Shout them out during Professional Pet Sitters Week. Trustworthy pet people are the unicorns of the service world.
Leaving Your Pet Is Hard…
But having someone you (and your pet) trust makes it a whole lot easier. So here’s to the amazing pet sitters out there—thank you for making vacations less stressful and for keeping our animals safe, loved, and just the right amount of spoiled.
Are you a Pet Parent in the Chattanooga Area?
Join the Herd and I’ll keep you in the loop with occasional pet session tips, behind-the-scenes fun, and stories that’ll make you smile (or cry—sometimes both).
Betsy Bird spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not acting like a total goofball, she’s mentoring photographers, teaching the business side of photography, wrangling teenagers, or hanging with Derby, the new puppy who is currently training to be the new office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as professional development).
Betsy is an award-winning equine and pet photographer based in Chattanooga, TN, and the current President of PPETN and President-Elect of TNPPA. Ride the Sky Equine Photography serves clients across Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.