Dog Services
Pet Sitters in Johannesburg: Home Care Checklist
Pet sitters in Johannesburg can help dogs stay in a familiar home, but trust and detail matter. This guide explains how to check references, set written instructions, plan key handover, and prepare emergency contacts.
Quick takeaways
Verified local options to start with
JollyWalker
Waggitytails House & Pet Sitting
Pawsome Pups
Badham's Fourways Kennels
Team Petsitters Johannesburg
Professional Pet Services Johannesburg
Provider-checking checklist
- Confirm services, prices, opening hours, and availability directly before visiting or booking.
- Ask how the provider handles vaccination records, behaviour concerns, illness, emergencies, and cancellation.
- Check whether the provider is realistic for your dog's size, age, temperament, health needs, and transport plan.
- Keep your vet details, emergency contact, microchip or ID details, and written care notes ready.
Pet sitting context in Johannesburg
Home visits vs overnight sitting
| Care format | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Home visits | How long is each visit, what tasks are included, and what happens if traffic delays the sitter? |
| Overnight sitting | Where will the sitter sleep, what home access is needed, and what security rules apply? |
| House sitting | Which home duties are included and which are outside the agreement? |
| Family or friend care | Do they understand feeding, medication, gates, walks, heat, and emergency decisions? |
Questions to ask before booking
- Can you provide references or a clear experience history?
- Will you meet the dog before the booking?
- How do you handle keys, alarm codes, gate access, and home security?
- Will you send updates and photos, and how often?
- What happens if you become ill, delayed, or unable to attend?
- What is your plan if my dog escapes, gets sick, refuses food, or has diarrhoea?
- Do you understand medication notes, feeding instructions, and restricted areas?
Warning signs to avoid
Cost factors to ask about
| Cost factor | Why it can change the quote |
|---|---|
| Dog size and age | Large dogs, puppies, seniors, and medically fragile dogs may need more handling, space, supervision, or time. |
| Behaviour and training needs | Anxious, reactive, escape-prone, or under-socialised dogs may need quieter care, solo attention, or a trial plan. |
| Transport and distance | Pick-up, drop-off, travel, parking, and peak traffic can affect availability and pricing. |
| Season and demand | December, school holidays, long weekends, and public holidays can book up early. |
| Included services | Food, medication handling, updates, walks, grooming, playtime, overnight care, or extra visits may be priced differently. |
Care notes to prepare
- Feeding amounts, food location, treat limits, and water routine.
- Medication instructions from your vet, if relevant.
- Toilet routine, walking rules, gate rules, and areas to avoid.
- Emergency contact, vet details, microchip or ID details, and transport plan.
- Home security steps, key handover plan, and update expectations.
Next steps before giving home access
- Write feeding, medication, gate, alarm, access, update, and restricted-area instructions.
- Use the vet visit checklist to collect medication, allergy, microchip, and emergency notes.
- Agree what happens if the sitter is delayed, ill, locked out, or unable to continue.
- Decide who can approve vet care if you cannot be reached.