Avoid These 3 Mistakes When Hiring a Pet Sitter in Sedalia, MO

Your pets are family—and leaving them behind, even for a short trip, can feel like a lot. Whether you’re planning a weekend away at the Ozarks or just facing a busier-than-usual week, hiring a pet sitter is a big decision. Unfortunately, it’s easy to make a choice that leaves you feeling uncertain instead of supported.

At Funky Bunch Pet Care, we’ve served Sedalia pet parents for years, and we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. If you want to avoid disappointment (and keep tails wagging while you’re away), steer clear of these three common mistakes when choosing a pet sitter.

Mistake #1: Assuming All Pet Sitters Are the Same

Just because someone says they love animals doesn’t mean they’re qualified to care for yours. There’s a huge difference between someone “watching pets” as a side gig and a trained, professional sitter who’s prepared for anything that might come up.

What to do instead:

Look for a sitter who:

  • Has pet-specific insurance and bonding

  • Is background checked

  • Is certified in Pet First Aid & CPR

  • Uses a professional platform for communication and updates

At Funky Bunch, these aren’t extras—they’re the standard. Your peace of mind should never be optional.

Mistake #2: Waiting Until the Last Minute

We get it—life gets hectic. But reaching out the day before a trip or holiday and hoping for the best can leave you with limited options. Worse, you may end up with someone who hasn’t had time to meet your pets or learn their routines.

What to do instead:

Plan ahead. Schedule a meet and greet well before you need services. This allows time for you, your pets, and your sitter to get comfortable with each other, and it gives the sitter a chance to ask important questions about routines, medical needs, and preferences.

Funky Bunch clients in Sedalia get customized care plans after every meet and greet—so nothing gets overlooked.

Mistake #3: Not Clarifying Expectations

Ever come home to find things weren’t quite how you left them? Vague instructions or unspoken expectations are a recipe for frustration on both sides. A sitter might assume something is fine (like leaving a TV on), while you expected the opposite.

What to do instead:

Be detailed and clear. A professional sitter will want to know specifics, from feeding schedules to where your dog likes to nap. They’ll also document everything and ask for clarification when needed.

Our team creates a shared care plan in our app, so both sides know exactly what’s expected—and that keeps everyone happy, especially your pets.

Great Pet Sitting Starts with the Right Fit

You shouldn’t have to settle when it comes to your pet’s care. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself—and your pets—up for a smooth, worry-free experience every time you leave home.

Looking for Trusted Pet Sitting in Sedalia?

Funky Bunch Pet Care is proud to serve Sedalia and surrounding areas with reliable, in-home pet sitting you can count on. Our sitters are insured, trained, and committed to making sure your pets feel safe, loved, and cared for while you’re away.

📍 Serving Sedalia, MO and nearby communities

🐾 Book your Meet & Greet today!

Because when you leave town, you should miss your pets—not worry about them.

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