The 3 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Pet Sitter in Springfield, MO (and How to Avoid Them)
Hiring a pet sitter should bring peace of mind—not stress. But if you’ve never done it before, it’s easy to fall into some common traps that can lead to miscommunication, inconsistent care, or worse—an unhappy pet.
At Funky Bunch Pet Care, we’ve helped hundreds of pet parents in Springfield, MO avoid these headaches by focusing on what matters most: professionalism, reliability, and truly understanding your pet’s needs. Whether you’re prepping for a vacation or just need help during a busy week, here are the top three mistakes to steer clear of when hiring a pet sitter—and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
We get it—everyone wants a good deal. But when it comes to your pets and your home, “cheap” can quickly turn into “costly.” Lower-priced sitters may lack proper insurance, training, or reliability—and that can create serious problems if something goes wrong.
What to do instead:
Look for value, not just price. A professional sitter will be insured, background checked, Pet First Aid & CPR certified, and offer consistent communication and visit reports. That peace of mind is worth every penny.
Mistake #2: Not Asking the Right Questions
A quick “Are you free next weekend?” isn’t enough. Your pet sitter should understand your pet’s routine, temperament, and medical needs. If you don’t ask the right questions up front, you may find out too late that your sitter isn’t the right fit.
What to do instead:
During your meet and greet, ask about:
Experience with your pet’s breed or species
How they handle emergencies
Their backup plan if they can’t make it
How they communicate during the trip
At Funky Bunch, we cover all of this and more during our onboarding process. Because no detail is too small when it comes to your pet.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Meet & Greet
A friend’s recommendation or a few good reviews online might feel like enough—but not meeting the sitter beforehand is one of the biggest mistakes we see. Your pet needs time to get comfortable, and you need to feel confident in the person entering your home.
What to do instead:
Always schedule a professional meet and greet. It gives everyone a chance to get to know each other, walk through routines, and ask questions. At Funky Bunch, we require it—it’s just part of doing things the right way.
The Bottom Line: Pet Sitting Shouldn’t Be a Gamble
Hiring a pet sitter is a big decision. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you find someone who truly has your pet’s best interest at heart—and who gives you the freedom to leave home with confidence.
Looking for the Best Pet Sitter in Springfield, MO?
At Funky Bunch Pet Care, we do pet sitting differently. Our team is trained, background checked, insured, and Pet First Aid & CPR certified. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or regular visits while you’re at work, we’re here to keep your pets safe, happy, and loved—right in their own home.
📍 Serving Springfield, MO and surrounding neighborhoods
🐾 Book your Meet & Greet today!
Because you should miss your pets—not worry about them.
