Find trusted pet sitters in Barnet

Pet sitting prices in London vary depending on the type of service, visit length, and your pet's needs. Drop-in visits of around 30 minutes typically cost £15–£20. Extended one-hour visits are usually £20–£30. Overnight or live-in care in your home generally ranges from £50–£85 per night for a single pet, with higher rates for multiple pets, bank holidays, or full-time live-in care. Contact sitters directly to confirm current pricing for your specific requirements.

Pet sitting means a carer comes to your home to look after your pet, whereas boarding means your pet stays at the carer's home or a kennel facility. Pet sitting is often better for pets who are more comfortable in their own environment, have specific routines, or are anxious around other animals. It also means your home is occupied while you are away.

During a visit a pet sitter will typically feed your pet, refresh water, provide companionship and playtime, administer any medication if required, give toilet breaks, and send you an update. Longer visits or overnight stays may also include walking, cleaning litter trays or hutches, and general home checks. Exactly what is included varies by sitter so confirm the details before booking.

Look for sitters with strong Google reviews mentioning reliability, communication, and how they handled any unexpected situations. Check whether they carry public liability insurance and ask if they are happy to provide references. Most professional sitters will offer a meet and greet before the first booking so you and your pet can get comfortable with them before committing.

Yes, a meet and greet is strongly recommended, particularly for dogs or pets with specific needs. It gives your pet a chance to meet the sitter in a relaxed setting, allows you to discuss routines and requirements in detail, and helps establish trust before you hand over keys or leave for a trip. Many professional sitters offer this as standard before a first booking.

Many experienced pet sitters are comfortable administering medication, including tablets, drops, and injections, but you should always confirm this before booking. Provide clear written instructions and ensure all medication is clearly labelled. If your pet has complex medical needs, look for sitters who specifically mention medical experience in their profile or have relevant qualifications.

It depends on your pet's species, age, and temperament. Dogs generally need at least two visits per day for feeding, toilet breaks, and exercise, with some needing more. Cats are more independent and often manage well with one visit per day, though two visits is better for more sociable cats or those on medication. Puppies, elderly pets, and animals with health conditions may need more frequent check-ins.