How to Find the Right Pet Sitter — In Arlington or Anywhere You Move
- Steve & Hong-An San Miguel
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
Whether you're new to Arlington, VA, relocating, or replacing a previous sitter, choosing the right care provider is essential to your pet’s well-being. This guide walks you through how to find trained, trustworthy care—locally or anywhere life takes you.
1. Know Your Pet’s Specific Needs
Clarify what kind of care your pet requires:
Visit type: drop-ins, overnight care, live-in support
Special needs: medical, anxiety, post-op recovery
Credentials to look for: Fear Free Certified®, CPR-trained, or vet tech experience
Entry method: smart lock, concierge, or physical key
PS4C clients sign a Service Agreement, with optional waivers for complex care when appropriate.
2. Use Trusted Resources, Not Gig Apps
Avoid unverified sitters or platforms. Instead, check:
Referrals from Facebook groups or Nextdoor
At PS4C, our employees are trained in CPR, Fear Free methods, and follow documented protocols.
3. Ask the Right Questions
During interviews, ask:
What types of pets do you care for regularly?
Do you carry insurance and maintain certifications?
How are emergencies handled?
How do you provide updates?
Do you use service agreements and intake forms?
PS4C provides four core documents: Service Agreement, Policies Manual, Veterinary Release Form, and Home Access Authorization.
4. Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of sitters who:
Don’t use contracts or request pet health history
Can’t explain safety or emergency protocols
Use vague messaging or skip onboarding
Suggest skipping waivers or meet-and-greets
At PS4C, we train all team members on safety, third-party access limits, and liability protocols.
5. Schedule a Trial Visit
Trial visits help confirm:
How your pet reacts
That access works smoothly
That communication is prompt and detailed
PS4C trial visits include time-stamped GPS logs, photos, and visit summaries via our secure portal.
6. Choose Skilled Support for Special Needs
For pets with anxiety, medication, or mobility issues, look for sitters who:
Administer injections, fluids, or seizure meds
Use Fear Free handling with high-FAS pets
Maintain CPR certification and vet-approved waivers
Advanced care at PS4C is personally overseen by Steve or Hong, with documentation for every step.
7. Moving? We’re Still Here to Help
Even if you're leaving Arlington:
We’ll document your pet’s care routine
Share tips for interviewing new sitters
Recommend certified providers in other regions
Stay accessible through the Time To Pet portal
Your profile, notes, and care preferences remain on file for smooth transitions.
Why This Matters
Many clients come to us after trying apps or untrained sitters. Professional care offers:
Insured, policy-driven service
Experienced support for both routine and medical needs
Documentation for every visit
Emergency response protocols built into training
Our approach is grounded in PSI, NAPPS, Fear Free®, and PetTech standards.
About PS4C — Arlington’s Trusted Pet Sitters
Serving Ballston, Clarendon, and Rosslyn since 2016:
Fear Free Certified® and CPR-trained
Medical support for post-op, aging, or reactive pets
Secure access protocols and communication systems
Family-owned, not gig-based—built on long-term trust
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