43 Questions for a Pet Sitter Interview

March 25, 2013

General Background of Candidate

  • Can you describe your philosophy of raising animals?
  • Have you had pets of your own?
  • What are your hobbies and interests?
  • What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
  • What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
  • What are your most significant accomplishments?
  • Do you have a current position and why do you want to leave?
  • What are your expectations for your next position?
  • What are your long-range goals?

Attitudes Towards Pets and Pet Care Knowledge

  • Why did you choose to become an animal caregiver?
  • What qualities do you have that make you a good caregiver?
  • What do you enjoy about looking after pets?
  • How many years of experience do you have with pet care ?
  • Do you have experience with house training animals?
  • Do you feel competent to look after baby animals?
  • What kinds of activities would you do with the animal(s) in your care?
  • In the case of dog sitting, how many walks a day to you feel are necessary?  
  • How would you handle a dog's crying and cat's whining?
  • Are you able to take the pet to training programs?
  • If you are pet sitting at your home, are you comfortable with an animal sleeping with you in a bed?
  • Would you consider it safe to unleash the dog in a leash-free animal park?
  • What do you find the most challenging/interesting part of working with pets?

Talents/Skills of Candidate

  • Do you enjoy playing with the animals in your care?
  • Are you willing/able to groom animals in your care?
  • Are you confident and willing to administer medicine to an animal?
  • Are you willing to come to the house at a set time each day?
  • Are you trained in First Aid?
  • What would you do in the case of an injury to the pet?
  • What would you do if the pet is choking?
  • How would you handle aggressive behaviour from another animal?
  • How would you treat a pet's illness?
  • Do you have a driver’s license?
  • Are you able to drive a standard or automatic car?
  • What type of insurance do you have? (full/ comprehensive/3rd party?)
  • Would you be willing to care for an animal in your own home?
  • Do you speak a second language
  • Are there any other duties you would consider doing?

Employment Details

  • What salary are you seeking?
  • Can you provide two current references with phone numbers?
  • How do you feel about a trial period; how long should this be?
  • What hours do you expect to work each week or bi-weekly?
  • What are your holiday expectations?
  • Would you be willing to sign a contract?

Concluding Remarks

  • What would you like to say about yourself and this position to conclude this interview?

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