Oct 29, 2026 · @Ashley
Handing your house key to someone you just met is a big deal, so choosing a pet sitter in Memphis should take more than a quick scroll through a list of names.
Whether you're headed out of town for a week or just need someone to check on your dog during a long work day, you want to know your fur babies are safe, fed, and loved while you're gone. After caring for over 1,000 pets across Arlington, Lakeland, Bartlett, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville, and the greater Memphis area since 2021, we've learned what separates a great sitter from an okay one.
Here's what we'd look for if we were hiring a sitter for our own pets.
Pick the kind of pet care that fits your pet
The right choice depends on your pet's personality and how long you'll be away.
Drop-in visits: A sitter stops by to feed, give fresh water, let your dog out, scoop the litter box, and play. This works well for cats and for dogs who are fine on their own for a few hours.
Overnight stays and dog sitting: Someone stays at your home so your pet keeps their routine and has company. This is a good fit for dogs who get anxious alone and for pets who need meds or extra attention.
Dog walks: A midday walk breaks up a long work day and burns off energy, so your dog isn't climbing the walls when you get home.
In-home boarding: Your pet stays with the sitter instead. It's an option when staying at your own house isn't the best fit.
Not sure which one you need? That's a normal question. Tell your sitter about your pet's routine and quirks, and they can help you choose.
What to look for in a pet sitter
A good Memphis pet sitter protects your pet and your home, so ask about these basics before you book.
Insured and bonded: If something goes wrong, you're protected. A professional business should carry both.
Background-checked: Anyone coming into your home should have a background check.
Pet first aid and CPR training: Emergencies are rare, but you want a sitter who knows what to do when one happens.
Professional memberships and a track record: Look for things like Pet Sitters International membership, a BBB rating, and real reviews from local clients.
Photo updates: You should get a picture and a short note after every visit. It's the easiest way to relax while you're away.
A reliable team: Ask what happens if your sitter gets sick. A company with a backup plan beats a one-person operation with no safety net.
Questions to ask before you book
A few simple questions will tell you a lot about how a sitter works.
Are you insured and bonded, and is everyone on your team background-checked?
Will I get photo updates and notes after each visit?
Can you give my dog or cat medication, if mine needs it?
What do you do in an emergency or if my pet gets sick?
Will the same person come every time?
Do you offer a meet and greet, or help me set up my pet's profile before the first visit?
Do you bring in the mail, take out the trash, or water plants while you're there?
Don't be shy about asking. A sitter who takes the job seriously will be happy to answer.
What pet sitting with 901 Pet Sitting looks like
We started as a one-woman passion project in 2021 and have grown into a full-service pet care team that treats your pets like our own.
Here's how we work You fill out an inquiry on our website, and we will get you set up in our client portal. Once your profile is complete, you can book visits, request stays, and pay invoices right there.
Every visit comes with a photo update and notes through the portal, so you always know how your pet did, even if you're at work or on a beach somewhere. Our whole team is insured, bonded, and background-checked, and we're happy to bring in your mail and packages and take out the trash while we're there.
We care for dogs and cats, and also fish, birds, reptiles, small animals, goats, horses, and more. We offer drop-in visits, overnight stays, dog walks, and Pet Nanny stays, and we serve Arlington, Lakeland, Bartlett, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville, and the greater Memphis area.
Ready to find a pet sitter you can trust? Submit an inquiry on our website and we'll get you set up.