The one question to ask a pet sitter before leaving your dog, according to a vet

| Lifestyle Reporter Published August 28, 2026 4:06pm Updated August 28, 2026 4:06pm The influencer’s beloved dog has sadly passed away (Picture: madeleinecwhite/METROGRAB) Many Brits will have used kennels and doggy day care services to look after their pets while they were away this summer. It’s a decision that model and influencer, Madeleine White Fedyk, took, when she handed over her dog, Dunkin, to a dog-sitting and training service. But Madeline took to Instagram this week, where she claimed that Dunkin died while in the care of the company. Details of the incident remain unclear, but Madeline said: ‘Within 48 hours we received a call that [Dunkin] had been training at the park in an extreme heat wave.’ She added that he was ‘transferred to a dog boarding facility we never approved of’ and later ‘passed away from heat exhaustion somewhere along the way.’ ‘He was never even taken to a vet… we are absolutely broken,’ she said. The tragic story will be a stark warning for the 41% of UK households who own dogs — a rise from 33% in 2021. We continue to be a nation of dog lovers and as such, sites like BorrowMyDoggy and Rover are ever-popular among Brits. Between 2019 and 2025, Rover’s UK bookings grew ninefold. While many companies have diligent checks in place, no pet owner wants to think that their animal could come to harm when they’re away. Dog care is a major responsibility (Picture: Shutterstock / hedgehog94) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. But veterinary surgeon Dr Marc Abraham, said there is one key question to ask your dog sitter before leaving your dog with them, which could help ensure their safety. Speaking to Metro, he revealed the key question is: ‘What would you do if my dog suddenly became sick or injured while I’m away?’ Dr Marc says pet sitters should always have a plan if things go wrong, and be able to act quickly and efficiently to protect your pet. Latest heatwave news and guidance ‘They should have a plan for illness, injury, escape (as well as fire and other emergencies) and should know which vet practice they would use,’ Dr Marc adds. If they can’t answer this question effectively, they might not be the sitter for you. Dr Marc also suggested some follow-up questions in the event of a health emergency for your pet: Which vet would they contact? According to Dr Marc, the sitter should have a vet lined up, that they can go to in emergencies. Even better, they’d contact your own vet, where your pet’s records are. Before you leave, they should insist on writing down your vet’s details, your emergency contact, any relevant medication and/or medical information, plus clear instructions about what you authorise in an emergency. How would they reach you? All good sitters need to ensure they have your contact details to hand and a plan of contact. They should also have a back-up point of contact, if you’re unavailable. Are they comfortable making an urgent decision if waiting for you could put your dog at risk? If the sitter isn’t willing to make important timely decisions for your pet, you may want to think twice before you leave your pooch with them. How they would handle the practical side of getting your dog to a vet? Does your sitter have a car or access to one? Are they able to physically lift a larger and heavier dog? These are important things to consider when choosing a minder for your pet. There is a lot to consider when picking a dog sitter (Picture: Shutterstock / TF2005) How can I make sure I’m picking a reputable dog sitting or boarding service? Dr Marc shares a handy checklist that every pet owner should consider before leaving their animal in the care of someone else. Check licensing requirements. In the UK, arranging dog or cat boarding generally requires an animal-activity licence. Ask to see the current licence and verify it with the local council. Visit before booking. Look for secure doors and gates, clean and comfortable sleeping areas, appropriate separation between animals, and no obvious hazards. Ask about staff experience and training. They should understand animal behaviour, handling, feeding, hygiene, illness, and first aid, and not simply just be someone who “likes animals”. Check insurance. Ask specifically whether their insurance covers your pet, including veterinary treatment and accidents that occur while the animal is in their care. Ask for references and reviews. Don’t rely solely on testimonials displayed on the sitter’s own website. Ask detailed questions about daily care. Find out how often pets are fed, exercised, toileted, and supervised, whether dogs are mixed together, and where animals are kept overnight. Make sure they understand your animal. Discuss medications, allergies, behaviour, fears, dietary requirements, exercise needs, and interactions with other animals. Trust your instincts. Avoid anyone who refuses a visit, won’t provide references or insurance info, seems evasive about licensing, has too many animals for the available staff and space, or pressures you to book immediately. Do you have a story you’d like to share? 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