Updated October 21, 2026
How people usually find a provider
Search methods combine personal recommendations, local noticeboards and online listings. Neighbours, veterinary practices and pet shops are common sources of references. On small territories like Gibraltar many providers advertise locally rather than nationally, so ask neighbours or staff at your vet if they know reliable sitters or walkers.
Online marketplace listings and provider pages let you see services and photos before you contact someone. On Websta the pet care category appears under the marketplace path /marketplace/pets, which groups local listings for this trade.
- Ask your vet or groomer for suggestions
- Check local Facebook groups and community noticeboards
- Compare online profiles to shortlist candidates
Checking identity and experience
Before you book, verify basic identity and experience. Arrange a meet-and-greet so you and your pet can meet the person in your home or a neutral public place. Look for consistency between the person you meet and any photos or information on their profile.
Request references or photos from past jobs. If a provider says they have formal training or insurance, ask to see documentation. In territories like Gibraltar there may not be one single licence for pet sitters, so documents and references are how many owners confirm competence.
- Meet in person before leaving your pet
- Ask for references or work photos
- Request proof of insurance or first-aid training if offered
What to ask before you agree
Agree the practical details in writing or a clear message before the first job. Cover feeding routines, exercise, where the pet will stay, medication administration and how the sitter will respond in an emergency. Clarify whether the sitter will stay overnight, visit only, or take the pet to their own home.
Discuss communication during the job - how often will you get updates or photos, and who is the emergency contact. Ask about cancellation, sickness and what happens if the sitter cannot attend at short notice. Agree on keys and house security, and whether the sitter will have permission to use your car if that might be needed.
- Feeding schedule, exercise and medication details
- Emergency plan and preferred vet contact
- Cancellation terms and key handling
Gibraltar-specific considerations
English is the main language of business in Gibraltar and many residents also speak Spanish; clarify language capability if that matters for instructions. Because Gibraltar is geographically small, some providers cover the whole territory and may be busy at peak times - book early for holidays or weekends.
Local regulations for animal businesses can vary and there may not be a specific national licence for pet sitters or dog walkers. Check with the provider whether they are registered with any local bodies or hold vet-recommended qualifications. For services that transport animals or run boarding facilities, confirm any required animal-keeping approvals or cattery/kennel registrations with local authorities if you need formal checks.
- English is the main business language; many people also speak Spanish
- Book early for popular travel periods
- Ask about any local registrations for boarding or transport
How quotes and payments are normally handled
Providers usually give a written quote by message or email after you describe the job. Clarify whether travel time, extra visits, late-night care or additional animals will change the price. Ask whether a deposit is required and how they handle refunds if plans change.
Websta handles card payments so that customer payments are paid out to the provider's bank account through Stripe. Providers set their own prices on the platform. In person, many providers accept card or cash; always confirm the accepted payment methods before the job.
- Get a written quote that lists what is included
- Confirm payment method and any deposit or refund terms
- Check whether extra fees apply for holidays or weekends
How a Websta profile helps you compare providers
A Websta profile gives a single place to read a provider's listed services, see photos of them working, and submit a booking or task. For Gibraltar searchers, profiles in the pet care category - labelled pet care providers and identified under countryCode GI - let you view several local options without calling each one first.
Use profiles to compile a shortlist and then arrange meet-and-greets. Compare descriptions of services, stated availability and any documents providers upload. Remember that profiles built from public business register entries may show only the registered trade and town for some sole traders; those pages carry a notice that the person can claim or remove the page, so check for claimed profiles or contact the person directly to confirm details.
- Compare services and photos on one page
- Look for claimed profiles and supporting documents
- Use the Websta marketplace path /marketplace/pets to browse options
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I book a pet sitter in Gibraltar?
- Book as early as you can, especially for holiday periods and long weekends. Because many providers serve the whole territory, popular dates can fill up.
- Should a pet sitter have insurance?
- Insurance is not always required, but it helps protect you and the sitter. Ask if the sitter has public liability or pet-care insurance and request proof if they claim to be insured.
- Can I leave my keys with a sitter?
- Yes, but agree how keys will be handled and ask for ID and a written agreement covering access times, security and what to do if keys are lost.
- What if my pet needs medication?
- Explain dosing and administration clearly, provide written instructions and any necessary equipment, and agree who will handle vet calls in an emergency.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
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