Boarding is about trust, and trust is tested with questions. A good sitter will answer all of them calmly and without taking offence: it is in their interest that you understand where your animal is going.
About the conditions
How many animals will be there at the same time besides mine. Do you have your own animals and are they vaccinated. Where will my pet sleep and can it get away from everyone. Is there a balcony or windows without screens. Who else is in the flat — children, other adults.
About the routine
How many walks a day and for how long. What do you feed and will you feed mine. What do you do if an animal refuses food. How many hours a day will my pet be alone.
About the unexpected
Which clinic will you take it to if something happens. How quickly will you tell me. Do you have a car, and if not, how will you get there. What will you do if my dog fights with yours.
About updates
Will you send photos and how often. Can I call, and when is convenient.
Meet beforehand — always
Meet before you leave, with your pet and at the sitter's place. Watch how the animal behaves and how the person behaves: do they engage with the dog, do they ask about its habits, are they rushing you.
A dog that digs in and refuses to go in is a bad sign. A cat that hides under the sofa is not: cats hide anywhere unfamiliar.
What to send with your pet
Its food for the whole stay plus a couple of days spare. Bowls, a bed or blanket that smells of home, a favourite toy. Medication with the schedule written out by hand. A copy of the vet passport. Your phone number and your clinic's.
Red flags
The person asks nothing about your animal. Refuses to meet beforehand. Will not say how many guests they currently have. Wants full payment up front and no address until you pay. Promises there will be absolutely no problems — that is not how it works.