Between muddy loops along the River Ouse, zoomies across Museum Gardens, and longer wanders through Rowntree Park, York dogs cover a fair amount of ground on a good week — which is exactly why finding a sitter who’ll keep that up matters. Here’s a rating-sorted list of trusted local sitters, plus what’s worth checking before you book.
A note on the ratings: these are Google’s, from real reviewers, not our own inspection — a solid starting point, but do your own final check too.
Dog sitters in York, by rating
1. York Pet Wellness Services
Don Ave, Dringhouses, York YO24 2PX
★ 5.0 (28 reviews)
Google Maps
2. Mutts and Moggies York
11 Wilton Rise, Holgate, York YO24 4BT
★ 5.0 (18 reviews)
Google Maps
3. York Pet Sitters
21 Woodland Way, Huntington, York YO32 9NX
★ 5.0 (12 reviews)
Google Maps · Website
4. A Dog’s Best Friend
24 Curzon Terrace, York YO23 1HA
★ 5.0 (6 reviews)
Google Maps
5. Scampering Paws
34 Oakdale Rd, Rawcliffe, York YO30 4YL
★ 5.0 (5 reviews)
Google Maps
What to look for in a dog sitter
Experience matters, but the specifics matter more — a sitter who’s calm and steady with a settled Labrador isn’t necessarily the right fit for a bouncy young dog or a nervous rescue. Ask for references or reviews from owners whose dogs sound similar to yours.
Confirm they’re insured and pet first-aid trained, and don’t hesitate to ask to see proof. A proper meet-and-greet before the first booking — at your home or theirs — tells you far more than a phone call, since you can watch how the sitter and your dog actually get on together.
Communication is worth prioritising too: regular updates and photos aren’t just a nice touch, they’re usually a sign of a sitter who’s genuinely paying attention throughout the day. And for anything medication or health-related, always check with your vet first about what’s safe for a sitter to manage.
Home boarding or a visiting sitter?
Some of the businesses above are visiting dog walkers and sitters who come to your home, while others offer boarding — it’s worth asking each one which they’d recommend for your dog specifically. A nervous dog often settles better staying somewhere familiar with regular visits; a confident, sociable dog might genuinely enjoy the change of scene at a boarder’s.
If your dog’s due a groom before a longer stay away, our guide to dog groomers in York covers the local options.
For the occasions you know will be a bit much for your dog — longer boarding stays, unfamiliar surroundings — some owners find Calmshops’ calming range a useful addition alongside a good sitter. It’s not a substitute for the right care, just something that can take the edge off.
Looking beyond York? Our dog sitters near me hub covers cities right across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions dog owners may have about this topic.
How much do dog sitters typically cost in York?
Expect prices to vary by sitter and by service — visits generally cost less than overnight boarding, with the final price shaped by your dog’s size and the length of the stay. It’s worth asking each sitter directly for an up-to-date quote.
What should I ask a dog sitter before booking?
Ask whether they’ve handled dogs like yours before, whether they’re insured and trained in pet first aid, what their approach is if an emergency crops up, and whether they’ll do a meet-and-greet ahead of booking you in properly.
Is it better to choose a sitter who visits my home or one who boards my dog?
It comes down to what suits your dog. Nervous dogs often settle more easily with visits somewhere they already know, while confident, sociable dogs may well enjoy a stay at a boarder’s house. It’s worth getting the sitter’s take once they’ve met your dog.
Do dog sitters in York need to be licensed?
Yes — home boarding businesses in the UK must hold a licence from their local authority, which sets out the standards they need to meet. Feel free to ask to see a boarder’s licence before you book.
How far in advance should I book a dog sitter?
Booking early pays off, especially around school holidays and bank holiday weekends when good sitters get snapped up fast. Aim for a few weeks’ notice, more so if you need a longer stay arranged.
Written by Georgiana & Figo. Have a question about finding the right sitter? Have a look around Calmshops or drop us a line — we answer everything.
