A well-prepared pet sitter can follow your pet’s routine with less guesswork and respond more confidently if something changes. Before you go, gather the essentials in one easy-to-find place and write down instructions that are specific to your pet and home. Include feeding amounts, medication directions, access details, veterinary contacts, and any household rules. A short walkthrough can help confirm the notes are clear and answer questions before your trip begins.
Food, Treats, and Daily Routine
Set out enough food for the full booking, plus a little extra in case your return is delayed. Write down the brand, portion size, meal times, and any preparation steps, such as adding water or refrigerating leftovers. Point out where food, treats, bowls, and cleaning supplies are stored. If your pet follows a special diet, label each item clearly and note what they should not eat.
Describe the routine beyond meals, too. Note walk times, preferred routes, litter box or yard cleanup, play habits, and bedtime arrangements. Include cues your pet knows and any behavior the sitter should expect, such as hiding from visitors or pulling toward other dogs. Explain which treats are okay and how many to offer so your sitter can keep the routine consistent.
Medications and Health Notes
List every medication and supplement, including the amount, schedule, and how to give it. Explain whether it goes with food, needs refrigeration, or requires a particular technique. Keep medicines in their original labeled containers when possible, and place them with written directions. Mention what to do if a dose is missed or your pet refuses it, and provide enough medication for the entire stay.
Share relevant health details, allergies, mobility limits, and signs that may mean your pet needs attention. Include your regular veterinarian’s name, phone number, and address, along with the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Tell the sitter whom to contact if you cannot be reached and how you will handle veterinary decisions and payment. Leave any required authorization or care instructions in writing.
Keys and Home Access
Give the sitter the right keys or access code and test them before you leave. Explain which entrance to use, how to lock up, and whether an alarm or gate needs special handling. If there is a backup key, say exactly where it is kept and who may use it. Avoid leaving access details where they can be seen from outside, and confirm how the sitter should return keys after the booking.
Write down practical household details: thermostat settings, lights, trash collection, and where to find pet supplies. Note rooms or furniture that are off-limits and whether windows or doors should stay closed. Share the best way to reach you and a nearby backup contact. Keep these directions in one place, and walk through anything that could be confusing rather than relying on memory.
Make a Clear Handoff
Create a one-page summary with your pet’s name, feeding and medication schedule, emergency contacts, and key household rules. Add the dates and times you will be away, your travel contact details, and any expected visitors or deliveries. Put the full instructions beside the supplies or send them ahead of time so the sitter can review them. Keep a copy accessible in case the original is misplaced.
Before you go, show the sitter where everything is and invite questions. Confirm they can reach you, understand the emergency plan, and know what updates you would like during the stay. For holiday visits, share any schedule changes, decorations, or gatherings that could affect your pet. Merry Paws Pet Sitting can use these details to follow your pet’s routine while you’re away.
A clear checklist helps your sitter care for your pet and home the way you intend. Review the notes together, make sure supplies and access are ready, and leave emergency contacts where they are easy to find. A little preparation can make the handoff smoother; contact your sitter ahead of time to confirm any special arrangements.