Preparing for the Unexpected: Essential Pet Sitter Instructions

If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably been faced with a situation in which you had to leave your pet under the care of a pet sitter. Whether it’s for a planned vacation or trip, an unexpected reason, or an emergency, it is not always easy to entrust the care of your pets to someone else. After all, our pets are more than companions; they’re family. We get it.

That’s why it’s so important to leave clear and detailed pet sitter instructions. Doing so will ease your own stress as well as that of your pet and pet sitter. You will be able to rest easy knowing you’ve set your sitter up for success and that your pet will be getting the best care possible while you’re away.

If you’re looking for guidance on what to include in those instructions, keep reading!

Essential pet information

The first thing you should include on your pet sitter information sheet is a detailed profile of your pet. This step is especially important if your sitter doesn’t know your pet already. Your pet’s profile should include the following details:

• Name (including nicknames)
• Age
• Breed
• Description of personality and quirks
• Behavioral issues, triggers, or fears
• Medical conditions or disabilities
• Dietary restrictions or considerations
• List of any medications or supplements
• Microchip information
• Regular activity level
• Favorite hiding places
• Any other important or relevant information

You’ll also want to text or email your pet sitter a current photo of your pet in case they should become lost. And if you have more than one pet, be sure to send photos of each one, along with who is who so there’s no chance your pet sitter will confuse them.

House and pet care logistics

Along with your pet’s profile, your pet sitter instructions should include details about your pet’s daily routine. Cats and dogs are creatures of habit, and with you away, creating that sense of normalcy becomes even more important. Your absence will of course be noticed and felt, but by helping your sitter stick closely to the routine your pet knows and loves, you can ease the stress of everyone involved and help your pet feel safe and secure.

Use these questions to guide you as you write instructions for your pet sitter:

• When are meal times, and how much is fed at each meal?
• If you have a multi-pet household, do each of your pets eat in separate rooms or areas of your home? Do they need to be supervised?
• When are medications given, and how are they administered (pill pockets, hidden in food, topically, etc)?
• When does your pet expect to play or exercise?
• How frequently does your dog need to go outside, and where do they like to go for walks?
• Are any areas (inside or outside) off-limits or need to be avoided?
• Do you pick up after your pet if they go to the bathroom in your own yard?
• How often do your cat’s litter boxes need to be scooped?

Also, make sure your sitter is able to find everything they will need during their time in your home. Include the locations of food, treats, food dishes, medications, litter boxes and litter, leashes and collars, and favorite toys. In case of pet messes, your pet sitter should also know where they can find cleaning supplies, as well as your trash and recycling bins.

If you will be gone for more than a day or two, it’s not uncommon for pet sitters to take on some basic house-sitting responsibilities. If you have some housekeeping tasks that need to be taken care of while you’re away, just be sure to communicate those clearly to your pet sitter. These tasks might include taking the trash bin to the road for pickup, checking the mail, watering plants, adjusting lighting or curtains, etc.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget your home access and security information, including the alarm code, how to arm and disarm your system, and your Wi-Fi password.

This might all seem like information overload, but the more detailed you are and the more your pet sitter knows, the more confidently they will be able to care for your pet and provide them with that necessary sense of comfort and safety. And the less you’ll worry (hopefully)!

Emergency contact information

No one wants to imagine something going wrong with our pets, especially when we’re away. However, being prepared for emergencies is one of the most loving things we can do. That way, if something goes wrong, your pet sitter can act quickly to get your pet the help they need as fast as possible.

Create a pet emergency contact card that includes the following details (and is left in a highly visible location):

• Your primary veterinarian’s information (name, location, phone number)
• Closest 24-hour emergency clinic
• The ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (1-888-426-4435)
• Your pet’s insurance information, if applicable

It’s not a bad idea to include contact information for a neighbor, friend, and/or family member who lives close by – someone who knows your pet and can step in to provide further help and support in your place if needed.

Emergency procedures and preparedness

While we’re on the topic of emergencies, it is always important to have a pet emergency plan in place in case of power outages, medical emergencies, or natural disasters. For example, if your area is prone to severe storms, include details on basement or storm cellar access, as well as locations of pet-friendly shelters or the safe home of a friend or family member. Make sure your sitter also knows where they can find essentials like batteries, flashlights, and candles.

And of course, if your pet has a medical condition, explain what symptoms to watch out for and the immediate steps your sitter can take to help, if any.

Before leaving for your trip, double-check your pet-first aid kit to make sure it’s fully stocked, and show your pet sitter where they can find it. Your kit should include the essentials such as wound-cleaning supplies, tweezers, gauze, self-adhering wrap, a digital thermometer, towels, any prescribed medications, and a copy of your pet’s medical records.

It’s also a good idea to have a bag full of extra pet food, portable food and water dishes, an extra collar and leash, your pet first aid kit, and anything else that might be needed if a quick getaway is necessary.

We know how difficult it is to leave your pet behind, even when it’s with someone you know and trust. But by providing thoughtful and thorough pet sitter instructions, you are ensuring that your beloved family member continues to receive the love and care they deserve while you’re away. Knowing your pet’s familiar routines and feeling prepared for the unexpected will go miles toward helping your pet sitter care for your pet just as you would, not to mention the peace of mind it will bring you.

Before your next getaway, ensure your pet is in good health by scheduling an appointment with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian. They can check that vaccinations are up to date, refill necessary prescriptions, and discuss any concerns you may have related to setting your pet up for success during this time apart.