Leaving your pet with a sitter

Everything listed here is just common sense but it’s good to have a checklist. Some of these things may not apply to your situation. Many are things that you would normally do without even thinking about it. Don’t be alarmed by the length of the list.

 

First and foremost

Get a pet sitter that you can trust and that both you and your pets are comfortable with. Schedule an introductory visit where you can all meet each other and where you can show the sitter everything you need to.

Make sure to provide your pet sitter with everything they will need:

  • A leash
  • Enough pet food for the time you will be away, plus some extra in case something happens to delay your return
  • Enough treats
  • Pet toys
  • The litter box, if you have one, should be clean and full of litter
  • Cleaning supplies in case your pet makes a mess.
  • Make sure the area where your pet will be contained is secure, no holes in the fence, missing window, broken latches, etc.
  • Enough of any medication your pet needs
  • Instructions on administering any medication needed. Instructions should be written out as well as given verbally or demonstrated
  • A pet carrier or crate for emergency transportation
  • The phone number, address, and directions to your vet’s office
  • The same information for a 24 hour emergency vet clinic if possible
  • Information on how to contact you while you are away
  • Another emergency contact person
  • If you rent, the landlords name. Let the landlord know someone else will be there too.

Be a gracious host even while you are away:

  • Make sure your pet sitter knows where everything is. That includes everything in the list above plus:
  • Thermostat (set this to a comfortable temp for both the sitter and the pets)
    • Refrigerator
    • Bathrooms
    • Light switches
  • Don’t leave food out that will spoil (or make sure the pet sitter knows to eat it)
  • Don’t leave garbage pails full
  • Leave the lights on if your sitter will arrive in the dark
  • Remove any hazards from your home and yard (this includes poisonous plants such as poinsettias, broken glass, some holiday decorations, anything you can think of that could injure your pet)
  • Let your pet sitter know if anyone else will be there at any time during your absence (and let that person know that the sitter will be there)
  • Inform the sitter of anything that doesn’t work properly in the house; toilets that overflow, windows that don’t open, etc.

Be Clear

  • Make sure you are in agreement as to what the sitter will do while you are away and the exact time frame that the agreement covers.
  • Make sure that you have an agreement as to what happens if you are somehow delayed in returning.
  • Make sure that you have your pet sitters contact information. If you arrive back home while the pet sitter is not there you will need to let them know you are back home – even if you arrived when you said you would. Don’t make the sitter return to your house just to check that you are home and the animals are being taken care of.
  • Let your vet know who will be taking care of your pets and that they have permission to bring them in for care if it’s needed.

Your pet sitter may have other requirements such as an agreement contract, an emergency vet release form, or other things.

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