If you're away from home for long periods of time and you've decided against enrolling your pet in dog or cat day care, hiring a pet sitter is a great way to ensure your furry friend is in good hands.
Once you find the perfect sitter, creating a pet sitter checklist will tell them just what to do while you're gone. When preparing for a pet sitter, try to think about the details of your pet's routine that are second nature to you but that the new sitter will need to know.
To help you feel confident about leaving your pooch or kitty with a new person, make sure to provide your sitter with the following.
1. Important Documents
Gather the following information and documents for your sitter:
- Your contact information
- A backup contact, in case you're ever unavailable
- Contact information for your veterinarian and a 24-hour emergency clinic
- Microchip information, if applicable (make sure that your information that is associated with the microchip is up to date, too.)
- Your pet's medical records, including vaccination records
- A recent photo of your pet that clearly shows their features and markings
- Any other documents that are specific to your pet, such as a pet insurance card
Even if you've sent your sitter digital copies of these documents, keep hard copies in a known spot in your home. That way, in case there's an emergency and the sitter's phone runs out of battery, for example, they'll have all the info they need.
2. Your Emergency Plan
Your sitter should be pet prepared if an emergency occurs. Inform them where to seek shelter in the event of a natural disaster, where the pet carrier is stored and how to coax your furry friend into the carrier — whether a pinch of catnip will help your anxious cat or a certain toy makes your dog feel comfortable.
Prepare a pet first-aid kit if you don't have one already. This should include items like gauze pads, non-stick bandages and hydrogen peroxide.
Make sure the sitter follows your emergency protocol if your pet needs medical assistance.
3. Pet Supplies
Stock up on pet food and treats, as well as waste bags, scoopers and/or cat litter. Don't forget about grooming accessories like toothbrushes, brushes and combs. If your sitter grooms your pet, ensure they're trained and capable of doing so safely.
Tasty Tips
4. Your Pet's Medicine
If your pet requires regular medicine, show your sitter exactly how you administer it, emphasizing what the dosage is and any side effects to look out for. Make sure they recognize the importance of following the dosing instructions.
You can also ask your vet's office to give your pet sitter the authority to pick up or request refills.
5. Details About Their Meal Plan
Sticking to a routine is important to your pet's health, so write down your pet's mealtime schedule. Include feeding times, food options and portions. Be specific about your pet's nutritional needs.
6. Potty Instructions
Because cats do their business in a litter box, your sitter doesn't necessarily need to be there when your feline friend goes to the bathroom, but they should scoop the box at least once per day (two or more times if you have multiple cats). Dogs are a different story. If they're older than 30 weeks, they need to go out three to four times daily, says the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, while young pups need to be let out up to 10 times per day.
7. Tips for Playtime
Providing enrichment for your pet is a big part of a sitter's job. Give your sitter dog exercise ideas based on your pooch's favorite activities — whether they like fetching, power walking or playing tag — or cat game ideas, such as hide-and-seek or a food puzzle. Familiarize your sitter with your pet's favorite toys and activities so that your pet and sitter will bond and your pet won't get bored.
Preparing for a pet sitter with a pet sitter checklist like this one will help you feel at ease when you leave your beloved furry family member in their care.
Related products
Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Turkey & Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Dog Food Variety Pack is composed of 12 loaf cans: 6 with Chicken, 3 with Beef & 3 with Turkey. It is a complete pet food for adult dogs 1–6 years old.
Perfect Weight Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Chicken recipe, small breed dry dog food with for the weight support and balanced nutrition for overall health. With small kibble size for tiny mouths, quality protein for lean muscle.
Perfect Digestion Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Science Plan's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for small breed adult dogs aged 1–6 years. This deliciously soft mousse is enriched with ingredients that support digestive health & skin care.
Related articles
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what your pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut and overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
The Right Diet For Your Pet
In people, the right diet is very important. If you are eating the wrong way for your metabolism, activity level, age and lifestyle you could end up with health issues.
What Nutrients Can Help a Pet’s Immune System?
Learn why nutrients like antioxidants & amino acids can help improve your pet's immune system, as well as top antioxidants to look for in pet food.
Proteins
To make a protein, amino acids are linked together in a long chain. The chain is then bundled into to a three-dimensional structure, like a tangled ball of yarn.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.