How to prepare your pet for pet sitting

Are you going on holiday or on a business trip and your heart is divided between the emotion of leaving and the worry for your speechless partner? Hiring a pet sitter is the ideal solution to ensure that your pet receives the necessary care in your absence. However, the success of this partnership largely depends on how well you prepare the ground for the person who will take care of your furry friend. Meticulous preparation and clear communication are essential for your peace of mind and the animal’s well-being.

Essential pet information

Give the pet sitter a detailed card with all the relevant information about your pet. This is not just a formality, but a necessity to ensure personalized and efficient assistance.

• Contacts and emergencies:

• Owner’s full name and phone number (and an emergency contact, if applicable).
• Full home address.
• The name and telephone number of the veterinarian, as well as the address of the clinic.
• Emergency telephone numbers (24-hour veterinary clinics, animal control).

• Medical history:

• Known allergies (food, medicinal, environmental).
• Pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, arthritis, heart problems).
• List of medications administered (name, dosage, frequency, special instructions).
• Vaccination and deworming program.

• Behavior and personality:

• Personality traits (shy, energetic, playful, anxious).
• Fears or phobias (storms, fireworks, certain sounds).
• Unusual behaviors or signs of distress (excessive barking, lack of appetite, lethargy).
• How they react to strangers or other animals.
• Favorite places to play or rest.

Daily schedule and routine

Pets thrive on routine. Maintaining a similar schedule to your usual one will reduce your pet’s stress and help them adjust to your absence more easily.

• Feeding program:

• The exact times the animal is fed.
• Quantity of food per meal.
• Type of food (dry, wet, raw food).
• Special instructions regarding food preparation or dietary supplements.
• Where food and food/water containers are stored.

• Program of walks/activities:

• Frequency and duration of dog walks.
• Favorite places to walk (parks, safe routes).
• Type of leash and harness used.
• Preference for play time and type of toys.
• Location of toys and other entertainment items.

• Hygiene requirements:

• Frequency and methods of cleaning cat litter boxes.
• Location of dog waste bags and disposal areas.
• Brushing instructions, if applicable.

Supplies and equipment

Make sure the pet sitter has access to all necessary supplies for the duration of your absence.

• Food and snacks: Sufficient quantity for the entire period, plus a reserve.
• Medicines: Sufficient quantity, with clear instructions for administration.
• Litter and sand: For cats, make sure there is enough litter and waste bags.
• Waste bags: For dog walks.
• Leash, harness, collar: Make sure they are in good condition and easy to find.
• Favorite toys and items: Any object that brings comfort to the animal.
• Cleaning products: For any domestic accidents.

Access and security to the home

Talk to the pet sitter about access to the home and safety measures.

• Key or access code: Make sure the pet sitter has easy and safe access. It is recommended to test access before departure.
• Alarm system: If you have an alarm system, provide clear arming/disarming instructions and emergency contact details for the security company.
• Prohibited areas: Specify any areas of the home that the pet or pet sitter should not have access to.
• Further instructions: Any other house-specific instructions (where the main switch is located, etc.).

Communication and availability

Agree on the frequency and method of communication. A reliable pet sitter will appreciate open communication.

• Update frequency: Set how often you want to receive messages or photos (every day, every other day).
• Communication methods: Do you prefer SMS, calls or emails?
• Your availability: Make sure you are available to answer questions or provide clarifications during your absence.

Getting these details correct will contribute to a positive experience for both your pet and the pet sitter. Once you have contacted a pet sitter and established all these aspects, you can leave peacefully knowing that your furry friend is in good hands and receiving the best care possible. This professional and empathetic approach will build a long-term relationship of trust with your pet’s caregivers.