Pet Owners Plan For Pet Sitters

Before leaving for your trip, it is best to equip your sitter with what she needs to know. This will help her perform her tasks better and make things easier. 

First and foremost, it is a good idea to have a meet-and-greet session where your pet can meet his sitter. This is so they can get acquainted with one another and you can decide if it is a good idea to leave your pet with this sitter. If for some reason your gut tells you that there is something wrong, go with this feeling. Find another sitter, because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

When you get past this hurdle, you can then set your expectations. What is it exactly you expect from your sitter while you are away? Will they look after your pet only or will they do other tasks as well? This is the best time for you to tell her about the house rules and rules you have for your pet, including how you discipline them. It is important to be specific with what you want and make sure that it is specified in the contract. 

Since you will be giving your sitter a set of keys and codes to your alarm or your gate if you live in a gated community, make sure you notify your security alarm company, neighbors and friends. You would not want them to think that an intruder is in your home. Also refrain from scheduling repairs, visits or other circumstances wherein other people need to enter your home. If they cannot be avoided, inform your sitter of this, so that she can make arrangements for it. 

Provide your sitter with a detailed list of instructions even if you have filled up a form. It would be good to keep this in a place where your sitter can immediately see it when he or she arrives. Give specific information about feeding, exercise, medications (if needed), where things can be found and household tasks. You can also include the rules you mentioned earlier to reinforce them. 

With this list you can include your dog’s medical records – especially if they have a medical condition or allergies, veterinarian’s contact information, preferred hospital, veterinarian’s contact number, your itinerary and contact number, and a person to contact locally in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to jot down your pet’s microchip number if he has one. Making a list of your pet’s favorites and things to avoid can help too. Don’t forget to leave some form of documentation that the pet sitter has permission to look after your pet and be in your home.

Aside from preparing your pets, it is also advisable to prepare your home. Arrange it the way you want to see it when you get back. Again, this is to set expectations. Put everything within reach, such as your pet’s food, other needs, and cleaning supplies. If there are important items or breakables, put them away to avoid accidents. 

Making the job easier for your sitter means fewer problems for you while you are away. Information and documentation is the best way to do this.