Pet Sitter Check List

Just before you go on holiday, make sure your pet-sitter has everything that’s needed to make the transition for your pet and your pet-sitter while you are away as easy and stress free as possible.

Here’s a check list to get you thinking about what your pet-sitter may need to know.

• Leave your travel plans and contact details so your pet sitter can get in touch with you if necessary, plus contact info of a friend / neighbor – next best thing to contacting you if there’s an issue or question.
• What to do in an emergency. Generally speaking, make sure you write down your vet’s name and address so that it’s handy and also the nearest 24 hour emergency vet – make it accessible (pin on the fridge).  Instructions for how you want your pet to be handled in an emergency.  If you have pet insurance, provide the details as well.  The sitter should have all the details of the incident so that they can properly brief the vet.
• Feeding, walking, sleeping routines and instructions.
• Medications and instructions for use.
• Where to find all the pet paraphernalia – leads, food, bowls, brushes, etc)
• Unfriendly people, dangers or other pets in the neighbourhood to avoid.
• Rules – sleeping on beds, couches, etc. What’s allowed and what’s not allowed?
• List of foods and substances that are toxic to your pet – make sure they are kept out of the way.
• Your pet’s hobbies, idiosyncracies and behavior – favourite games, toys, walking spots and parks.
• Regular visitors to the house – such as cleaners, gardener, etc (no surprises that way!)
• Tag with your pet sitter’s name and phone number attached to collar – in case your pet goes walkabout looking for you.
• Your local pet store – just in case they run out of something!