Guide to Preparing Your Pets and Home for a Pet Sitter

Familiarize the Sitter with Your Home

Before departing, offer a comprehensive tour of your residence, highlighting off-limits areas and any specific instructions for appliance use. Provide details about your mailbox, locks, thermostat, cleaning supplies, and other essentials.

Organize Pet Supplies

Arrange your pets' necessities, such as food, leashes, medication, toys, and treats, in an easily accessible location. For larger or more agile pets, think creatively to keep these items within reach while ensuring potentially harmful items are secured.

Maintain a Tidy Environment 

Extend courtesy to your pet sitter by ensuring a clean and tidy space. Dispose of trash and ensure rooms the sitter will access are neat and organized.

Discuss Housekeeping Expectations 

If the sitter's stay extends over several days, communicate your expectations regarding housekeeping. Be transparent about laundry or cleaning tasks and provide guidance on using appliances.

Emergency Contacts 

Compile a list of crucial phone numbers and addresses for emergencies, including your primary vet, nearby emergency clinics, your landlord (if applicable), and close friends or family members. Ensure multiple copies are available for the sitter.

The clearer you are about your expectations, and the do's and don'ts in your house, the better the experience will be. Remember: communication is the key to successful pet-sitting. Here are some examples of the rules you can enforce:

• No Pets on Furniture: If you prefer your pets to stay off the furniture, make it clear that they are not allowed to jump on couches, beds, or chairs.

   

• Restricted Areas: Specify which rooms or areas of the house are off-limits to pets and the pet sitter. This could include bedrooms, home offices, or certain storage spaces.

   

• Meal Times and Locations: Outline where and when your pets should be fed, as well as any dietary restrictions or specific feeding routines.

   

• Treat Guidelines: Provide instructions on when and how treats can be given to your pets, ensuring they don't get excessive treats during your absence.

   

• Leash Policy: If your pet needs to be walked, specify whether they should be leashed at all times, where they should be walked, and any behavior expectations during walks.

   

• Medication Administration: Clearly explain how to administer any necessary medications, including dosage, frequency, and any special instructions.

   

• Grooming Instructions: If your pets require grooming, detail the grooming routine, including brushing, bathing, and any specific grooming products to use.

   

• Crate or Confinement: If your pets need to be crated or confined during certain times, provide guidance on when and for how long, as well as any special instructions for crate setup.

   

• Litter Box Maintenance: For cats, outline how often litter boxes should be cleaned and where waste should be disposed of.

   

• Security Measures: Specify how to securely lock doors and windows when entering or leaving the house to ensure your pets' safety.

   

• Appliance Usage: If the pet sitter needs to use household appliances (e.g., washing machine, dishwasher), provide guidelines and any specific instructions.

   

• Notification Policy: Outline how frequently you'd like to receive updates on your pets' well-being, including methods of communication (text, email, photos).

   

• Guests and Visitors: Inform the pet sitter whether any visitors or service providers (e.g., maintenance personnel) are expected during your absence and how to handle them in relation to your pets.

• Weather conditions: If your pet sitter is responsible for outdoor activities, equip them with the necessary gear for different weather conditions. Inform them about rain gear, booties, and indoor play options in case of extreme temperatures.

• Minimize Goodbye Drama: Avoid extended emotional farewells with your pets, as these can exacerbate separation anxiety, particularly in dogs. Keep goodbyes brief and similar to your departure for errands.

• Secure the Yard: Prior to departure, inspect and mend any gaps in the fence, secure sharp garden tools, and eliminate toxic substances from the yard.

• Address Parasites: Ensure your yard is treated for fleas, ticks, and other parasites to provide a safe environment for your pets.