The Ultimate Checklist Before Leaving Your Pet with a Sitter

Leaving your pet in someone else’s care — even for a short time — can feel like a big step. As a pet parent, you want peace of mind knowing your furry friend will be safe, comfortable, and well looked after. At the same time, your sitter needs the right information to care for your pet confidently and consistently.

Whether you're a pet owner or a sitter, a little preparation goes a long way. Here's the ultimate checklist to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience — for everyone involved.

👩‍👧‍👦 For Pet Owners: How to Prepare Before You Leave

1. Create a pet care guide.

• ​Your pet’s name, age, breed, and a recent photo
• Feeding times, portion sizes, and treat rules
• Exercise routines (walk times, play styles, energy levels)
• Medication details (name, dosage, when and how to give)
• Behavioral notes — like if your dog gets anxious during storms or your cat hides from guests

​This quick reference guide helps the sitter maintain your pet’s routine and ensures consistency in care.

​2. Stock up on supplies.

​Make sure all essentials are available for the entire sitting period:

• ​Food, treats, litter, poop bags, and any medications
• Toys, grooming tools, leashes, and cleaning supplies
• Familiar comfort items like your pet’s bed or blanket

​These small touches can help your pet feel more secure while you're away.

3. Share emergency contacts. Include:

• Your vet’s name, address, and phone number
• A friend/family’s contact number
• Instructions for what to do in case of an emergency
• Any pet insurance details if applicable
• It’s best to be over-prepared, just in case of the unexpected situation.

​4. Go over house rules.

​Which areas of the house are off-limits

• Whether your pet is allowed on furniture
• If they're staying over, where they’ll sleep and what they can use
• A quick home walkthrough can help avoid any confusion later.

5. Set communication expectations.

Every pet parent has different preferences when it comes to updating, some love daily photos and check-ins, while others prefer to be contacted only if something's wrong. Have an open discussion with your sitter about how often you'd like to receive updates, and make sure to align on what works best for both of you. Once agreed, just stick to the plan!

And before you leave, double-check logistics: confirm the dates, payment terms, and any extra responsibilities like watering plants etc.

🐶 For Pet Sitters: What to Ask & Prepare

As a sitter, your goal is to provide safe, consistent, and loving care — and that starts with asking the right questions.

1. Understand the pet’s routine.
Before the owner leaves, ask about:

• Feeding times and how much food to give
• Walks, playtime, and energy level
• Any medical needs or daily supplements
• Reactions to strangers, other pets, or loud sounds

The more you know, the better you can ease the pet into your care.

2. Know where everything is.
Familiarize yourself with:

• Food, bowls, treats, and medication storage
• Cleaning tools, toys, litter boxes, leashes
• Home instructions (how to lock up etc)

If anything runs out, ask how the owner prefers to handle replacements.

3. Prepare for emergencies.

• Save the vet’s contact and location in your phone
• Locate the nearest 24/7 animal hospital

Having this information beforehand gives everyone peace of mind.

4. Build trust with the pet.
Stick closely to their routine. Speak gently, move slowly, and give them space if they’re shy or anxious. Consistency and calmness help pets feel safe.

5. Keep the owner in the loop.
Send updates as agreed — a daily photo and short message can do wonders to ease an owner’s mind. And if anything seems off (like changes in appetite or mood), let them know immediately. And don’t forget: caring for someone’s pet also means respecting their home. Leave things as you found them, and always act professionally.

❓ Quick Questions Every Sitter Should Ask:

1. What’s your pet’s daily routine for feeding, walks, and play?
2. Are there any health concerns, allergies, or medications?
3. How does your pet behave around new people or animals?
4. Are there house rules I should follow?
5. Are there any special instructions?

🐕 Final Thought

Leaving your pet behind is never easy — but with the right preparation, it can be worry-free. Whether you're an owner preparing to leave or a sitter stepping in, clarity, communication, and compassion are the secret ingredients to a smooth experience.

After all, it’s not just about pet care. It’s about trust, love, and making sure that every tail keeps wagging — even while you’re away.