Preparation checklist
- Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.
- Always confirm dates and times the pet sitter will be needed before you leave. Don’t just leave a message. Be sure to get a response from the sitter.
- Make sure your pet has current identification tags on their collar. Record the microchip company and phone number along with the pet id number for the pet sitter.
- Make sure the pet sitter has clear instructions detailing all responsibilities.
- Notify your veterinarian of the dates I will be caring for your pets. Make arrangements at this time to pay for any services that may be required.
- Leave cleaning supplies in convenient location.
- Buy extra pet supplies in case you’re away longer than planned.
- Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other’s phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out!
- Show the pet sitter your home’s important safety features such as the circuit breaker and water shut off valve.
- Show the pet sitter how to use the alarm and notify the alarm company of the dates the pet sitter will have access to your home.
- Notify your neighbors and the neighborhood watch group that we will be caring for your pets, give them our phone number.
- Let the pet sitter know if other people will be coming into your home while you are away.
- Leave an outside and an inside light on for the pet sitter if the first visit will be after dark.
- Be sure you have your pet sitter’s cell phone number and e-mail address with you.
- Let the pet sitter know how often you would like to be informed of how the visits are going. But, feel free to call at any time.
- Notify the sitter when you are home from your trip. Should you not return home at the expected time, the pet sitter may need to continue some visits.
- Please notify me right away if you have pet sitting scheduled and your pet becomes ill. We must, must, must not spread any contagious illnesses and we want to know how best to care for your pet if it is not a contagious illness.