A pet sitting checklist helps an owner give a sitter the information and supplies needed to keep a pet’s routine as consistent as possible. Before you leave, organize feeding, exercise, identification, contacts, health information and household instructions in one place.
Pet sitting checklist: the essentials
- Food, treats and feeding instructions
- Leash, harness and other everyday equipment
- Medication instructions where applicable
- Owner and emergency contact details
- Veterinary contact information
- Current identification information
- Written notes about routines, behavior and household rules
Write down your pet’s normal routine
Record normal meal times, walks, toilet breaks, sleep habits and any routines that help your pet settle. Clear instructions reduce guesswork for the sitter and make it easier to notice when something is unusual.
Prepare food and supplies
Leave enough food and essential supplies for the care period, plus a reasonable reserve for unexpected delays. Label items when necessary and explain anything that must be measured, refrigerated or kept away from the pet.
Share useful health and emergency information
Tell the sitter about relevant allergies, medication, mobility issues or behaviors that could affect care. Explain who should be contacted if you cannot be reached and provide the details of the veterinary clinic you normally use. For medical decisions, follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
Check your pet’s identification
Make sure visible identification and digital profile information are current. A QR or NFC smart pet tag can provide another way for a finder to access owner-selected information if a pet becomes separated from the sitter.
Agree on communication
Decide how often you would like updates and which method the sitter should use. Confirm the start and finish times, handover arrangements and what the sitter should do if plans change.
Frequently asked questions
What should I leave for a pet sitter?
Leave the supplies and information needed for normal daily care, together with contact and emergency details.
Should instructions be written down?
Written instructions are useful because the sitter can refer back to them during the care period.
What should I check before leaving?
Confirm the schedule, supplies, access arrangements, identification details, emergency plan and how you will communicate.
Before the sitting starts, you may also want to work through our Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet Checklist.
Related guides: What Is Barter Pet Sitting? · How to Find a Pet Sitter · What Is a Smart Pet Tag?
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