How to Prepare Your Pet’s Care Routine for a Sitter
When you’re preparing to leave your pet in the care of a sitter—whether for a weekend getaway or an extended trip—your top priority is ensuring your furry friend feels safe, loved, and well-cared for. The best way to make that happen? Create a clear, simple, and thorough care routine your sitter can easily follow.
Pets thrive on familiarity and routine. Any disruption in their daily schedule can cause stress, anxiety, or even behavioral issues. That’s why properly communicating your pet’s habits, needs, and quirks is just as important as finding a trustworthy sitter.
Here’s how to prepare your pet’s care routine like a pro.
🐾 1. Start with a Daily Schedule
Pets, especially dogs and cats, find comfort in a consistent routine. Provide your sitter with a written schedule that outlines your pet’s day from morning to bedtime. Include:
- Wake-up time and morning walk or potty break
- Feeding times and amounts
- Exercise/playtime schedule
- Nap or rest periods (if applicable)
- Evening routine (e.g., last potty break, bedtime rituals)
💡 Tip: If your pet is used to being fed at 7 AM sharp, don’t just say “morning feeding”—be specific with times.
🍽️ 2. Write Down Feeding Instructions
Feeding your pet properly is one of the sitter’s most important jobs. Be precise with details:
- Brand and type of food (wet/dry/raw)
- Portion sizes (use cups, spoons, etc. for clarity)
- Meal frequency and time
- Treat allowance and rules
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Water refill instructions (especially for filtered fountains)
💡 Tip: If your pet eats prescription food or has a sensitive stomach, note that clearly and show where to find backups.
💊 3. Include Medication and Health Needs
If your pet has any ongoing health needs or medications, prepare a medication schedule that includes:
- Name of each medication/supplement
- Dosage and how it’s administered
- Timing (specific times, with or without food)
- What to do if a dose is missed
- Any side effects or signs to watch for
Also include:
- Vet’s name and contact number
- Emergency vet details (with address)
- Your contact information
💡 Tip: Place medications in a labeled organizer if possible to make things easier for the sitter.
🦴 4. Outline Exercise and Play Routines
Physical and mental stimulation is essential for your pet’s well-being. Let the sitter know:
- How often your dog needs to be walked
- Duration and intensity of walks
- Where your dog usually walks (familiar routes)
- Which toys your pet loves and any playtime habits
- Games to avoid (e.g., tug-of-war if they get too aggressive)
💡 Tip: If your dog is reactive to other pets or people, this is a critical detail to highlight.
🧸 5. List Comfort and Behavior Tips
Even the most social pets can feel a little lost when their owner is away. Help your sitter comfort them by sharing:
- Where your pet sleeps (crate, bed, couch, etc.)
- If they are crate-trained or not
- What calms them (music, TV, your t-shirt)
- Things that trigger anxiety (doorbells, thunder, fireworks)
- Any behavioral quirks (e.g., separation anxiety, pacing, barking)
💡 Tip: Mention your pet’s response to being alone, and how long is too long to leave them unattended.
🚪 6. Give House Rules for Your Pet
Keep your sitter on the same page with how your pet behaves in your home:
- Are pets allowed on the furniture?
- Any off-limits rooms or areas?
- Feeding location and where not to feed
- Where your pet is left when no one’s home (crate, playpen, free roam)
💡 Tip: If you have an alarm or camera system, provide usage instructions and notify your sitter of their presence.
📋 7. Prepare an Emergency Plan
In case of an emergency, your sitter needs to act quickly and confidently. Include:
- Your full travel itinerary and phone number
- Neighbor or nearby contact info in case of urgent help
- Pet insurance policy details (if any)
- Vet release form (optional but recommended)
- Instructions on where your pet carrier, leash, or car harness is located
💡 Tip: Leave a small folder with printed instructions in an easy-to-spot place like the kitchen counter.
🧼 8. Set Up Supplies in One Location
Keep everything neat and accessible for the sitter:
- Food and treats
- Bowls
- Leashes/harnesses
- Medications
- Favorite toys
- Cleaning supplies (wipes, towels, litter scoop)
- Waste bags or litter box supplies
💡 Tip: Label drawers or storage bins for extra clarity.
📝 9. Create a “Quick Reference” Sheet
While a full care guide is great, a one-page cheat sheet with essentials will help the sitter remember the most important points. Include:
- Pet’s name, breed, age
- Feeding and medication times
- Walk schedule
- Vet contact
- Emergency contacts
- Your number
- Any urgent do’s and don’ts
💡 Tip: Post this on the fridge for easy visibility.
🐶 Conclusion: A Clear Routine = A Calm Pet (and Sitter!)
Taking the time to prepare your pet’s care routine not only ensures their well-being, it also gives your sitter the tools to confidently care for them. When a sitter knows your pet’s routine, quirks, and needs, they’re more likely to form a bond—which helps your pet feel less lonely and more secure.
Your preparation can make all the difference between a stressful absence and a smooth, happy experience for everyone involved. So get organized, communicate clearly, and enjoy your time away knowing your furry friend is in good hands.
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