How to Set Up Your Home for a Pet Sitter’s Visit
Welcoming a pet sitter into your home is a big step—not just for your furry friend, but for you as a responsible pet parent. Whether you're away for the weekend or on an extended vacation, the comfort and safety of your pet while you're gone largely depend on how well you've prepared your home for the sitter.
At Critter Nets, we know how much trust goes into handing over the care of your beloved pet to someone else. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you set your home up for success. From pet-proofing tips to creating a clear care station, this blog covers everything you need to do before your sitter arrives.
Let’s make sure your pet’s temporary caregiver has all the tools, info, and space they need to provide the best care possible.
1. Do a Home Walkthrough with Your Pet Sitter First
Before the actual sitting begins, schedule a pre-visit walkthrough. This is your chance to show the sitter where everything is, explain your pet’s habits, and point out anything they need to know.
Be sure to show them:
- Food and water stations
- Litter boxes or potty areas
- Leash/harness location
- Pet medications
- Favorite toys and treats
- Crates or sleeping spots
- Cleaning supplies (pee pads, paper towels, disinfectant)
A confident sitter with clear instructions is less likely to run into trouble or call you in a panic while you’re away.
2. Create a Centralized “Pet Care Station”
Designate a single space in your home—like a countertop, shelf, or table—as a pet care station. This makes it easier for your sitter to find everything quickly and helps your pet feel a consistent routine.
Include:
- Daily instructions checklist (meals, meds, walk times, etc.)
- Food, bowls, and treats
- Extra leashes, collars, or poop bags
- Grooming tools (brush, wipes)
- Medications and dosage notes
- Emergency contact info (vet, your number, backup contact)
💡 Bonus Tip: Use a labeled storage bin or basket for neatness. This helps avoid mess and saves the sitter time searching.
3. Leave a Detailed Care Guide (Printed or Digital)
Even if you’ve already talked through the basics, written instructions are crucial—especially for multi-day visits. Sitters often care for several pets, and a reliable care sheet helps them avoid mistakes.
Your guide should include:
- Feeding schedule and portions
- Medication instructions
- Walking routine and favorite spots
- Play preferences (likes tug-of-war, hates fetch)
- Behavior quirks (scared of thunder, doesn’t like doorbells)
- Where your pet sleeps
- How to handle accidents or emergencies
- Cleaning routines (litter box, crate, accidents)
Make sure it’s easy to read—bullet points are better than long paragraphs.
4. Stock Up on Supplies
Running out of food or poop bags during a visit causes unnecessary stress—for both your sitter and your pet. Double-check that you’ve stocked:
- Dry/wet food (extra, just in case)
- Treats
- Fresh litter or pee pads
- Extra cleaning materials
- Toys and chews
- Medications (with clear labeling)
Let your sitter know where you store backups too, so they’re never scrambling.
5. Pet-Proof the Space
Safety is everything. Even if your home is usually safe for your pet, consider how things might change without you around.
Walk through your home and check for:
- Loose cords and chargers
- Unlatched cabinets
- Accessible garbage cans
- Toxic plants or food (grapes, chocolate, lilies, etc.)
- Open windows without screens
- Small objects that could be swallowed
If needed, close off certain rooms or use pet gates to contain your pet in safe zones only. It’s always better to limit access than risk injury or damage.
6. Make Your Pet Comfortable in Your Absence
Pets can get anxious when their humans leave—even more so if their environment suddenly changes. Help ease the transition with familiar comforts:
- Leave out their favorite toys and blanket
- Keep their sleeping spot in the usual place
- Use white noise or a radio to keep the home from feeling empty
- Avoid over-sanitizing—your scent on items can calm your pet
If your pet is crate-trained, make sure the crate is cozy, stocked with soft bedding, and open for them to go in and out.
7. Secure Entry and Exit Instructions
Give your sitter clear guidance on how to enter and leave your home safely.
This includes:
- Key, lockbox, or smart lock instructions
- Alarm codes and how to arm/disarm
- Where to park or how to enter gated communities
- Backup key location (if any)
Test the key and any alarm systems in advance. Nothing’s worse than a sitter triggering the alarm on day one!
8. Provide Emergency and Backup Contacts
Always include a printed or digital list of emergency contacts:
- Your cell phone number (and backup if unreachable)
- Your veterinarian’s contact info
- Nearby emergency animal hospital
- A trusted friend or neighbor (in case the sitter needs help)
Also include:
- Pet’s medical history or existing conditions
- Insurance information if applicable
- Where to find your pet carrier in case of evacuation or vet trip
Having a clear plan gives peace of mind in worst-case scenarios.
9. Leave House Guidelines, Too
While the focus is on your pet, your sitter also needs to know how to navigate your home properly.
Include:
- Wi-Fi password
- Thermostat controls (and ideal temp range)
- Trash day instructions
- What’s off-limits (TV, couch, bedroom, etc.)
- Where cleaning supplies are stored
- Light or curtain routines for security
These touches help your sitter feel comfortable while also maintaining your home’s safety and routine.
10. Give Your Pet a Calm Goodbye
When it’s time to leave, don’t make your departure overly emotional. Pets feed off your energy, and too many hugs or tears can stress them out.
Instead:
- Keep your goodbye short and positive
- Leave after the sitter arrives if possible (so your pet associates the transition with care, not abandonment)
- Let the sitter take over playtime or a treat as you quietly exit
Your calm energy helps your pet feel that everything is okay—even if you're not around.
Conclusion: A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Setting up your home for a pet sitter might feel like a big job—but it’s all about one thing: ensuring your pet feels safe, happy, and loved while you're away.
By creating a clear care station, leaving detailed instructions, stocking supplies, and pet-proofing your space, you give both your sitter and your pet the best possible experience. It means fewer phone calls, fewer mistakes, and a smoother, stress-free time for everyone.
Remember, your preparation sets the tone for how your sitter cares for your pet. With just a bit of upfront effort, you’ll be able to leave home confident that your furry friend is in capable, caring hands.
Affiliate Products
