What to Leave for a Pet Sitter When You Leave

When you hire someone to look after your pet while you are out of town, be sure you have given your pet sitter everything she will need. Even if you will be gone for only a day or two, leave food, medicine, emergency information and other basics. Knowing that your pet is getting proper care will put your mind at ease and allow you to enjoy your vacation or focus on the agenda that has taken you out of town.

  1. Food Requirements

    • It may seem like something too simple to forget, but remember to tell the pet sitter where the food is. If the sitter is new to your home, then he may not know where anything is. Don't leave him searching for your pet's food. This will save the sitter the hassle and get your pet fed on time.

      Be sure you have stocked enough food to feed all of your pets while you are away, advises PetSitUSA.com. Leave detailed instructions on when to feed your animals and how much food to give them. Your pets should have access to water at all times. Make sure your sitter knows this as well.

    Medication

    • Let your pet sitter know if your pet is on any special medication. The sitter should know what the medication is, when it should be administered and the correct dosing instructions. Leave a note with your veterinarian's contact information in case the sitter has any questions and cannot reach you.

    Accessories

    • Place identification tags on all of your pets before you leave in case they get away from the sitter and become lost. Leave toys for your pets in a place where the sitter knows how to get to them. Chew toys, for example, will help your pets work off any nervous energy they have because of the change in their routine.

      Let your sitter know where the leashes are if you want her to walk your pets. Let her know how often and how far to walk them.

    The Vet

    • Tell your veterinarian that you plan to be out of town and who is taking care of the pet. Leave a form that explains any specific care you would want your pet to have at the vet should you be unreachable in an emergency.

      Your pet sitter may require you to fill out a vet release form, especially if your pet has special medical needs that make a visit to the vet more likely while you're away, PetSitUSA.com says.

    Contact Information

    • Be sure your sitter knows where you are going and how to reach you. Write it all down: an address, phone number, alternate number, email address and when you expect to return. Visit the Reference link to find a printable example of a pet care instruction sheet.