How To Prep Your House For A Pet Sitter

How do you prepare your house for a pet sitter?

If you’re excited to go on a vacation, this might be a source of stress.

By properly preparing for a pet sitter, you will ensure your pet has a good time.

This will also help you relax while away on holiday!

How to Prep Your House For A House Sitter

If it seems like you have a hundred instructions for the house sitter, you might want to compile a document.

A checklist and detailed instructions might be a good start.

This is the biggest detail to prepare ahead of time.

It will ensure that your fur baby has optimal care while you’re away.

Document Everything and Create a Pet Care Checklist

Once you start planning your trip, you can start writing down your daily pet care routine.

This will allow you plenty of time to add anything you forgot.

Include meal times, appropriate foods, and portion sizes. Write down medication instructions and exercise routines.

Here is our pet sitter information sheet template you can use.

Explain Each Step

While feeding the dog seems pretty simple, each dog has different expectations.

Include all the details so the pet sitter can properly feed your pet.

If there is a special routine that helps your pet with medication, include it.

Maybe your furry friend has a favorite toy or game. Include these details within the exercise routine.

Include Helpful Details

If your pet has a favorite hiding spot, share that information.

This will ensure that the house sitter will be able to find your pup when it’s time to use the bathroom.

If there is a special treat that may help the pets warm up to the sitter, include that information. They should also be aware of any comfort items.

Still Looking For A Pet Sitter?

See our tips and resources on how to find a reliable house sitter. This will ensure you end up with a trustworthy and reliable house sitter.

Label Everything

Label foods and medications to ensure that nothing gets mixed up.

This is especially important if you have multiple pets.

You may even want to label blankets, toys, or anything else that your pets are possessive of.

Labeling the food bowl might seem like a lot, but it might be helpful.

Some pets might get distraught if they’re forced to get their water from the food bowl instead of the water bowl.

If you use old bread bags instead of poop bags, label them.

It might be second nature for you, but other people might not realize what they’re used for.

You should probably even label the pets.

If you have two golden retrievers, make sure their ID tags are on so that the sitter doesn’t mix them up.

Even with one pet, this is a good idea.

A pet may be more likely to elope when a stranger is in charge.

If they have their collars on, they’ll hopefully be returned quickly.

Organize Your Pet Supplies

Besides labeling everything, you might want to put everything in a convenient location.

If all the pet supplies are together, the pet sitters should be able to find everything!

Along with a leash, pet food, and other everyday supplies, include helpful information.

This is a great place to put the pet care checklist or emergency contacts.

You may also want to include grooming supplies, a first aid kit, and any cleaning supplies they might need to use.

You should also leave instructions about your home.

House Instructions

Include information about everything in your home. Include alarm codes or the location of the breaker box.

Maybe one of your doors has a difficult lock. Explain that in these instructions.

Leave information about your landlord or handyman. If something goes wrong, they will be able to address it.

As you go about your daily life, consider whether or not you need to include different details.

Perhaps your light switches are in weird places.

You might be used to it, but it may be stressful for them when they walk into a dark room and can’t find the switch.

Prepare The House

When it’s almost time for your vacation, prepare the house.

Make Your House Pet Safe

Make sure your pets don’t have access to anything they shouldn’t.

Choking hazards and cleaning supplies should be kept out of their reach.

If there’s something they like to chew on, hide it.

If they tend to break into their extra food supply, lock it up.

Secure your backyard. Your animals might not run from you, but they may try to run from the house sitter.

Make Your House Welcoming

Once you find a trustworthy pet sitter, you’ll want them to come back.

Make sure they enjoy staying at your home.

First, you’ll want to have an open line of communication.

Answer all their questions and help them feel confident to care for your pets.

At your home, make sure they feel at home.

Stock up on supplies ahead of time so they don’t have to run to the store.

Clean the bathroom and bedroom that they will use.

Give them access to a cozy area where they can relax.

When they first arrive, show them around. Answer any questions to ensure that they are comfortable in your home.

It would also be nice to stock up on some snacks and drinks.

If you have a streaming account, set up guest accounts so they can watch their favorite shows.

Plan For The Unexpected

Unfortunately, emergencies happen.

Make sure they can find the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and any other safety devices in your home.

Include your veterinarian’s information in case your pet becomes injured or ill.

It may also be helpful to leave medical records in case they have to go to a different animal doctor.

Have A Smooth Departure

When the sitter arrives, do a walkthrough of your home. Explain everything they might need to know.

Show them where everything is. Answer any questions. This will bring about the best results!

You should also allow them time to get to know your pets with you around.

If you, your pet, and the sitter all play with a favorite toy, the pet will warm up more quickly.

Not Sure What The Cost is For a House Sitter?

Not sure what to pay your house sitter?

Here is the average cost for a house sitter in all locations around the world.

When it’s time to go, keep a positive attitude. If pets sense that you are anxious, they may become anxious, too.

After you leave, you can check in with your pet sitter to make sure everything is going well.

This will also help them feel more comfortable asking you any questions.

They may be hesitant to text your cell phone if you’re on vacation.

But they will be more likely to reach out if you initiated contact.

Now that you are ready to prepare for a pet sitter, start planning your next vacation!

You can relax while traveling because your pet will be in great hands.