Below you will find help to be prepared in our blog post: Pet Owners Plan for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers. Before leaving for your trip, it is best to equip your sitter with what she needs to know. This will help her perform her tasks better and make things easier.
When you get past this hurdle, you can then set your expectations. What is it exactly you expect from your sitter while you are away? Will they look after your pet only or will they do other tasks as well? This is the best time for you to tell her about the house rules and rules you have for your pet, including how you discipline them. It is important to be specific with what you want and make sure that it is specified in the contract.
Since you will be giving your sitter a set of keys and codes to your alarm or your gate if you live in a gated community, make sure you notify your security alarm company, neighbors and friends. You would not want them to think that an intruder is in your home. Also refrain from scheduling repairs, visits or other circumstances wherein other people need to enter your home. If they cannot be avoided, inform your sitter of this, so that she can make arrangements for it.
Provide your sitter with a detailed list of instructions even if you have filled up a form. It would be good to keep this in a place where your sitter can immediately see it when he or she arrives. Give specific information about feeding, exercise, medications (if needed), where things can be found and household tasks. You can also include the rules you mentioned earlier to reinforce them.
With this list you can include your dog’s medical records – especially if they have a medical condition or allergies, veterinarian’s contact information, preferred hospital, veterinarian’s contact number, your itinerary and contact number, and a person to contact locally in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to jot down your pet’s microchip number if he has one. Making a list of your pet’s favorites and things to avoid can help too. Don’t forget to leave some form of documentation that the pet sitter has permission to look after your pet and be in your home.
Aside from preparing your pets, it is also advisable to prepare your home. Arrange it the way you want to see it when you get back. Again, this is to set expectations. Put everything within reach, such as your pet’s food, other needs, and cleaning supplies. If there are important items or breakables, put them away to avoid accidents.Making the job easier for your sitter means fewer problems for you while you are away. Information and documentation is the best way to do this. I hope all pet owners plan for pet sitters care of their furry and feathered family member’s while they are away.
Travel Worry Free,
By: Debbie June Rickman Laughlin
Post Comments
I need to start dog walking on 7/13/2015. Please call me as soon ans possible so I can get the required information to you.
Thank you.
Cheryl
Cheryl D. Gurley on July 9, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Hi Cheryl,
We will need your contact information to reach you.
Please go to http://housecalls4pet.com/office/pet-sitter-debbie-laughlin/ scroll down the page and fill out the three important documents.
Thank you,
Debbie
Debbie June Rickman Laughlin on July 9, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Need to try a dog sitter before we leave town last week in May. She is a 10 year Golden Retriever.
Vhingorani on February 28, 2017 at 9:15 am
Hi,
Can you please give me a call or fill out the new client reservation form so I can help you with the care of your Golden Retriever?
You can go to this page and click on the pet sitter closest to you for her needs. http://housecalls4pet.com/suggestion-thank-you/find-a-pet-sitter/
Each page has our phone numbers and email form for new customers.
We look forward to helping you.
Debbie June Rickman Laughlin on February 28, 2017 at 9:37 am