Planning a trip is exciting, but leaving your Pet behind can come with a long list of things to think about. Whether you’re gone for a weekend or a longer vacation, a little preparation can make a big difference for both your Pet and the person caring for them.
A good pet sitter checklist helps keep routines consistent, reduces confusion, and gives your sitter the information they need if something unexpected happens.
Before you head out the door, make sure your sitter has everything they need to help your Pet feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.
1. Write Down Your Pet’s Daily Routine
Pets often feel more comfortable when their normal routine stays as consistent as possible.
Leave clear instructions for:
- Feeding times and portion sizes
- Walks or potty breaks
- Bedtime routines
- Exercise and playtime
- Treats
- Crate or sleeping arrangements
- Any habits your sitter should know about
Even small details can help. If your Pet only eats in a certain spot, likes a specific bedtime routine, or needs a little encouragement to go outside in the rain, write it down.
2. Leave Detailed Medication Instructions
If your Pet takes medication, make the instructions as clear as possible.
Include:
- Medication name
- Dose
- Time it should be given
- How it should be given
- Whether it needs to be given with food
- What to do if your Pet refuses a dose
- Where medications are stored
It can also help to demonstrate your Pet’s medication routine before you leave, especially if they take pills, eye drops, injections, or medications that require a particular technique.
Never ask a sitter to guess when it comes to medication.
3. Provide Veterinary and Emergency Information
Your sitter should know exactly who to contact if your Pet becomes sick or injured.
Leave:
- Your regular veterinary clinic’s name and phone number
- Emergency veterinary information
- Your preferred emergency contact
- Your travel contact information
- Any relevant medical history
- Known allergies or health conditions
If your Pet is a Hannah Member, make sure your sitter knows how to reach Hannah Pet Hospital and understands what to do if veterinary care is needed while you’re away.
4. Explain What Is Normal for Your Pet
No one knows your Pet quite like you do.
Tell your sitter what is normal when it comes to:
- Appetite
- Water intake
- Bathroom habits
- Energy level
- Sleeping
- Vocalizing
- Behavior around people or other animals
This gives your sitter a better chance of noticing when something seems off.
For example, a Pet who normally eats immediately but suddenly refuses several meals may need attention. The same goes for unusual lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or significant changes in behavior.
5. Talk About Behavior and Safety
Every Pet has their own personality, preferences, and boundaries.
Let your sitter know about anything that could affect safety, including:
- Fear of strangers
- Separation anxiety
- Reactivity toward dogs or other animals
- Escape attempts
- Door-dashing
- Resource guarding
- Fear of thunder, fireworks, or loud noises
- Areas of the body they do not like touched
You should also explain what equipment they should use, such as a specific leash, harness, crate, or baby gate.
6. Make Food and Supplies Easy to Find
Before leaving, stock up on everything your Pet may need.
Consider setting out:
- Enough food for the entire trip, plus a little extra
- Treats
- Medication
- Waste bags
- Litter and litter supplies
- Leashes and harnesses
- Cleaning supplies
- Favorite toys
- Bedding
- Grooming supplies if needed
Labeling food portions or organizing daily supplies ahead of time can make things much easier for your sitter.
7. Share Household Instructions
Your Pet sitter may also need a few practical details about your home.
Leave instructions for things like:
- Alarm systems
- Keys or entry codes
- Where cleaning supplies are located
- Trash disposal
- Where Pet food is stored
- Where carriers are kept
- How to secure gates or doors
- Any rooms your Pet should not enter
If there are security cameras in or around the home, it is also a good idea to let your sitter know where they are located.
8. Leave a Backup Plan
Travel does not always go exactly as planned.
Leave the contact information for someone local who could step in if your sitter becomes sick, has an emergency, or cannot reach you.
It is also helpful to leave enough food, medication, and other supplies for a few extra days in case your return is delayed.
9. Make Sure Identification Is Up to Date
Before you leave, double-check your Pet’s identification.
Make sure:
- Collar tags are readable
- Phone numbers are current
- Microchip information is up to date
- Your sitter has a recent photo of your Pet
These simple steps can be especially important if your Pet gets loose while you are away.
10. Give Your Sitter Permission to Contact You
Let your sitter know when you want to be contacted.
Some Pet Parents want daily photos and updates. Others only want to hear from the sitter if something unusual happens.
Be clear about what works best for you so everyone knows what to expect.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Leaving your Pet while you travel can be stressful, but a thoughtful plan can make the experience easier for everyone.
The more information your sitter has, the more confidently they can care for your Pet, maintain their normal routine, and recognize when something may need attention.
Before your next trip, take a few minutes to create a pet sitter checklist and keep it somewhere easy to update. Your future self, your sitter, and your Pet will thank you.
At Hannah Pet Hospital, we know how important peace of mind can be when you are away from your Pet. Making sure your sitter has clear instructions, emergency information, and the right resources can help keep your Pet safe, comfortable, and cared for until you are home again.
