Planning a Holiday? Prep Your Fur Baby for a Pet Sitter

Most pet parents get stressed when planning their trip, whether it be a work trip, a family holiday or just a weekend gateway. Few have the option of having a trusted pet sitter which becomes the ideal situation and the least disruptive option as your pets get to stay at home in their own familiar environment which helps in maintaining their routine so more comfortable and also they receive one on one attention when you are away. It works best for both the pet parent and the pet but to get a successful pet sitting time needs a lot of pre thought and preparation.

As I just came back from a family holiday I thought of sharing how I prepared for the pet sitter and am glad that my two lovely fur babies Simba and Leo were taken care of and had quality time with minimal disruption to their routine. 

Here is what you should do before handing over the keys and your precious pets.

1. Choose the Right Pet Sitter 

Look for someone who:

  • You can trust, perfect choice would be a family friend or someone you know or a professional pet sitter who has experience with dogs or cats
  • Is comfortable handling pets of your pet's size, age and temperament
  • Can provide references or reviews
  • Is reliable, communicative and trustworthy
  • Understands basic pet first aid

Make sure to arrange a meet-and-greet before your trip. Let them stay with you and your pets for a day or two before so they understand the routine better. Watch how your pet responds to them and ensure both your pet and the sitter feel comfortable.

2. Leave Detailed Feeding Instructions

Never assume they can do it because of their experience with pets or would "figure it out." Provide clear written instructions that include:

  • Feeding times
  • Portion sizes
  • Treat allowances
  • Foods to avoid
  • Any supplements or medications

Pre-portioning meals can make things even easier and reduce the risk of overfeeding. Make a Whatsapp group with your family members and the pet sitter post all this in the group for a quick reminder and also stick it on your fridge for quick reminders.

3. Share Your Pet's Daily Routine

Pets thrive on routine. As we all know with our experience our fur babies look forward to their routine and feel safe when their set routine is followed by the pet sitter they trust and feel comfortable with them. So it is important to let the pet sitter know:

  • Walk schedules
  • Potty breaks
  • Playtime preferences
  • Sleep habits
  • Favourite toys and activities
  • Areas of the home they can or cannot access

The more closely your pet's routine stays the same, the less anxious they are likely to feel.

4. Prepare Emergency Contacts

Create an emergency information sheet that includes:

  • Your phone number
  • A secondary emergency contact
  • Your veterinarian's details
  • The nearest emergency veterinary clinic
  • Pet insurance information (if applicable)

Keep this information somewhere visible and easy to access. With the time difference if you are travelling overseas make sure you have a second stand by person who can take over in case the pet sitter gets sick or has to attend to some inevitable personal or professional time away from your pets.

5. Discuss Medical Needs

If your pet takes medication or has health concerns, demonstrate exactly what needs to be done. Clearly demonstrate how and when the dose needs to be given.

  • Dosages
  • Medication schedules
  • Signs to watch for
  • Existing medical conditions
  • Allergies

Never leave medical instructions open to interpretation. My pet needs ear drops once a week so I made sure I explained it well to the pet sitter and demonstrated it to him before leaving which helped my pet being comfortable and a peace of mind for me as a pet parent.

6. Pet-Proof Your Home

Even the best pet sitter can't monitor every movement every second. Before leaving make sure you remove everything that can be harmful for your pet.

  • Store medications safely
  • Remove toxic plants
  • Secure cleaning products
  • Hide electrical cords if needed
  • Keep food items out of reach

A safer home means fewer risks for both your pet and the sitter. My little Leo loves tissues and dirty socks so I made sure all tissue boxes in all rooms were kept on a higher place and gave instructions to the pet sitter to be careful that his dirty clothes were always kept out of his reach.

7. Stock Up on Supplies

Ensure there is more than enough of everything your pet may need. This includes:

Running out of essentials can create unnecessary stress during your trip. Always stock up so the pet sitter is relaxed and can take better care of your pets rather than running around to get what they need.

8. Make Sure Identification is Up to Date

Double-check that:

  • ID tags are attached and readable
  • Microchip information is current
  • Collar or harness fits properly

Even indoor pets should have identification in case of an unexpected escape.

9. Explain Your Pet's Personality

Every pet is unique. Tell your sitter about your pets likes and dislikes 

  • Fears and triggers
  • Favourite activities
  • Behaviour around strangers
  • Interactions with other animals
  • Comforting routines

For example, a dog who is afraid of thunderstorms or a cat who hides around new people may need extra reassurance. I had to let him know that Simba gets anxious when the lawn mowing person comes so best would be to put music on for him so as to lessen the noise for him.

Leo, being confident as his name goes, makes sure to have him inside the room before opening the main door for anyone as he feels he is the boss and might go out.

10. Arrange Regular Updates

Many pet parents find peace of mind through regular communication.

  • Daily photos
  • Video updates
  • Messages after walks or meals
  • Emergency communication expectations

A few updates can make a huge difference when you're missing your furry family member.

11. Most important: Leave Comfort Items Nearby

Your scent can be comforting when you're away. Consider leaving their favorite things:

These familiar items can help reduce stress and provide a sense of security.

Final Thoughts

A great pet sitter doesn't just feed your pet, they help maintain a sense of normalcy while you are away. With clear instructions, proper preparation and open communication you can help ensure your dog or cat stays safe, comfortable and happy until you are back.

At Pupr, we know that pets are family. A little preparation goes a long way in making every trip less stressful for both you and your furry companion.

FAQs

What are the signs of a good dog sitter?

They're on time, genuinely good with your dog and you just feel like your dog's in safe hands. 

Do dogs get sad when you leave them with a sitter?

A little at first. But most settle down pretty quick once they get comfortable.

What are the risks of pet sitting?

Mostly missed routines or meds and a sitter not picking up on your dog's stress signals.

How do I prepare my home for a pet sitter?

Leave clear notes on feeding and emergencies. Double-check your house is actually dog-proof.

What does a dog sitter need to know? 

Your dog's routine, any health stuff and whom to call if something goes wrong.

 

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