Essential Contact Details
The first section should be a clear, easy-to-read list of contacts. Start with your own mobile number and the details of where you are staying. If you're travelling to an area with poor reception, say so. Next, list at least one other emergency contact—a
trusted friend or family member who lives nearby and has the authority to make decisions if you are unreachable. Finally, and most critically, provide the full contact information for your primary veterinarian, including their address and hours. Also include the name, address, and 24-hour phone number of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
The Daily Grind: Routine and Schedule
Pets thrive on routine, and maintaining their schedule can significantly reduce their anxiety while you're gone. Document a typical day in detail. What time do they wake up? When is their first trip outside? When are their walks, and for how long? Note their bedtime rituals and any specific habits they have. This includes preferred times for play, cuddle sessions, or quiet time. The more your sitter can stick to the established routine, the more secure your pet will feel.
Mealtime Specifics
Never assume your sitter knows how or what to feed your pet. Be explicit with feeding instructions. Specify the brand of food, the exact amount per meal (using scoops or grams), and the times they eat. Note where the food is stored. If you have multiple pets, detail each animal’s individual diet to avoid any mix-ups. List any food allergies or restrictions. It's also vital to be clear about treats: which ones are allowed, how many they can have per day, and which, if any, human foods are off-limits.
Health, Wellness, and Medications
If your pet takes any medication or supplements, this section is non-negotiable. List the name of each medication, the dosage, what it is for, and the precise time it needs to be administered. Provide clear instructions on how to give the medication (e.g., in a pill pocket, mixed with food). Beyond medication, mention any ongoing health issues, disabilities, or allergies, even if they seem minor. Something like poor vision could be misinterpreted as a new, urgent symptom if the sitter isn't aware of it. Also note your pet's microchip information and where their medical records can be found.
Crucial Emergency Protocols
Thinking about emergencies is unpleasant, but preparing for them is one of the most important things you can do. In addition to the emergency contacts, you must provide your sitter with a signed veterinary release form. This document gives your pet sitter explicit permission to seek and approve medical treatment for your pet if they cannot reach you. Many vets have templates for this. The form should state that you accept full financial responsibility for any care provided. Some owners even leave a credit card on file with their vet to avoid any payment delays in a crisis.
Quirks, Comforts, and Commands
Every pet has a unique personality. Share your pet's quirks, fears, and favorite things. Do they hate the vacuum cleaner? Are they scared of thunderstorms? Where is their favorite hiding spot? Knowing these details helps the sitter understand your pet's behavior and avoid potential triggers. Also, list any command words your pet knows and what their favorite toys are. Mentioning their preferred spot for a scratch behind the ears can help the sitter build a bond and comfort a nervous animal.
Home and Household Info
Finally, provide some basic information about your home to make the sitter's job easier. This includes the WiFi password, instructions for the television, and rules about which rooms are off-limits. Point out where cleaning supplies are kept for inevitable pet messes. Include details like when the trash is collected and if they are expected to water plants or bring in the mail. Providing a spare key's location or a neighbor who has one is also a wise precaution.
