Essential Contact and Pet Information
Before anything else, your sitter needs to know who to contact and the basic details of the pet they are caring for. Start with your own contact information: where you will be staying and the best number to reach you on. Provide a backup contact, like
a trusted friend or family member, in case you are unreachable. Follow this with your pet's profile. Include their name, age, breed, and a current photo. It’s also wise to note their microchip information and registration numbers. This basic information is the foundation of your entire handover document.
Detailed Feeding Instructions
Simply writing “feed twice a day” is not enough to guarantee your pet’s routine is maintained. Be specific about the brand of food, the exact portion size for each meal, and the times they are accustomed to eating. If you have multiple pets on different diets, label the food containers clearly. Don’t forget to list which treats are allowed, how many are permitted per day, and where they are stored. Crucially, highlight any food allergies or sensitivities, and explicitly state what foods are forbidden, including common human foods that may be toxic to them. This level of detail prevents accidental stomach upsets or more serious allergic reactions.
Daily Routines and Behavioural Quirks
Pets are creatures of habit, and maintaining their routine is crucial for their comfort and security while you’re away. Detail their daily schedule, including walk times, how long walks should be, and their usual potty habits. Does your dog have a favourite walking route or a dog they don’t get along with at the park? Include it. Also, provide insight into their personality. Mention any fears, such as thunderstorms or the vacuum cleaner, and their favourite hiding spots. Note any behavioural issues, like leash reactivity or separation anxiety, and what tends to soothe them. These small details help your sitter understand and connect with your pet on a deeper level.
Medical History and Medication
This section is potentially life-saving. List every medication or supplement your pet takes, including the dosage, the time it needs to be given, and precise instructions on how to administer it (e.g., hidden in a pill pocket or mixed with food). If your pet has a chronic condition like diabetes or epilepsy, clearly spell out the warning signs of a problem that the sitter should look for. Providing a complete medical history, including past surgeries or known drug sensitivities, gives the veterinarian valuable context in an emergency. Keep a hard copy of their vaccination records with your handover sheet as well.
Veterinary Contacts and Emergency Permission
Accidents can happen at any time, so your sitter must be prepared. Provide the name, address, and phone number of your regular veterinarian. It is equally important to include the contact details for the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital. Beyond just the numbers, you must provide a signed veterinary release form. This document gives your express permission for the sitter to seek treatment for your pet in an emergency if you cannot be reached. Many pet sitters and vets require this. You can specify a pre-approved spending limit for care or leave your credit card details on file with your vet clinic to avoid any delays in treatment. This authorisation is one of the most critical components of your handover sheet.
Household Information for the Sitter
If your sitter is staying in your home, they’ll need some basic information to manage the house as well as the pet. Provide the Wi-Fi password, instructions for any security alarms, and the schedule for trash and recycling collection. Show them where essential supplies are located, not just for the pet, but for them too. This includes pet food, leashes, and litter trays, but also cleaning supplies for any accidents, the thermostat, and spare keys. A comfortable and well-informed sitter is a more effective and attentive one, which directly benefits your pet.
