The Basics: Who to Call and Where to Find You
Start with the most fundamental information. Your pet sitter needs to know how to reach you and a trusted backup contact. List your full name, mobile number, and email address. Also, provide the address and phone number of where you'll be staying, if
possible. Designate a secondary emergency contact—a trusted friend or neighbour who knows your pet—and provide their details as well. This ensures that if you are unreachable, someone is still available to make decisions or offer help. It's the first layer of your safety net.
All About Your Pet: Personality and Quirks
Every pet has a unique personality. This is the section where you can bring your furry friend to life for the sitter. Include their name, age, breed, and microchip information. But go deeper than the stats. Describe their personality: Are they shy around new people? Do they love belly rubs but hate having their paws touched? Mention any behavioural triggers, fears (like thunderstorms or the vacuum cleaner), or specific anxieties. Note their favourite hiding spots, beloved toys, and any funny habits they have. This information helps the sitter understand your pet's behaviour and provide comfort, not just care.
The Daily Grind: Routines for Feeding and Exercise
Pets thrive on routine, so a detailed schedule is crucial for their comfort. Outline their entire 24-hour cycle. Be specific about feeding times, food type, and portion sizes. Mention where the food and water bowls are, and where supplies like extra food and treats are stored. Detail their exercise routine: how many walks they get per day, at what times, and for how long. Note their toilet habits, including where they go and where to find waste bags or the litter box and scoop. Consistency in their daily schedule is one of the best ways to keep a pet happy and relaxed while you're away.
Health and Medical: Vets and Medications
This section is non-negotiable and requires absolute clarity. Start with the contact information for your primary veterinarian, including their name, clinic address, and phone number. Crucially, you must also provide details for the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic. List any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions. If your pet requires medication, provide a detailed schedule including the medication name, dosage, time of administration, and how it's given (e.g., in a pill pocket or mixed with food). It's also wise to inform your vet clinic ahead of time that a sitter will be caring for your pet.
Critical Permission: The Veterinary Release Form
In a true emergency, your pet sitter may need to authorise veterinary treatment when you can't be reached. A signed veterinary release form is essential for this. This document formally gives your sitter permission to seek and approve medical care for your pet on your behalf. The form should state that you, the owner, assume full financial responsibility for any treatment provided. Many owners also include a pre-approved spending limit for emergency care to provide clear boundaries. Some vets may even allow you to leave a credit card on file for this purpose. Having this document prepared can save precious time in a crisis.
Home Information: Rules and Resources
Finally, provide information about your home to ensure a smooth stay for the sitter. Include basics like the Wi-Fi password, instructions for any security alarms, and the schedule for rubbish and recycling collection. Point out where to find essential supplies like cleaning products for pet messes, paper towels, and extra blankets or towels. If there are any off-limit areas for the pet or specific house rules (like no pets on the furniture), make sure to list them clearly. This helps the sitter care not just for your pet, but for your home as well.
