Essential Contact Information
The first section of your handover sheet is the most critical in an emergency. Your sitter must be able to reach you or a trusted backup at a moment's notice. Clearly list your mobile number and be specific about your availability, especially if you're
travelling across time zones. Provide the contact details for where you'll be staying. Just as important is a local emergency contact—a friend or family member who lives nearby, trusts your pet, and has the authority to make decisions if you are unreachable. Finally, list your primary veterinarian's name, clinic address, and phone number. Also include the contact information for the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic, as emergencies don't always happen during office hours.
Detailed Pet Profile and Routine
To minimise your pet’s anxiety, help your sitter maintain their normal routine as much as possible. Create a profile for each pet, including their name, age, breed, and any identifying features or microchip information. This is also the place for personality notes. Do they love belly rubs but hate having their paws touched? Are they terrified of thunderstorms or the doorbell? Do they have a favourite hiding spot when they feel scared? Describing these quirks can prevent a sitter from mistaking normal behaviour for a medical issue. Detail their daily schedule: what time they wake up, when they have their meals, their walk and potty break timings, and their usual bedtime.
Feeding and Medication Schedule
Never assume a sitter will just 'know' how much to feed your pet. Be precise to avoid over or under-feeding. Write down the type and brand of food, exact portion sizes for each meal, and the times they are fed. Note where the food is stored, including any food that needs refrigeration. List which treats are allowed and how often they can be given, and more importantly, which foods are strictly forbidden. If your pet requires medication, this section is non-negotiable. List the medication name, dosage, time of administration, and specific instructions on how to give it—crushed in food, hidden in a treat, or given directly by mouth. It’s always a good idea to demonstrate how to give medication to the sitter before you leave.
The Emergency Permission Form
This might be the most important document you leave behind. A signed Veterinary Medical Care Release Form gives your sitter explicit permission to seek treatment for your pet in an emergency. Many veterinary clinics require this authorisation to provide more than basic first aid without the owner present. The form should state that you grant your pet sitter permission to transport your pet to a vet and approve necessary treatments. It's wise to include a financial limit you are comfortable with, or state that you will assume full responsibility for all costs incurred. Having this prepared in advance saves invaluable time and removes a huge burden from your sitter during a stressful situation.
House Rules and Logistics
Your pet sitter is also your house sitter, so clear instructions about your home are essential. Provide a spare set of keys and go over any alarm system codes or tricky locks. Leave the Wi-Fi password in a visible place. Clearly define the house rules for your pet. Are they allowed on the furniture or in certain rooms? Where do they sleep? This helps the sitter maintain consistency with your training. Also, show them where cleaning supplies for pet-related messes are kept, as well as poop bags and waste disposal instructions. Providing these details ensures your home is cared for properly and the sitter can focus on what matters most: your pet.
