Pet Sitter Instructions Checklist: 23 Items
A handoff checklist for leaving clear feeding, care, access, routine, and emergency instructions for a pet sitter.
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๐พ Pet profile
Notes: A current image helps identify the animal if a search is needed.
A current image helps identify the animal if a search is needed.
Notes: Say explicitly whether the sitter may offer other foods or treats.
Say explicitly whether the sitter may offer other foods or treats.
Notes: Clarify bowl, litter, cage or enclosure cleaning where applicable.
Clarify bowl, litter, cage or enclosure cleaning where applicable.
๐ Home access
Notes: Test entry arrangements before the owner leaves.
Test entry arrangements before the owner leaves.
โค๏ธ Care details
Notes: Use the owner and veterinarian instructions; do not improvise doses.
Use the owner and veterinarian instructions; do not improvise doses.
Notes: Identify door, window, leash or enclosure risks.
Identify door, window, leash or enclosure risks.
โ๏ธ Emergency information
Notes: Include a nearby emergency veterinary option.
Include a nearby emergency veterinary option.
Notes: Specify who may authorize care when the owner cannot be reached.
Specify who may authorize care when the owner cannot be reached.
Notes: Agree how often the owner wants a brief status update.
Agree how often the owner wants a brief status update.
Notes: Confirm keys, supplies and any changes at the end of care.
Confirm keys, supplies and any changes at the end of care.
Complete Guide
Make the care routine unambiguous
State feeding quantities, times, exercise and cleaning routines in simple language. Include where supplies are stored and any behaviors the sitter should avoid triggering.
Share access without oversharing
Provide only the keys, entry codes or instructions required for the agreed care. Share security details privately and set a method to confirm each visit.
Prepare an emergency contact chain
List the owner, a backup adult and the veterinarian, including what the sitter is authorized to do if the owner cannot respond. Keep the animalโs relevant health records available securely.
Agree on updates and handover
Choose the frequency of messages and what the sitter should report, such as completed visits, eating, medication administration under instructions and unusual behavior.
Write instructions as a day-by-day routine
Specify times, quantities, exercise needs and cleaning expectations rather than broad phrases such as โusual routine.โ Keep species-specific directions clear. Provide the sitter with access to the correct supplies and label anything that looks similar but is not interchangeable.
Agree on health and emergency responsibilities
Leave your regular and emergency veterinarian contacts and a reliable decision maker who can be reached when you cannot. Explain how medicines are stored and what written instructions apply. A sitter should contact a veterinarian for unexpected illness or injury rather than diagnosing a problem alone.
Keep access and private details proportionate
Share the minimum keys or codes needed for entry and keep financial or unrelated household records out of sight. Walk through doors, gates and pet-safe zones together. If a security system requires special handling, perform a test before the owner departs.
Confirm handover and updates
Agree on simple status updates, including whether photographs are desired. When care ends, review appetite, medication given, behavior changes, supplies used and any veterinary contact. Revoke temporary access where appropriate and keep the template current for the next sitter.
Frequently asked questions
What information does a pet sitter need?
The petโs routine, feeding details, safe home access, behavior notes, veterinary contact and a backup contact.
Should I share all of my home passwords?
No. Share only the access needed for the agreed service, using a secure method.
Can the sitter change a medication schedule?
No. Medication should follow the ownerโs and veterinarianโs specific instructions; changes require appropriate veterinary guidance.
How often should the sitter send updates?
Agree on a practical check-in schedule before care begins.
What should a pet sitter do in an emergency?
Follow the emergency plan, contact the designated veterinarian promptly, and reach the named owner or authorized backup contact.
Should I share my home security code with a sitter?
Only where needed and safe. A temporary credential or limited access arrangement is preferable when available.
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