A well-prepared handoff helps your pet sitter follow familiar routines and respond calmly if plans change. Before you leave, gather essential supplies in one easy-to-find place and write down instructions rather than relying on a quick conversation. Cover meals, medications, walks, and access to your home. Include the details that are easy to forget, such as where the leash is stored or whom to call if your pet refuses a dose.
Make Feeding Instructions Clear
Write down what your pet eats, how much to serve, and when to feed each meal. Note whether food should be measured dry or served with a particular topping, and explain where you keep it. If your pet has separate food for different meals, label each container by name and time so the sitter does not have to guess.
Include water bowl locations and any feeding habits that affect safety or comfort. For example, explain if pets must eat separately, if one tends to steal another’s food, or if a bowl needs to be refreshed after meals. Leave treats in a designated spot and state any limits or foods your pet should not have.
Document Medications and Care
List every medication with its name, amount, timing, and method of giving it. Explain whether it goes with food, needs to be hidden in a treat, or requires a specific technique. Store medicines together with the written instructions, but keep them in the proper storage conditions and out of pets’ reach when not in use.
Provide your veterinarian’s contact information and your preferred emergency clinic, along with instructions for reaching you. Mention allergies, ongoing health concerns, and signs that should prompt a call. If a dose is missed or your pet will not take medication, tell the sitter what to do instead of leaving them to make that decision.
Set Up Walks and Daily Routines
Put walking gear together in one location: leash, harness or collar, waste bags, and any weather or visibility gear your pet uses. Explain how equipment should fit and how to secure it. If your pet has a preferred walking route, provide directions and note places, animals, or situations the sitter should avoid.
Write down the usual walk and bathroom schedule, plus any limits on exercise. Include practical details such as whether your pet pulls, reacts to other dogs, or should not be off leash. Leave towels near the entry if paws need wiping, and identify where to dispose of waste. A simple routine helps the sitter keep outings consistent.
Share Home Access Details
Explain how to enter and secure your home, including the correct door, alarm instructions, and where to find or return a key. Share only the access information the sitter needs, and confirm that the entry method works before you leave. Point out any doors or gates that must stay closed to prevent escapes.
Leave a short home guide with Wi-Fi details if needed, lighting preferences, household rules, and instructions for trash or deliveries that affect the visit. Include your contact information and a backup contact who can make decisions if you are unavailable. Put the guide and pet supplies somewhere visible, then walk the sitter through anything that could be unclear.
Before you go, review the written instructions with your sitter and invite questions about anything uncertain. Keep food, medications, walking gear, and home details organized so they can be found quickly. A thoughtful handoff gives your pet a more familiar routine and gives you a clearer picture of how care will work while you are away.