Pet Owners: Six Essentials to Leave with Dog Sitters

Pet sitters can be lifesavers, both literally and theoretically. Ask any traveling dog owner that’s ever left her prized pet home with a visiting caretaker.

What will a pet sitter do for you? The best professionals will do much more than feed, water, and walk your pooch. They’ll also bring in your mail, switch lights on and off, and perhaps even water your houseplants.

Most important, however, a skilled pet sitter will care daily for your dog while you are away. To do so, the canine’s caregiver will need a few essential items.

Ideally, you will schedule an initial appointment with your pet sitter, so he or she can become acquainted with your dog and his daily routine. During this session, you can go over your own expectations and the materials you will be providing.

Be sure to leave these six important items with your dog sitter.

Use this handy checklist, as you make arrangements with your pet caregiver. Don’t depart for your trip without placing these essentials in a convenient spot.

1. Key to your home

Actually, you will need to give this out before you go. You may also provide your pet sitter with a garage remote control or the key code to your door entry. Don’t forget to clue your canine’s caregiver in about home security codes as well, if you have such a system. You won’t want the police racing to your home, just because your dog walker has opened the back door.

You can always change the coding later, if you change caregivers.

2. Your own contact information

Your dog sitter will need your cell phone number and perhaps your email address. It doesn’t hurt to jot down the number of your host or the hotel in which you will be staying. If an emergency occurs with your pet, you may be glad you did.

3. Details about your dog

Caring pet owners keep up-to-date records of their dogs’ diet, immunizations, and medical history. Professional pet sitters often insist on proof of vaccinations for potential clients.

Leave your dog’s essential information file in plain view for your dog sitters’ use, as needed. Be sure your veterinarian’s phone number and address are clearly marked.

4. Your dog’s collar and leash

Even if you have a fenced yard or dog run, you will want to provide a collar and leash for your per sitter’s use with your dog. Have extras on hand, if you have multiple dogs.

If a veterinary visit is required, these will be handy. Your pet’s current rabies tag should be affixed to the collar.

5. A pooper scooper and ample supply of baggies

No dog walker is fully prepared without the proper clean-up tools. Your neighbors are counting on it. Before you go, show your pet caregiver where to deposit the filled bags for proper disposal.

6. Plenty of dog food

It’s a good idea to stock up on dog food before you leave your pet with a caregiver. Make sure the supply will last at least a few days longer than you plan to be gone, in case you are delayed.

Most dog owners write out feeding instructions for their pet caregivers, including specific measuring amounts for daily nutrition.

Equip your dog sitter, so you can travel with less stress.

You will be better able to enjoy your trip, if you are assured that your dog is in capable hands and that his caregiver has everything he or she needs in your absence.

More from this contributor:

10 Tips for Caring for Furry House Pets in Winter Weather

Dog Shopping List: Top 20 Items a New Dog Owner Needs

Traveling With or Without Pets: Options and Resources

Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of experience and a globally-minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor.


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