Preparing Your Home for a Pet Sitter
A Quick Checklist
As summer rolls in and vacations creep closer and closer, there's always a whirlwind of tasks to complete before you can finally relax and enjoy your summer fun. Between all the packing and planning, the last thing you want to worry about is your beloved fur baby! Whether you’re a first-time client or a seasoned veteran, this checklist can help ease any anxiety about leaving your pet(s) at home.
Leading Up To Your Departure
Write a list of tasks that our staff are expected to complete at each visit : Whether it's taking out the trash, picking up toys, or feeding your furry friend, write down the specifics. This ensures our sitters provide the best care and that your home is kept in the condition you want. You can easily add these details in your Pet Portal under your client or pet profile.
Ensure your backyard and fence are secure : Double-check that your gates are latched, locks are working, and there are no loose boards or areas where your pet could escape. If your pet is allowed outside, please make a note of any specific instructions or areas of concern in the Pet Portal. This helps our staff keep your pets safe while enjoying the yard.
Note locations of treats/extra food : Sometimes it can be hard to notice when the pet food container is running low until it's already empty. Letting us know where to find refills is one less thing to ask about later. Be sure to include this info in the Pet Portal so all sitters can access it.
Emergency contacts : List a few trusted neighbors or family members who live close to you. In case of an emergency, having a few names and numbers is crucial for us to have in order to remedy the situation. These can be added directly in your Pet Portal under your client profile.
Provide instructions for medications and make them visible : By putting your fur baby’s medicine in a designated spot with instructions, our staff will be able to properly administer the medication just as you would. Be sure to list dosage instructions in the Pet Portal so all sitters know the routine.
Contact management : If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact management with your inquiries. Remember, the more information, the better! And the Pet Portal is always the best place to keep it all in one place.
Just Before You Leave
Close doors to rooms : If there are rooms you don’t want your furry friend to get into while you’re away, close the door! Whether it's something fragile that may be knocked over or a special rug you don’t want to risk staining, our staff will keep those doors closed and those rooms safe. If specific room restrictions apply, you can make a note of them in the Pet Portal.
Walk through the routine : Using the instructions you provided, pretend you are one of our staff members. Walk through the visit routine and write down anything you may have missed or want to add now that you’ve “done” a visit. You can update this information at any time in the Pet Portal to keep everything current.
Provide key/entry instructions : Make sure to let management know how staff will enter your space and where to find the key or access method. If you’re unsure what to include, retrace the steps a sitter would take to enter your home and note anything they may need to open or unlock. Entry instructions should be clearly listed in your Pet Portal for easy access.
Give your pet(s) lots of love : Giving your pet some cuddles or kisses before you leave can help soothe them. Sometimes the extra commotion of packing a car or bags can cause stress. Letting your furry friend know everything will be OK with a little extra love can make all the difference!
Let management know you’ve left : We want you to have safe travels and a great trip! If plans change and you leave earlier or later than expected, just let us know. That way, management can adjust visit times to make sure your pet(s) are cared for as needed. You can also send us a quick message through the Pet Portal to keep us updated.
If you follow this checklist closely, you’ll set yourself and your pets up for a smooth, stress-free getaway! Providing clear and detailed instructions helps our team give the best care possible without any hiccups, ensuring your pet(s) stay happy, safe, and comfortable at home. Taking the time to update everything before you leave means fewer questions once you're already on the road. We’re here to help make your time away completely worry-free for both you and your pets!