Pet Sitter Instructions

Essential information includes: Your contact info (multiple numbers), emergency contacts (local friend/family), veterinarian details (name, address, phone, hours), feeding schedule (exact times and amounts), medication instructions (if any), exercise/potty routine, behavioral notes (fears, triggers, quirks), favorite spots and toys, house access info (keys, alarm codes, WiFi), and any house care tasks. The more detail, the better—sitters appreciate not having to guess. Our generator organizes all this into a clean, printable format.

Be as detailed as possible while staying organized. Verbal instructions are easily forgotten, so a written guide is invaluable. Include exact times ('8am' not 'morning'), exact amounts ('1 cup' not 'some'), specific locations ('food in pantry, left side, blue container'), and behavioral specifics ('barks at UPS trucks' not 'sometimes barks'). Use our template sections to ensure nothing is missed. A first-time sitter needs more detail than your regular sitter who knows your pet.

Absolutely essential! Leave: 1) Your phone numbers (all of them, even international), 2) A local emergency contact who can make decisions if you're unreachable (neighbor, family friend), 3) Your veterinarian's full details (name, address, phone, hours, after-hours emergency number), 4) ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435). Also consider leaving: pet insurance info, a credit card on file at the vet for emergencies, and authorization for emergency treatment. Make sure your emergency contact and vet know someone else will be caring for your pet.

Medication instructions must be extremely specific to prevent errors. Include: Medication name (generic and brand), Exact dosage (number of pills, mL, etc.), Exact time(s) ('8:00 AM and 8:00 PM' not 'twice daily'), How to administer (with food, hidden in treat, directly in mouth), Where medications are stored, Any side effects to watch for, What to do if a dose is missed, Refill dates if your trip is long. Avoid vague instructions like '1 pill twice a day'—this leaves room for error. Pre-sort medications in a pill organizer labeled by day if possible.

Yes—this is critical for safety and success. Behavioral information to share: Fears (thunderstorms, fireworks, strangers, specific sounds), Reactivity (aggression toward other dogs, cats, children), Hiding spots when scared, Signs of stress or anxiety, Triggers to avoid, Commands they know (and hand signals), Leash behavior (pulls, reactive, off-leash trained), How they act when sick or in pain, Previous incidents to be aware of. Don't sugarcoat problems—your sitter needs honest information to keep everyone safe and handle situations correctly.

Consider leaving: Emergency cash (for unexpected supplies or vet visits), A credit card on file at your vet (call them before you leave to authorize this), Payment for the sitter (confirm arrangements beforehand). You might also leave: Petty cash for treats or supplies they might need, Instructions for accessing funds in an emergency. Do NOT leave large amounts of cash. For professional sitters, clarify payment terms, cancellation policies, and whether tips are expected. Many pet owners Venmo/transfer payment rather than leaving cash.

House preparation checklist: Stock up on pet food, treats, and supplies (extra for emergencies), Clean litter boxes and prep waste bags, Make sure carrier is accessible (for emergencies), Test key/code access before leaving, Leave clear instructions for: thermostat, alarm system, lights on timers, trash day, mail collection, plant watering, Show sitter where to find: leashes, bags, cleaning supplies, carrier, first aid kit. Remove or secure: valuables, toxic plants, hazardous items, off-limits rooms. Ensure pets are wearing ID tags with YOUR phone number (not just microchipped).

First-time sitters need: More detailed instructions on everything, Tour of the house before you leave, Practice feeding and walk routines together, Introduction to your pet's quirks and personality, Clear behavioral notes and triggers, Step-by-step daily schedule, All contact and emergency information. Regular sitters may only need: Updates on any changes since last time, Current health status, Medication changes, Specific dates and schedule for this trip, Any new behavioral developments. Use our 'New Sitter' template for first-timers—it's more comprehensive.

Pet cameras are generally acceptable, but: ALWAYS disclose cameras to your sitter—hidden cameras in private spaces may be illegal and violate trust. Cameras in common areas for pet monitoring are fine and many sitters expect them. Don't use cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, or their sleeping areas. Consider giving sitter access to the pet camera feed so they can check in when away. Many pet owners use cameras (Furbo, Nest, Wyze) specifically to see their pets—sitters usually understand this. Open communication about monitoring builds trust. If you're uncomfortable disclosing, reconsider the camera or the sitter.

Prepare for emergencies BEFORE you leave: Leave a signed authorization letter for emergency vet treatment, Put a credit card on file at your regular vet AND a 24-hour emergency vet, Provide the sitter with: insurance policy info, maximum spending limit for decisions, after-hours emergency vet address. Instruct sitter to: Call you first (if reachable), then proceed with emergency care if not. Some vets require verbal or written owner consent—make sure this is arranged. ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) charges a consultation fee (~$75)—confirm sitter can charge this if needed. Peace of mind is worth the preparation.

Always leave extra supplies. Rule of thumb: at least 25% more than you think you'll need. Extra food (bags spill, pets eat more sometimes), Extra medications (in case one is dropped), Extra poop bags and litter, Extra treats, Backup leash and collar, Extra cleaning supplies. Why? Delays happen (flight cancellations, emergencies), supplies get spilled or lost, pets may have dietary issues requiring more changes. Running out of food or medication creates stress for everyone. Store extras clearly and inform sitter where backups are located.

Multi-pet households need organized instructions: Create a separate section for EACH pet with their specific needs, Note any inter-pet dynamics (who doesn't get along, who can eat together), Feeding order matters—feed reactive or food-aggressive pets separately, Individual medication schedules clearly labeled, Note if pets should be separated when alone, Explain walking arrangements (together, separate, order), Include how to handle if one pet gets out while managing others. Our generator supports unlimited pets with individual profiles. Color-code or label sections by pet name for easy reference.

Senior pets need extra detail: Mobility issues (stairs, slippery floors, getting on/off furniture), More frequent potty breaks (bladder control may be weaker), Medication schedules (seniors often have several), Signs of distress specific to their conditions, Heating pad or orthopedic bed locations, Dietary restrictions or supplements, Signs that warrant a vet call (vs. normal aging), Nighttime routine (seniors may be disoriented in dark), Hearing/vision loss (approach from front, don't startle). Be explicit about what's 'normal' vs. 'concerning' so the sitter doesn't over- or under-react.

Anxious pets need special planning: Comfort items (specific toys, blankets, clothing with your scent), Calming aids (ThunderShirt location, Adaptil/Feliway diffuser, calming treats), Medication for anxiety (if prescribed, with EXACT instructions), Routine is critical—keep everything consistent, Signs of stress to watch for, De-escalation techniques that work, Hiding spots (don't force them out), Music or TV preferences (some pets like background noise), Gradual introduction to sitter before you leave if possible. Consider a trial overnight before a long trip.

Written instructions are essential because: Memory is unreliable—even great sitters forget details, Verbal instructions get misremembered, A reference document prevents 'guessing' about feeding amounts, times, etc., Multiple family members or backup sitters can access the same information, Emergencies cause stress—having info written down helps, You think of things after you leave (add to the document!), Written records protect everyone if disputes arise. Our generator creates a professional, organized document that covers everything. Save it, update it for each trip, and print a fresh copy. Your sitter will thank you.