The Pet Owner “To Do” List To Help Your Pet Sitter

The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are quickly approaching and at Paws Pet Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking we want you to be able to enjoy them and not have to worry about a thing.  However, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven’t also kept your end of the bargain. Here’s a comprehensive list of how you can be prepared to make your pet sitting experience PAWsome:

1. Read and understand our policies and procedures.
2. Make reservations early, especially during holidays. Make sure you have received a confirmation and an invoice.  Do not take for granted that your visits are scheduled without these two things.  REVIEW YOUR SCHEDULE for correctness!
3. Log in to your personal profile in LeashTime and make sure all information regarding your home and your pet(s) is up to date. Leave clear instructions in your online profile detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian. Make sure that you note where your water shut off and breaker boxes are located.
4. Affix current identification tags to your pet’s collar.
5. Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
6. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or friend and note them in your profile or your notes to your sitter. TEST THE KEYS before you leave.
7. Notify your veterinarian by phone call or in writing that we will be caring for your pet and authorize the vet to extend medical care during your absence if it becomes necessary. Make sure your pet wears current vaccination and/or microchip tags on its collar.
8. Make sure all gates, fences and latches in your yard or your fur-kid(s) outside play space are secure.
9. Make sure your fur-kid’s collars/harnesses fit properly. This is especially important if we are talking your dog(s) on walks outside of the yard. Make sure electric fence collar batteries are properly charged.
10. If your fur-kid chews on things, set out acceptable chew toys and do whatever is necessary to protect your personal items and home furnishings from his teeth while you are away.
11. Make sure to include your fur-kid’s favorite hiding places in your online profile if applicable. This help the sitter find your pet if he or she does not appear when the sitter arrives.
12. If your fur-kid has any unusual habits like destructive behavior when left alone, change in bowel or eating habits, etc., make sure to include this information in your profile and/or tell your sitter about these in advance.
13. Set out everything your pet needs in one visible and accessible area. This includes food, treats, utensils, food and water bowls, medications, leash, can opener, toys, paper towels, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, litter and scoop, broom and dustpan and/or vacuum cleaner, pet towels, newspapers or other housebreaking materials, and watering can for plants.
14. Provide extra food, litter, and supplies just in case you are home later than expected.
15. Be sure to leave plastic bags for sanitary disposal of feces. (We offer complimentary yard-clean up each time your fur-kid goes #2 in your yard, however please do not expect your sitter to pick up any pet messes that accumulated before their contract period.)
16. Think about cleaning out your refrigerator so that food does not spoil, and wash all dishes so that there is no chance of ants or other pests invading the house.
17. Make sure to include directions regarding how to control your heat and air conditioner, and which settings should be used for the comfort of your pet. Check your settings before you leave. If we are providing overnight services instructions on how to use the TV remote and wifi access would be great (but of course this is optional)!
18. Close off any areas of your home that are off limits to the pet or sitter, and let us know about it in advance. If there are any particular problems such as a leaky faucet or a fur-kid that likes to get into the garbage, tell us!
19. If you are leaving anything specifically for your pet sitter, such as a batch of cookies or a tip, make sure to leave a note. Sitters will not take anything from a house unless we are specifically invited to!
20. Remember that for the safety of our sitters, we will not enter your home if there is another person in it, provide care if another person is also providing care for your pet, and we must know what other people may access the house.

As always, you can call or text us with any questions at 502-802-5052 or email us at info@pawspetcareathome.com with any questions or concerns.  We look forward to caring for your fur-babies!

By Betheny Buster, Chief Motherpupper
Owner at Paws Pet Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
Founder and Director of My Dog Eats First