What to Put on a Pet Sitter Checklist Before You Leave
Key Takeaways
- Your checklist should include feeding amounts and times, water refills, medication with exact dosages, and the location of supplies like food and treats.
- Write down your veterinarian's name and phone number, an emergency vet clinic address, and your own contact information so the sitter can reach you immediately if something goes wrong.
- Describe your pet's normal behavior, bathroom habits, and any signs of illness or stress so the sitter recognizes when something is different.
- Include instructions for play, exercise, and comfort — what toys your pet likes, how long walks should be, and what calms them if they get anxious.
- Walk through the checklist with the sitter in person before you leave, showing them where everything is located and watching them handle your pet.
Feeding, Water, and Medication Details
Write down exactly how much food your pet eats at each meal and what time they eat. If you feed different amounts on different days, list each day separately. Include the brand and type of food, and note whether your pet has any foods they cannot eat. If your pet drinks from a bowl, specify how often you refill it — some pets need fresh water multiple times a day.
For medication, write the name of the drug, the dose in milligrams or milliliters, how many times per day, and whether it goes with food or on an empty stomach. If your pet takes multiple medications, list them in the order the sitter should give them. Show the sitter the actual bottle so they can match the label to your instructions. If your pet is difficult to medicate, describe the method that works — hiding a pill in peanut butter, crushing it into wet food, or giving it directly in the mouth.
List where the sitter will find food, treats, medications, bowls, and any supplements. If you keep these items in different places, draw a simple map or write "dog food in the pantry, treats in the cabinet above the sink, medication in the refrigerator." This saves the sitter time and prevents them from giving the wrong item by mistake.
Bathroom Habits and Exercise Routine
Describe how often your pet needs to go outside or use the litter box. Write down whether your pet has a preferred spot in the yard, whether they need a leash, and how long they typically stay out. If your pet is young or has a small bladder, note that they may need more frequent trips than an adult pet.
For dogs, specify the length and pace of walks — a 15-minute neighborhood walk is different from a 45-minute hike. If your dog has a favorite route or park, mention it. For cats, note whether they go outside, use a litter box indoors, or both. If you have multiple cats, write down which cat uses which box if that matters.
Include what to do if your pet has an accident indoors. Some owners want the sitter to clean it immediately; others prefer to handle it themselves. If your pet is house-training or has a medical condition that causes accidents, explain that to the sitter so they do not assume your pet is misbehaving.
Behavior, Personality, and Signs of Stress
Write a short description of your pet's normal personality and behavior. Note whether your pet is friendly with strangers, shy, energetic, or calm. If your pet is nervous around new people, explain what helps them relax — a quiet room, a favorite toy, or time to adjust before interaction.
List any behaviors that are normal for your pet but might alarm a sitter. For example: "My cat hides under the bed when stressed — this is normal, do not try to force her out" or "My dog barks when the doorbell rings but stops after a few seconds." Describe what your pet does when they are happy, bored, or anxious so the sitter can tell the difference.
Write down any triggers that upset your pet — loud noises, being picked up a certain way, or being left alone for long periods. If your pet has separation anxiety, describe what the sitter should do: stay calm, leave the radio on, or take the pet with them if possible. If your pet is aggressive toward other animals or people in specific situations, the sitter needs to know this before an incident happens.
Veterinary and Emergency Information
Write your veterinarian's full name, phone number, and address. Include the hours they are open and whether they take walk-in appointments or require a call first. If your vet is closed during the time the sitter will be there, list an emergency veterinary clinic with its address and phone number. Many areas have 24-hour emergency clinics; find yours before you need it and add it to the checklist.
Write your own phone number and the phone number of a trusted friend or family member the sitter can call if they cannot reach you. Include your email address if you check it regularly. If you will be in a location with limited cell service, write down the hotel phone number or a landline where you can be reached.
Describe any medical conditions your pet has and what the sitter should watch for. If your pet has diabetes, heart disease, or a chronic illness, explain the symptoms that mean the sitter should call the vet immediately. Write down whether your pet is microchipped and where the microchip information is registered, in case your pet escapes.
Play, Comfort, and Special Instructions
List your pet's favorite toys and games. If your pet likes to fetch, play tug-of-war, or chase a laser pointer, mention it. If your pet has toys they are not allowed to have unsupervised — because they might choke or destroy them — note that. Write down how long play sessions usually last and whether your pet needs a break afterward.
Describe what comforts your pet when they are scared or lonely. Some pets want to be held; others want to be left alone. Some pets feel better with background noise like a TV or radio. If your pet has a favorite blanket, bed, or sleeping spot, mention it. If your pet sleeps in your room at night, tell the sitter whether they should sleep in the same room or a different area.
Include any other instructions specific to your pet or your home. If your pet is not allowed on furniture, write that down. If your pet has a curfew or bedtime routine, describe it. If there are areas of the house the sitter should not let your pet into, explain why and how to prevent it.
Walking Through the Checklist Together
Before you leave, sit down with the sitter and go through the checklist item by item. Show them where the food is stored, where the medication is kept, and where the leash and collar hang. Let them see your pet eat a meal so they know what normal eating looks like. If your pet takes medication, watch the sitter give it once so you can correct any mistakes before you leave.
Walk the sitter through your pet's normal routine from morning to evening. Show them the bathroom spots, the play area, and the sleeping area. If your pet has quirks — like refusing to eat if the bowl is not in a specific spot, or needing five minutes to wake up before going outside — demonstrate them. Ask the sitter to text or call you with a photo or video of your pet so you know they have arrived and your pet is doing well.
Keep a copy of the checklist in an easy-to-find place at home, and give the sitter a copy to take with them or refer to on their phone. Update the checklist if your pet's routine, medication, or behavior changes. If you use the same sitter regularly, review the checklist before each visit to make sure nothing has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give the sitter a key to my house, or should I be home when they arrive?
If you trust the sitter, giving them a key is normal and saves time. If this is your first time using them, be home for the first visit so you can walk through the checklist and watch how they interact with your pet. After that, you can leave the key in a lockbox or give it to them directly.
What if my pet refuses to eat or act normally when the sitter is there?
Some pets are nervous around new people and may not eat or play normally at first. Write on the checklist that this is common and ask the sitter not to worry if your pet hides or ignores them. If your pet still will not eat after a few visits, or if they show signs of illness, the sitter should call you or the vet.
How detailed should the checklist be?
Include enough detail that someone who has never met your pet can care for them safely. If a detail seems obvious to you, it may not be obvious to the sitter. It is better to over-explain than to assume the sitter knows your pet's routine.
What if my pet has a medical emergency while I am away?
Write on the checklist that the sitter should call the emergency vet immediately if your pet shows signs of illness, injury, or distress. Include your permission for the vet to treat your pet and your credit card information if you want the sitter to authorize care. Tell the sitter to call you after they call the vet.
Can I use a template, or should I write my own checklist?
Many pet sitters provide their own template, which is a good starting point. You can also find templates online or create your own in a document or note app. The best checklist is one that matches your pet's specific needs and your home's layout, so customize any template you use.