Pet Sitter Checklist Before Vacation: What to Prepare 7 Days Before You Leave
A pet sitter checklist counts down the week before your holiday — from documents to supplies to the morning you leave — so nothing is forgotten. Here is exactly what to do and when.
The stress of leaving a pet with a sitter comes from leaving everything to the last day. A pet sitter checklist that counts down the week before you go spreads the preparation out and makes sure nothing is forgotten — from documents and supplies to the handover on the morning you leave. Here is the countdown.
7 Days Before
- Confirm dates and times with your sitter
- Write or update your sitter instructions
- Check you have enough food and medication for the full stay plus two extra days
- Introduce the sitter to your pet if they have not met
3 Days Before
- Buy any supplies you are short on
- Refill prescriptions if needed
- Confirm the vet and out-of-hours emergency vet details on the instructions
- Check your pet's ID tag has your current phone number
The Day Before
- Do a quick health check — any new symptoms to mention?
- Lay out food, medication and comfort items where the sitter can find them
- Clean the litter tray or do the final long walk
- Photograph the completed instruction sheet for your own reference
Pet Sitter Instructions Pack
The Pet Sitter Instructions Pack gives you ready-to-use printable and fillable pages for feeding, medication, routines and emergencies — so the "write the instructions" step takes minutes, not an evening.
Get the Pet Sitter Instructions Pack →The Morning You Leave
- Confirm the sitter has your contact details and return time
- Show them where everything is stored
- Walk through the instructions and answer questions
- Leave the emergency card somewhere obvious
Do Not Forget the Emergency Plan
The one thing sitters most need and most often lack is a clear plan for if something goes wrong and they cannot reach you. Make sure your instructions include a simple decision tree and explicit permission to take your pet straight to the vet.
Two ways to be holiday-ready
Need the sitter pages? Choose the Pet Sitter Instructions Pack. Want an emergency-ready pack with a lost pet sheet and care info too? Choose the Pet Emergency and Care Info Kit.
Get the Pet Emergency and Care Info Kit →Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I prepare a pet sitter?
About a week. It lets you refill medication, buy supplies, introduce the sitter and write clear instructions without a last-minute rush.
How much food should I leave?
Enough for the full stay plus two extra days, in case of travel delays.
What is the most important thing to leave?
Clear written instructions with vet details and an emergency plan — including permission to seek vet care if you cannot be reached.
Printable and fillable PDF templates for pet owners — feeding schedules, health records, training trackers and more.