What Information Should You Leave for a Pet Sitter?

Handing over care of your pet to a sitter — whether a professional or a trusted friend — requires clear communication. The more information you leave, the more confident your sitter will be, and the calmer your pet will stay. This guide covers everything your pet sitter needs, with a printable checklist at the end.

Owner and Emergency Contact Information

Your sitter needs to reach you quickly if something goes wrong. Do not assume they have your number saved. Leave written contact details, not just a text message.

• Your full name and mobile number
• A second contact: partner, parent or friend who knows your pet
• Where you are staying (hotel name, address, or destination city)
• Dates and return time
• Whether you can be reached at all times or have limited signal

Vet Contact and Medical Information

This is the most critical section. A sitter who cannot reach you needs to know where to take your pet and what to tell the vet.

• Vet clinic name, address and phone number
• Emergency out-of-hours vet (different from your regular vet)
• Pet's full name as registered at the vet
• Microchip number
• Known allergies or sensitivities
• Current medications: name, dose and timing
• Any ongoing conditions (e.g. heart murmur, epilepsy, anxiety)
• Insurance provider and policy number

Feeding Instructions

Be specific. "A bowl of food twice a day" is not enough. Different sitters interpret serving sizes very differently, and overfeeding or underfeeding over several days affects digestion and energy.

• Food brand and type (dry, wet, raw)
• Exact serving size (grams, cups or can size)
• Feeding times
• Location of food and where to store it
• Foods your pet must NOT have — including human foods that seem harmless (grapes, onions, xylitol)
• Whether your pet is prone to guarding food around other animals

Daily Routine and Walking Schedule

Pets — especially dogs — are creatures of habit. Keeping the routine as close to normal as possible reduces stress and prevents accidents.

• Wake time and bedtime routine
• Number of walks per day and approximate duration
• Preferred walking routes (if applicable)
• Whether your dog can be let off lead and recall reliability
• Dog reactivity notes: does your dog react to other dogs, cyclists, children?
• Whether your pet is allowed on furniture or in certain rooms
• Nap or rest times

Behaviour and Personality Notes

A sitter who understands your pet's personality will handle situations far better than one who is caught off guard.

• How does your pet usually react to strangers?
• Does your pet hide when stressed? Where do they go?
• Any separation anxiety behaviours to expect (barking, destructive chewing)?
• Favourite toys, games and how to use them
• Commands your pet responds to
• Anything that frightens your pet (fireworks, thunder, specific sounds)

Household Information

• Wi-Fi password (if sitter is staying over)
• Location of pet supplies (leads, treats, poo bags)
• How to lock up the house
• Location of first aid kit
• Rubbish collection or recycling days (for longer stays)
• Neighbour's contact if you cannot be reached

What to Do in an Emergency

Give your sitter a clear decision tree so they do not freeze if something goes wrong.

1. Try to reach you by phone or message
2. If no response within 15 minutes: call the emergency contact
3. If the pet appears to be in pain, distress or has been injured: go directly to the vet — do not wait for permission
4. If the pet is lost: use the microchip number and lost pet information sheet to alert local vets and shelters

Frequently Asked Questions

What information should I give a pet sitter?

At minimum: your contact details, vet contact, feeding instructions, walking schedule and any medications. The more detail you provide, the more confident and prepared your sitter will be.

How do I prepare my pet for a sitter?

Introduce the sitter before your trip if possible. Let them spend time with your pet while you are still present so the pet associates the sitter with something positive rather than your absence.

Should I leave written instructions for a pet sitter?

Always. Verbal instructions are easily forgotten, especially if the sitter is managing multiple tasks. Written instructions that cover feeding, emergencies and daily routine can be referred to at any time.