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We can’t always take our dogs with us when we travel. And, sometimes, our dogs are happiest at home, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds. Whatever your reason for traveling without your pet, hiring a qualified pet sitter is a great alternative to boarding or kennels. Chances are your dog will already be missing you while you’re away, so allowing him to stay at home, rather than in an unfamiliar place can ease stress for you both. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters put together this great list of what should be done in preparing your home for the dog sitter.
Preparing Your Home For The Dog Sitter
- Leave a piece of clothing that you’ve recently worn near where your pet sleeps as a reminder of you.
- Display the name and phone number of your vet in a prominent place. Show it to the pet sitter before departing.
- Place out appropriate food and water bowls for your pet’s use. Clean them beforehand.
- Put everything needed for your pet’s care in a specific area so the sitter doesn’t have to search for leashes, food or medications. Let the sitter know where these items are.
- If the sitter will be coming in the evening, hook up a timer light so he/she will not have to come to a dark house. It will be homier for your pet as well.
- Select a neighbor to keep an eye on your place while you’re gone.
- Let him/her know that a pet sitter will be coming to your home while you’re away.
- Provide him/her with a key in case of an emergency, inclement weather or in the event the pet sitter cannot make a scheduled visit.
- Give the pet sitter the neighbor’s name and phone number.
Read more great tips from NAPPS here. Remember, leaving your dog behind when you travel can be stressful for the both of you, but taking a few moments to prepare in advance will ensure a happy homecoming with your pup. Please, tell us – how do you prepare your home for the dog sitter?
Ernest London
Aug 8, 2017 at 3:34 pm
I like your idea to leave a piece of clothing you wear near where your dog sleeps. That way, he can smell you and still feel comfortable even though you are gone. I am getting ready to go on vacation, and I want to make sure I am prepared to leave my dog with the sitter. I will definitely give this a try and see if it helps!
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Kim Phillips
Dec 28, 2014 at 10:35 am
I am a pet sitter and can say for sure that there are lots of things a pet owner should do to prepare for the pet sitter; leaving lights on and letting the neighbors know that the pet sitter is coming are a good beginning. The pet sitter should have a very detailed intake process with questions about toilet habits (the pet’s), what to do in case of an emergency with the house (water leak, frozen pipes, etc.), location of fire extinguishers, presence of roommates, when the maid comes, location of recycling bins, off-limits areas… lots and lots more. If house-sitting is involved, there are even more questions.
Kim Phillips
Pet Sitter Nashville
cozeepet.com
Proper Pet Care for Pet Lovers
May 23, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to
see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad
is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic
but I had to share it with someone!
Joy Rowe
May 22, 2013 at 10:37 pm
I have a file folder full of info for my pet sitter. I have shot records and vet info, feeding instructions excluding snacks and what time of day to feed. A recent photo of the dog in case she ever got out. The micro chip number and emergency contact numbers in case of emergency. I also give house keys to back up relatives in case the pet sitter loses hers. Another thing I do is leave all the phone numbers and addresses of where Iam and how to get ahold of me and cell phone number. It works out great for the sitter and my dog. I tip well for a happy healthy dog when I arrive back home! So far it’s been great for my fur baby!
Diane Williams
May 22, 2013 at 9:09 pm
I hire my dog sitter “live” at the house while we are away. It is less stressful for our baby in fur to have human companionship like normal.
Sharon Russell
May 22, 2013 at 5:28 pm
I keep all of this information in a computer file and update as needed. I also include contact information for hotels etc. and contact information for important repair people for the house.