By Robert Goldman on Oct 16, 2022
Pet parents all over the world are in desperate need of assistance. It happens when they cannot spend as much time with their pets as they want or when they are away on a trip without any pets.
Leaving your pet behind might be upsetting even if you have a trustworthy pet sitter. Making sure they have clear directions will make things move more smoothly and give you peace of mind.
You should interview potential pet sitters, check references, and confirm that they are qualified and passionate about caring for animals. Verify their insurance, bonding, and licensing. But there are some more actions you should also take to make sure your pet gets the finest care possible.
8 Tips to Write the Best Instructions for Your Pet Sitter
Are you looking for the best instruction for pet sitter? Check these:
1. Tell About Keys to the Home and Alarm PINs
Make sure your sitter has access to the house before you go on your trip. Have the code for the house alarm written down someplace, and leave detailed instructions on how to use it and what to do if they unintentionally set it off.
They will also require the key to your home. Tell your sitter who in your family or neighborhood has a spare key and how to reach them in an emergency. You may relax without making invasive calls if you ensure the essentials are taken care of!
2. Provide Emergency Contact Details
You must be reachable by your pet sitter for daily check-ins and in case of an emergency. Offer a business phone as well as your one (if you have one). It is preferable to create an itinerary for your dog sitter if you are going on vacation, so they will know exactly where you will be.
Include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the hotels. They will be able to contact you no matter where you are in the process. Also, leave a neighbor’s phone number if your sitter requires immediate assistance from someone in the area.
3. Personality Traits and Routine of Your Pet
It’s a good idea to describe your pet’s characteristics because each pet has a unique personality. What place do they choose to sit? What toys do they prefer? Do they prefer to stick to a specific schedule?
You should let the pet sitter know the best practices for keeping your pet calm without you if they are older or prone to anxiety. Cats and dogs can have behavioral issues. They must be kept under observation for better care.
4. Share Information and Supplies for Pet Care
Don’t send your sitter out to look for pet supplies. Put everything your sitter needs in one central location. This includes food and treats, extra food and consumable supplies in an emergency. It also includes medications (clear written instructions), a leash and collar or harness, paper towels and cleaning supplies.
And a broom/dustpan or vacuum cleaner, plastic bags for waste disposal, litter and a scooper. Any specific directions you want your pet sitter to follow should be written out clearly and reviewed.
5. Pet-related Information
The more knowledge the sitter has about your pet, the better in case of an emergency. This involves having an accurate photo of your pet that is current. Both their registration number and their microchip number should be noted down. Make sure you have a thorough list of your pet’s medical conditions.
Additionally, any personality qualities should be mentioned. Do they avoid loud noises? Do they frequently run over to your neighbors’ dogs to say hello? Such details will be very beneficial to your sitter, particularly if they are just getting to know your pet.
6. Guidelines for Feeding the Pet
How frequently do you feed your pet each day? How much is given to them consistently? Do they have access to treats? If so, are they consistently given to them at a specific time, such as right after a walk? Your dog’s sitter will likely follow your dog’s daily schedule if you spell out everything in detail.
Additionally, it guarantees that your dog won’t be underfed or overfed. Additionally, let your pet sitter know if there is something that they absolutely cannot give your pet. There is food aggression in dogs that your dog sitter must be aware of. Since some pets have allergies, you must list them all. Give your pet sitter all the information they need in writing.
7. An Inventory of All Medications of Your Pet
If your pet takes any meds, you must list them completely, so the sitter will understand what to provide, why, and how to deliver it. To ensure your pet’s schedule is maintained, let the pet sitter know if any of the prescriptions are time-sensitive.
Giving medication can be done in a variety of ways, so it’s crucial to give clear directions. All of this ought to be covered in your pet sitter safety plan. Make sure to include a complete list of all medications on it. Your pet sitter will thoroughly understand your pets to take care of and will work efficiently.
8. Guest Visits
If you reside in an apartment building or gated neighborhood, inform security of your pet sitter’s visit. If necessary, inform your neighbors as well. Additionally, let the sitter know if you intend to have friends, family, or other people watch over your home and pets while you are away.
To prevent confusion, make sure to spell exactly what the pet sitter is in charge of and what the other visitors will do. Inform the house sitter about any gardeners, pool, or house maintenance contractors who might be present while you are away.
Conclusion
It would be best if you consider all the points stated about to make your instructions meaningful and clear. It will take away all your stress as your pet sitter will have complete information about essentials.
About the Author
Robert Goldman has earned a Master’s degree in English Literature. He writes incredibly insightful articles on a variety of subjects. Robert is really committed to his work and makes sure to deliver high-quality results. He continued to collaborate with businesses that provided services and content for animals. He is a pet owner himself, thus he is well versed in pet maintenance.