Preparing For Your Pet Sitter

[Lois Kelly, 4 Paws Pet Sitting]

Making preparation to go on a trip requires that we try to anticipate any problems that may come up.
Of course it is impossible to be prepared for everything, but there are still many things you can do to
make sure that your pet sitter has all the tools needed to keep your pet happy and comfortable in your
absence. Here are some ideas that will help you get ready for your trip:

1. Make sure that you have given the sitter direct contact information for you or someone
authorized to make decisions on your behalf.
2. Provide the name and phone number of your pet’s veterinarian in case of emergency.
3. If your pet requires medications or fluid therapy, make sure that your sitter has clear
instructions on correct dosage, especially with critical medications such as insulin and heart
prescriptions.
4. Make sure that your sitter has working keys and information on any alarm system codes and
passwords. Be sure that your sitter knows what to do or who to contact if an alarm is triggered.
5. Check to see that you leave an ample supply of food, medications, and cat litter. Be certain that
the sitter will not run out of supplies in the event you are unable to return home as planned.
6. Alert neighbors that a pet sitter will be coming and going.
7. Leave notes for the pet sitter regarding your pet’s routines and schedules. It is also helpful to
inform the sitter of the location of water shut-off and electrical boxes.
8. Don’t forget to let the sitter know if your pet has particular hiding places, especially with cats;
this will ensure that the sitter can easily locate every pet and assess them each visit.
9. It is ideal if a new sitter has an opportunity to meet with you and your pet(s) prior to the visits.
This allows a chance for you to show the sitter where supplies are located; how the alarm
works; and most importantly-to allow the pets a chance to meet the sitter. In addition, you can
meet the sitter which will ease your anxiety about someone caring for your pets.
10. If your plans change, let the sitter know immediately, particularly if visits need to be extended.
Take the sitter’s phone number and email with you, so that you can stay in contact as needed.
11. Let the sitter know when you have arrived home safely.

The biggest advantage of having a sitter come to your home is that your pets are able to stay in their
own safe and comfortable environment when you go away, with no worries about your beloved animal
companions. If you follow the guidelines above, you will have a carefree trip, and your pets will barely know you were gone!

We would be honored to be your pet sitter.

Contact Four Paws Pet Sitting Servicesat (919) 388-PAWS (7297)