What Information Should I Leave for My Pet Sitter?
Useful pet sitter instructions are detailed enough to answer practical questions but organized well enough to scan during a visit. You do not need to write a long narrative. Focus on current facts, clear amounts, specific locations, and what the sitter should do if something changes.
At Barking Beau's, client information is kept in the care portal and should be reviewed before every reservation.
Pet profile and behavior
Include each pet's name, age, identifying details, normal temperament, and handling preferences. Explain relevant behaviors such as door rushing, hiding, guarding food, reacting to dogs, chewing household items, or resisting certain kinds of touch.
List cues the pet knows and any equipment or management steps used to keep them safe.
Feeding and water
Record:
Exact food and portion for each pet
Meal times and preparation steps
Food and measuring-tool location
Treat limits and dietary restrictions
Whether uneaten food should be removed
Normal water setup and refill instructions
Avoid vague directions such as “one scoop” unless the correct scoop is clearly identified.
Medication and health
For each medication, provide the name, dose, time, route, storage instructions, and practical administration notes. Explain what to do if a dose is refused or vomited, and give the veterinary contact for questions.
Also note allergies, recent procedures, mobility limitations, seizure history, appetite concerns, and signs that are normal for your pet versus signs that require a call.
Bathroom, walking, and litter routines
Describe normal bathroom timing, approved walking routes or yard use, leash and harness instructions, dog reactivity, waste disposal, and weather limitations. For cats, explain litter-box locations, scoop routine, disposal, and what changes in use should be reported.
Home access and security
Document the primary and backup entry method, alarm steps, gates, parking, cameras, and doors or locks that need special handling. List anyone else who may enter during the reservation.
Do not hide a key or share a sensitive code in an informal note unless that method has been agreed with the provider.
Veterinary and emergency contacts
Include:
Regular veterinarian and preferred emergency clinic
A nearby contact who is authorized and able to help
Your travel contact details and time zone
Veterinary treatment authorization required by the provider
Carrier and emergency-supply locations
Tell your emergency contact that they have been listed and confirm they will be available.
Household instructions
Record agreed requests for mail, packages, trash, lights, plants, thermostat settings, and pet-related cleanup. Note shutoff locations or building contacts when relevant. Keep extra tasks reasonable for the booked visit length.
Travel and schedule details
Provide departure and expected return timing, not just flight numbers. Explain what the sitter should do if you are delayed. Confirm which visit is first, which is last, and whether you will message when you are safely home.
What to update before every trip
Review food amounts, medication, access codes, veterinary information, emergency contacts, behavior, and the visit schedule. A profile that was accurate six months ago may not reflect today's routine.
For the physical side of getting ready, use the companion home-preparation checklist. If this is your first booking, the meet and greet is where you can walk through these details in person.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave printed instructions if the sitter uses a client portal?
Use the provider's preferred system as the main record so updates are available to the assigned caregiver. A short printed note can be useful for a temporary reminder, but it should not conflict with the current portal instructions.
How detailed should pet sitter instructions be?
Be specific where mistakes matter, especially portions, medication, access, escape risks, and emergency steps. Use short sections and labels so the sitter can find information quickly.
Planning care for an upcoming trip? Submit a care request with your location, dates, and your pet’s routine.
