Preparing for a new pet sitter doesn't have to be a hassle with these simple tips!
Leaving pets behind for a vacation or business trip can be stressful for both pets and pet parents. It's not always easy to trust someone else with your furry family member's care, especially if it's the first time you're leaving your pet alone. Choosing a reliable pet care professional to care for your dog or cat while you travel is a great option—but your work doesn't end there.
Once you choose a professional pet sitter, you still have to prepare for their visit and ensure that they have everything they need to take care of your pet while you are away. Here's how to prepare for a pet sitter to come to your home.
6 Tips to Prepare for a Pet Sitter
RELATED: Finding Good Pet Sitters Starts With Asking The Right Questions
Plan Ahead
The best pet sitters can be hard to find—so once you know you will be heading out of town, make sure you book your sitter quickly. If plans change, be sure to let them know immediately.
Schedule a Meet and Greet
If your pet has never had a sitter before or if you're hiring a new pet sitter, schedule a time for them to meet. A meet and greet is a great way for your pet to get to know the sitter and you can go over your pet's schedule in detail. Discuss when they go out for potty breaks, what to feed them, and how far they usually walk. If possible, ask your dog sitter to take your pup for a couple of walks so they can get to know each other better before your trip.
Make a List of Supplies
Pet owners know exactly where all of their pet supplies are, but a new pet sitter may not know where to find everything—especially if it's not all in the same location. Gather your supplies into a central area. You can also make a list to let your pet sitter know where everything is located. Their job will be so much easier if they know where to find the pet food, favorite toys, treats, leash, kennel, and medications. You can also write detailed instructions explaining what your pet sitter needs to do when they check in on your pet. Also let them know where to find extra food, a first-aid kit, cleaning supplies, and paper towels.
Provide Contact Information
Always leave your cell phone number and other contact information in case your pet sitter needs to reach you. In the event that you cannot be easily reached, provide them with the emergency contact information of a nearby relative or friend. Make sure you also leave your pet's vaccination records and relevant ID tags, along with their vet's information and phone number. In case of an emergency, you can also leave the phone number of your emergency vet. Be sure to give your pet sitter a spare key and an alarm code, if your home has one.
Set Your Thermostat
Since your home will be closed up with your pet inside, make sure you set the temperature to a pet-friendly setting so they don't get too warm or cold. However, you may not want the air conditioning running all day if it doesn't need to be. If your system is complicated, leave instructions for the pet sitter so they can alter the settings or reset it in case of a power outage.
Make Your Home Pet Safe
While you may have someone who is pet sitting, they may not be with your pet the entire time you're gone. Make sure your home is pet-safe before you leave. Things like medications, cleaning supplies, and small objects can harm your pet, so they should be stored out of reach. For some added peace of mind, you can use baby gates to block off areas you do not want your pet to venture into. Make sure all cabinet doors are closed and shut the doors to bedrooms that you're not able to pet-proof.
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