How to Prepare Your Home for a Pet Sitter or House Sitter 🏡🐾

alissacpthenotary
3 days ago
2 min read

Leaving your pet and home in someone else’s care can feel nerve-wracking—but preparation makes all the difference. Whether you’re hiring a pet sitter for daily visits or a house sitter for an extended stay, setting things up properly ensures your sitter can care for your pets (and home) confidently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your home for a smooth, stress-free experience—for you, your sitter, and your pets.

🐕 1. Create a Clear Pet Care Routine

Write down your pet’s daily schedule so your sitter can follow it easily:

Feeding times and portion sizes
Walk or potty break schedule
Medication instructions, if any
Preferred walking routes or favorite toys
Behavior notes: quirks, fears, or things to avoid

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your pet’s food, treats, and supplies organized in one easy-to-find spot. Label containers to avoid confusion.

🏡 2. Tidy and Pet-Proof the Space

Before your sitter arrives:

Secure trash cans, toxic cleaning products, or small objects pets could chew on.
Close off any rooms or areas that are off-limits.
Wash food and water bowls.
Ensure fences, doors, and gates latch properly.

Your sitter should walk into a safe, clean space ready for care—not clutter or hazards.

📝 3. Leave Important Information

Create a “Pet & Home Info Sheet” that includes:

Vet contact information
Emergency contacts
Your contact info and travel details
Nearest 24-hour animal hospital
Wi-Fi password (if they’re staying in your home)
Notes about deliveries, alarms, or plants

Keep it in a visible place, like the kitchen counter or near your pet’s supplies.

🔐 4. Prepare for Home Access

Double-check that your sitter can enter and lock up safely.

Test spare keys, or provide a keyless entry code.
Show them how to use the alarm system, thermostat, and lights.
Let neighbors know you’ll have a sitter visiting.

💧 5. Stock Essentials

Make sure there’s enough of everything to last the entire sitting period:

Pet food and litter
Cleaning supplies and poop bags
Treats and enrichment toys
Medications or supplements

Running out of essentials mid-stay creates unnecessary stress.

📸 6. Set Communication Expectations

Discuss how often you’d like updates—daily texts, photos, or videos. At Alissa’s Pet Services, clients love receiving photo updates after each visit—it’s a simple way to stay connected and reassured.

❤️ 7. Do a Meet & Greet Beforehand

If possible, introduce your sitter to your pet (and home) before you leave. This gives your pet time to warm up and helps the sitter learn your pet’s personality and routine firsthand.

✅ Final Thoughts

Preparation builds peace of mind. By setting up your home, organizing instructions, and communicating clearly, you make the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.

At Alissa’s Pet Services, we treat every home and pet with the same love and respect you do—offering reliable house sitting, pet sitting, and drop-in visits in Eagle Rock, Glendale, and Pasadena.