What to Include in Your Pet Care Instructions for a Sitter

Leaving your pet in someone else's care can feel stressful, but providing detailed pet care instructions can make the experience much easier for both you and your pet. Whether you're leaving for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or an extended vacation, clear instructions help your pet sitter maintain your pet's normal routine and provide the best possible care.

The more information you provide, the more confident your sitter will be—and the more comfortable your pet will feel while you're away.

Start with Basic Information

Begin with the essentials so your pet sitter has everything they need at a glance.

Include:

• Your pet's name

• Age and breed

• Weight (if known)

• Microchip information

• Your contact information

• Emergency contact information

• Your veterinarian's name, phone number, and address

• Nearest emergency veterinary hospital

Having this information readily available can save valuable time during an emergency.

Outline Your Pet's Daily Routine

Pets thrive on consistency. Following their regular schedule helps reduce stress and anxiety while you're away.

Be sure to include:

• Wake-up time

• Feeding schedule

• Portion sizes

• Water refill instructions

• Walk schedule

• Potty routine

• Playtime preferences

• Bedtime routine

Even small details can help your pet feel more secure.

Feeding Instructions

Don't assume your sitter knows your pet's routine.

Include:

• Brand and type of food

• Amount per meal

• Feeding times

• Treat allowance

• Food allergies or sensitivities

• Foods your pet should never have

If your pet has a sensitive stomach, mention that as well.

Medications and Supplements

If your pet takes medication, provide detailed written instructions.

Include:

• Medication name

• Dosage

• Administration time

• How it's given (pill, liquid, injection, etc.)

• Whether it should be given with food

• Tips that make administering medication easier

Whenever possible, demonstrate how to administer medications before your trip.

Behavior and Personality

Your sitter will appreciate knowing your pet's unique personality.

Share information such as:

• Favorite toys

• Favorite sleeping spots

• Typical energy level

• Fears (thunder, fireworks, strangers, vacuum cleaners)

• Anxiety triggers

• Escape tendencies

• Commands your pet knows

• Behaviors to watch for

Every pet has quirks, and sharing them helps your sitter provide personalized care.

Walking and Exercise

For dogs, explain your walking routine in detail.

Include:

• Preferred walking route

• Leash or harness instructions

• Favorite parks

• Walking duration

• Reactivity toward other dogs or people

• Areas to avoid

• Off-leash rules (if applicable)

This helps keep both your pet and your sitter safe.

Cat-Specific Instructions

If you have a cat, include details about:

• Litter box location

• Cleaning schedule

• Preferred litter type

• Favorite hiding spots

• Window or balcony safety

• Play preferences

• Indoor-only reminders

Cats often hide when stressed, so letting your sitter know where they usually spend their time can be especially helpful.

Emergency Information

Prepare your sitter for unexpected situations.

Provide instructions on:

• What to do if your pet becomes ill

• Signs that require immediate veterinary care

• Authorization for emergency treatment

• Spending limits if you're unreachable

• Backup contact person

Knowing your wishes ahead of time allows your sitter to act quickly if necessary.

Home Care Instructions

If your sitter will be visiting your home, include any important household information, such as:

• Alarm system instructions

• Wi-Fi information (if needed)

• Trash day

• Mail or package collection

• Plant watering

• Light switches or timers

• Gate or garage codes

Simple household details can make each visit much smoother.

Communication Preferences

Let your sitter know how often you'd like updates.

Some pet owners prefer:

• A message after every visit

• Daily photo updates

• Videos

• Phone calls only if there's an issue

Clear expectations help everyone stay on the same page.

Schedule a Meet-and-Greet

Before your trip, arrange a meet-and-greet with your sitter.

This gives you the opportunity to:

• Introduce your pet

• Walk through your routine

• Demonstrate medications

• Show where supplies are stored

• Ask questions

• Make sure your pet feels comfortable

A successful introduction builds trust and helps your pet feel more relaxed when care begins.

Final Thoughts

Detailed pet care instructions are one of the best gifts you can give your pet sitter—and your pet. They help maintain routines, reduce stress, improve communication, and ensure your furry family member receives consistent, loving care while you're away.

At Alissa's Pet Services, we know every pet is unique. That's why we take the time to learn each pet's routine, personality, and preferences before every visit. Whether we're providing dog walks, drop-in visits, pet sitting, boarding, or house sitting, our goal is to care for your pets just as you would.