Hiring a pet sitter is a fantastic way to ensure your pets are well cared for while you’re away. However, proper preparation is key to making the experience seamless for everyone involved—especially your pets. From organizing supplies to managing communication and even setting up the litter box correctly, here’s how to make things as easy as possible for your sitter and ensure your pets are happy and comfortable.
Clear and Obvious Organization
Label Everything: Make sure all pet supplies—such as food containers, medications, leashes, collars, and toys—are clearly labeled. If you have multiple pets, be sure to mark items with their names to avoid any confusion.
Centralized Space: Gather all essentials in one clearly visible location. Even if you’ve shown your sitter where things are during the walkthrough, having everything in one spot saves time and avoids any mix-ups.
Written Instructions: Always leave simple and clear written instructions for feeding schedules, medications, routines, and any special quirks your pets have. While verbal instructions help, written notes/client profiles in apps act as a reliable reference for your sitter.
Cat Litter Box Care: Why 3 Inches is Just Right
When it comes to litter boxes, more isn’t always better. Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean your cat needs a mountain of litter!
Stick to 3 Inches: This depth is ideal for cats. It allows them to dig and cover waste without creating unnecessary clumping or mess.
Why Not More? Filling the box with 8 inches of litter won’t make it cleaner. Instead, it wastes material, encourages cats to fling litter everywhere, and makes scooping harder for your sitter.
Stock Supplies: Ensure your sitter has enough litter for the duration of your trip, stored in a clearly labeled container. Provide a scoop and bags for waste in a visible location.
Communicate Clearly
Professional pet sitters often use software or apps to streamline communication and share updates. Familiarize yourself with their system to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Understand the Protocol: Whether your sitter uses software, email, or phone updates, clarify their preferred communication method.
Stay Connected: Make sure your sitter knows how to reach you during an emergency and how often you’d like updates (e.g., daily care journals, photos, or app notifications).
Double-Check Keys and Plan for Emergencies
Access to your home is critical, so take these steps to ensure everything is in working order:
Test the Keys: Before handing over the keys, test them to make sure they work properly.
Have a Backup Plan: Bad weather or emergencies can sometimes prevent your sitter from reaching your home. Arrange for a trusted neighbor or friend to act as a backup caretaker, and share their contact information with your sitter.
Mark Leashes, Collars, and Crates
For households with multiple pets, organization is essential to prevent confusion:
Label Leashes and Collars: Clearly mark each leash and collar with the corresponding pet’s name.
Crates and Carriers: If your pets require crates or carriers, ensure they are labeled and placed in an accessible spot.
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
Stock Up on Supplies: Double-check that you have enough food, medications, litter, and other essentials to last your entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
Emergency Contacts: Provide your sitter with a list of emergency contacts, including your veterinarian and your backup caretaker.
Clear Communication: Let your sitter know how to reach you and your preferred update schedule.
By organizing thoughtfully and communicating clearly, you make your sitter's job easier and your pets’ experience smoother. Your preparation ensures happy pets, a satisfied sitter, and peace of mind for you while you’re away.
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