It’s never easy to leave your pet behind when you travel, but having a trusted sitter taking care of your dog in the comfort of your own home can help ease a lot of separation anxiety – including yours!

Here’s a checklist to help ensure pet-sitting success and we’ll go into each one in detail:

1. Schedule a meet and greet 

2. Prepare your home

3. Watch for signs of stress or illness

4. Do a trial run

5. Leave familiar items

6. Share emergency info 

YOUR DOG SITTER CHECKLIST

1. Schedule a meet and greet with the pet sitter

Introducing your pet to the sitter before you leave is an important step in minimizing anxiety – your dog’s, yours and your sitter’s!

• Schedule your intro during a calm time of day – after a routine walk or meal – so your pet starts off in a good frame of mind.

• Let your pup get comfortable with your sitter at his/her pace. Review your instructions/lists with the sitter while your pet sniffs around.

• Spell out house rules/preferences about things like guests visiting, smoking, feeding table scraps to your dog, etc.

• Specify if there are areas in your home or furniture that are off limits to your pup.

• Note where you want your dog’s waste to be disposed.

• Encourage your pet sitter to ask questions. Share info about your pet that will help familiarize your sitter with your dog, like your pup’s favorite toy, favorite spot to get scratched, high value treats, etc.

• Ask your sitter to send you regular/daily updates via text/photo of your pet along with any questions. You’ll all feel better with regular communication.

Your dog sitter checklist will help you choose the right guardian for your pet while you're away.

2. Prep your home and share your pet’s daily routine

A tour of the home and a detailed account of your pup’s daily routine can help your pet sitter maintain the continuity of familiar daily rhythms. This can help calm your pet in your absence.

• If allowing access, provide codes for house alarms, garage doors, and password for wi-fi

• Leave instructions on feeding (food storage location, amount, times) and treats (what’s allowed, when, how much, etc.). Note if your dog has food allergies or special dietary restrictions and if you’d prefer your sitter not to share his/her snacks with your pup.

• Check that your dog’s collars, leashes, harnesses, crates, and carriers are in good shape and ID tags/ licenses are secured onto collars.

• Note daily times for morning wake-up, potty breaks, feeding(s), medication administration, walks, playtime and bedtime.

• Make sure that dog gates, outdoor fences or pens are in good repair.

• Ensure hazardous materials, both inside and outside your home, (cleaners, paint, bug/weed killer, anti-freeze, etc.) are safely secured from your pet.

• Check your yard for potential hazards (poisonous plants, mushrooms, holes under fences) and tend to them.

• Stock up on supplies; food, treats, bowls, poop bags, doggie wipes, water (in case of storms), wee-wee pads, grooming items, an extra leash/collar/harness.

3. Watch for signs of stress or illness in your dog

It’s normal for your pet to feel anxious with a sitter. Let the sitter know to watch for signs and get to your nearest VEG for any pet emergency. Here are some things that can help reduce stress and keep things routine for your dog while you’re away: 

• Specify if your dog has any reactivity triggers (other dogs, squirrels, kids, loud noises, thunder, fireworks, etc.) and how to best handle these situations. 

• Discuss rules around dog walking with the sitter. Note whether dog parks are off limits, specific harnesses/leashes for walking, whether you’re OK with your sitter driving your pet somewhere, seatbelts for your dog, etc.

  
  

Signs of a dog emergency include:

• Reduced appetite

• Excessive grooming

• Vomiting

• Hiding

• Diarrhea 

• Coughing and/or sneezing

• Lethargy 

• Difficulty breathing

Water intake should be monitored; if your dog is refusing water, it could lead to dehydration. 

4. Do a trial run 

This could happen during the meet and greet. It’s a good idea for the sitter to handle your pet and take your dog out for a walk without you. They should also give your pup praise and treats to reinforce a positive association between your dog and the new sitter. 

Before you hire a pet sitter for your dog, read through our checklist to make sure they're a good fit for your pet. Remember to let them know that VEG is open 24 hours for emergencies.

5. Leave familiar items for your dog

Whether your pet stays at your home or is traveling to the new sitter’s, leave items like toys, blankets, or their favorite bed will provide comfort and make them feel secure. 

You might also want to ask your sitter for an item of theirs to place by your pup beforehand to familiarize your pet with their scent.

6. Share emergency info—your dog’s and yours

Have all your and your pet’s information easily at hand for your pet sitter, whether that’s a physical folder or digital one. Here’s what that should include: 

• Basic info (age, breed, weight), as well as pics of your pet from several angles to show size and any special markings, along with a full-face image.

• Contact info for your pet’s regular vet, pet pharmacy, and nearest emergency vet hospital.

• Updated health records for vaccinations, medical conditions, medications, and instructions on timing/frequency and how they’re administered (pill pockets, tucked in some peanut butter, etc.).

• Pet’s town license number and microchip number/contact info.

• Your personal contact info along with the names and contact information for the place(s) you’ll be staying at. Include backup contacts (family, friends, neighbors) in case of emergencies.

• Clearly note when you are leaving on your trip and when you are returning so there’s no confusion (e.g., 8 am vs. 8 pm).

• Emergency numbers for police, fire, and ambulance and access to first-aid kits, if the sitter is staying in your home for an extended time.

• Contact info for your dog’s groomer if you have one. Make sure your sitter can access grooming and cleaning supplies for your pup and home. Consider having your dog groomed before you leave. 

VEG ER FOR PETS IS OPEN 24/7 FOR DOG EMERGENCIES

By taking these steps, you, your dog, and your sitter will rest easier. Remember to have your nearest VEG available and let your sitter know that VEG is open 24 hours, even on weekends and holidays for emergencies.