How to Write Clear Care Instructions for Your Pet Sitter

You've found a great pet sitter for your holiday trip. Now comes the part that makes the biggest difference in how smoothly things go while you're away: the care instructions. A sitter can be kind, experienced, and reliable, but they don't know your pet the way you do. A clear, well-organized care sheet fills that gap, so your dog or cat gets the routine they're used to and your sitter never has to guess.

Here's how to put together instructions that are easy to follow, even at 6 a.m. with a dog dancing at the door.

Start with the Essentials

Put the most important information at the very top of the page, where nobody can miss it:

Your contact info: cell phone, where you'll be staying, and the best way to reach you (call, text, or a messaging app).
A backup contact: a nearby friend or neighbor who can help if you're unreachable or there's a problem with the house.
Your veterinarian: clinic name, phone number, and address.
The nearest emergency vet: many regular clinics close on holidays, so include a 24-hour animal hospital as well.
An animal poison control line: write the number down so your sitter doesn't have to search for it in a stressful moment.

It's also smart to call your vet before you leave and let them know someone else will be caring for your pet. Ask how they handle authorization for treatment when you're out of town, and share that with your sitter.

Spell Out the Daily Routine

Pets thrive on predictability, and the holidays can already feel unsettling when their people disappear. Keeping their usual schedule helps a lot. Write out a simple timeline for a typical day, such as:

Morning: wake-up time, first potty break, breakfast, and morning walk.
Midday: potty break or short walk, any playtime.
Evening: dinner, longer walk, and wind-down time.
Bedtime: last potty break, where your pet sleeps, and whether they're crated.

Be specific. "Feed twice a day" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. "One cup of the kibble in the blue bin at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., mixed with a spoonful of water" does not.

Feeding Details

Note exactly what, how much, and when your pet eats, plus where the food, bowls, and scoop are kept. List which treats are allowed and how many per day. If your pet has food sensitivities or isn't allowed table scraps, say so clearly. With holiday leftovers and treats around, it helps to remind your sitter that foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and anything sweetened with xylitol are off-limits for pets.

Medications and Health Notes

If your pet takes any medication, leave it in its original labeled container and write out the schedule exactly as your veterinarian prescribed it. Explain how you usually give it, whether that's hidden in a treat or given by hand. Also list anything your sitter should watch for, like changes in appetite, vomiting, limping, or unusual tiredness, and when you'd like them to call you or the vet.

Cover Walks, Leashes, and Outdoor Rules

For dog owners, walks are often where the most questions come up. Include:

Which leash, harness, or collar to use, and where they hang.
Your usual walking route and how long walks typically last.
Any reactivity to other dogs, people, bikes, or squirrels.
Whether your dog is allowed off-leash in a fenced yard, and any escape habits to watch for.
Cold-weather gear, like a coat or booties, and whether to wipe paws after walks on salted sidewalks.

Make sure your pet's ID tag is up to date before you leave, and let your sitter know whether your pet is microchipped.

Share Your Pet's Personality

This is the section many owners skip, but sitters often find it the most helpful. A few lines about who your pet is can prevent a lot of confusion:

Favorite toys, games, and cuddle spots.
Fears or triggers, like the doorbell, vacuum, or fireworks.
Cues your pet knows, such as "sit," "leave it," or "go to bed."
Quirks that are normal for them, like skipping breakfast on the first day you're gone.
Hiding places, especially for cats, so the sitter knows where to look before worrying.

Don't Forget the House

Include the practical stuff: how to lock and unlock doors, alarm codes, Wi-Fi password, where cleaning supplies and poop bags are kept, how trash and litter disposal work, and which rooms are off-limits to pets. If you have a thermostat schedule, note it so the house stays comfortable on cold nights.

Do a Walk-Through Before You Go

Written instructions work best paired with a quick meet-and-greet at your home. Walk your sitter through the routine, show them where everything is, and let your pet get comfortable with them while you're still there. Leave a printed copy of your care sheet on the counter and send a digital copy too. Agree ahead of time on how often you'd like updates, whether that's a quick text after each visit or a photo once a day.

Ready for a Worry-Free Trip

A little preparation now means a happier pet and a more relaxing holiday for you. If you still need help this season, you can post a pet sitting job or browse local pet sitters in your area. And if your pup needs a cozy coat or a fresh leash before the sitter arrives, stop by our dog boutique.