Prepare your pet
Introductions
Having your pet(s) meet with your pet sitter ensures that they will not be shocked or frightened when service begins. While you are away, it is good to leave an article of clothing that you’ve recently worn near where your pet sleeps as a reminder of you. Sometimes a scarf or other item with your scent can be worn by the pet sitter to further calm a nervous pet. We will ask you to provide detailed pet information in order to best serve you and your critter.
Peninsula Critter Care uses Power Pet Sitter. The client portal is a database that stores information you provide to us to best serve you, your home, and your pet.
Pet Schedules
Cats and dogs know when their owners are gone, so keeping them on the same routine helps them feel more at ease while you’re away. Put out clean food and water bowls for your pet’s use. If there are there certain foods that your pet definitely cannot eat for whatever reason, or if your pet is on a special diet, please inform your pet sitter.
Pet Supplies
Ensure that there will be enough food, treats, kitty litter, and favorite toys for the time that you will be away. Specify any preferred name or brand of food and treats. Leave this information in a handy location in case you didn’t have time to buy food before you left, or in case your trip is unexpectedly extended. Let your pet sitter know: where your dog’s leash is kept, if you have a carrier for your pet, information about pet bedding, tanks, cages, food bowls, and your pet’s health care products. Place any cleaning supplies where they can easily be found if needed, but out of the reach of pets.
Prepare your home
Provide Details
Inform your pet or house sitter of anything that may be out of the ordinary (sinks that don’t drain properly, toilet that overflows, etc.). Be sure to inform your sitter of any doors that should not be opened, or areas where your pet is not allowed. Be sure the sitter knows where your thermostat is and how to operate it. Leave thermostats set at a comfortable temperature for your pets while you are away. If anyone will be in your home during your absence, let your sitter know. If your pets are allowed outdoors, ensure that your yard is secure and lock any gates.
Let your pet and/or house sitter know your time and date of departure and return. For long trips, providing a detailed itinerary ensures that you can be reached in an emergency. For Peninsula Critter Care’s house sitting services, you will be asked to provide detailed information about your schedule and your home.
Contact Information
Be sure to provide your sitter all of the information on where you can be reached: cell phone, hotel name, hotel location, your room number, or any other information on where you will stay. Include a phone number for a local neighbor, friend, or family member as well. If you rent your home, your sitter should have your landlord’s name as well. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and let him/her know that a pet sitter will be coming visiting while you are away. Provide him/her with a key in case of an emergency, or in the event the sitter cannot make a scheduled visit due to the weather or other reasons.
Security Information
If your home has an alarm system, please be sure to inform your sitter of any codes or timers. For evening visits, having your lights on a timer will help your sitter remain safe and make your pets feel at ease.
Pet safety
Similar to human kids when their parents are away, cats and dogs may try to test their limits while you are away. Inform your sitter of any limitations to avoid any unwanted behavior, and any methods of training that you use for dealing with any of your pet’s possible behavior problems. Potentially dangerous plants or decorations should be put somewhere that your pets won’t be able to get to them. Keep this in mind especially during the holidays when Christmas trees and other decorations are on display. Some pets get separation anxiety and like to chew things up when owners are away. Ensure that any access to dangerous places such as the pool or garage is blocked to pets. Provide your sitter or dog walker with a list of potential unfriendly dogs or people along the walking route. Make note of how your dog may interact with other dogs and people as well. Advise your pet sitter of any rooms, furniture, or outdoor areas that are off-limits to your critters.
Veterinarian Information
Provide and display the name and phone number of your vet in a prominent place. Include the name and phone number of your regular vet and an emergency vet. Notify your pet sitter of the following for your pet(s): medical history, immunization records, microchip or any other identification information, medications, any minor health problems or phobias, or if your pet has ticks or fleas.
Medications
If your pet is on medication, notify your pet sitter ahead of time and provide a list, as well as the schedule for taking them. For multiple pets on medication, it can be helpful to place each day’s separate doses in labeled pill organizers or snack sized plastic bags marked with permanent marker to show: Pet’s name, time to give medication, date, and amount.
Now, go have fun! Peninsula Critter Care offers you
the peace of mind that your critters are in good hands.