How to prepare your home for a pet sitting visit

A little preparation

A pet sitting visit starts with a clear conversation about your pet’s routine. A few notes help you and your pet sitter agree on the care and practical details.

Share your pet’s routine

Leave a note with your pet’s usual mealtimes, where their food is kept and any other agreed tasks. You can also mention their favourite places to rest and play, and anything they tend to avoid.

If there are important house rules, such as rooms your pet should not enter or items they should not use, include them in your instructions.

Set out the things needed

Leave the items that may be used during the visit somewhere easy to find. These might include food, bowls, a lead, bags for walks, or litter and a scoop. Explain where things should go after use, too.

Agree access and contacts

Explain how the pet sitter will get into your home and share any useful instructions about the door, doorbell or alarm. If there is someone to contact when you are unavailable, leave their details.

Say how you would like updates

If you would like photos or videos, agree this before the visit. You can also say how you would prefer to be contacted during the service.

Before the visit

A short list of the routine, supplies and access instructions helps set out the details you have agreed. If anything changes, share the update before the visit.