How to Prepare Your Home for a Dog Sitter
If you’re nervous about using a pet sitter for the first time, we’re here to help.
Let’s take a quick look at everything you need to consider before you leave, and by the time we’re done, you’ll be feeling prepared and ready to tackle the next vacation task.
#1. Stock up on the essentials.
You’ll need to not only make sure that your dog has all of their needs covered, but also that your house has everything that they’ll need to run smoothly while you’re away. For every stocked item, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough to last for one and a half times the duration of your trip.
For example, if you’ll be away for 10 days, you’ll need to have enough dog food (and everything else) to last you through 15 days, if not more. This allows extra room for small emergencies like using more poop bag than predicted or big ones like the dreaded delayed flight.
Your stock list should include:
dog food and treats
medications or vitamins
waste bags or puppy pads
hygiene products like shampoo, nail clippers, or insect repellent
home cleaning supplies and toilet paper
#2. Have everything important at the ready.
Gather everything that your dog sitter may need during their stay, as well as emergency information that they hopefully won’t need. Then go over where everything is located with your sitter during your meet-and-greet.
Your prep list might look like:
detailed instructions on your dog’s routine and care
notes on anything your dog particularly likes or dislikes, their triggers, and specific behaviors to be aware of
leash, collar, harness, waste bags, or anything needed for their walks
food dishes, lick mats, or any food-dispensing toys
toys, training aids, or comfort items
their vet’s information and your preferred pet emergency center
security login codes, spare keys, in-town contacts, or any other access information the sitter needs.
location of circuit breakers, water shutoff, and other home safety measures
directions for how your TV setup works (if you’re allowing them to use it)
internet login password and location of the router
Still not sure if you have everything you need? Here’s 10 more tips to get you, your dog, and your house ready for vacation.
#3. Tidy up the house.
Before the sitter arrives, you’ll need to tidy up any messes or day-to-day clutter and put away anything that you feel is private or don’t want the sitter to use. Many clients use this as an opportunity to deep clean their homes and purge any unwanted or donation items so they can come back from vacation to a spotless home.
If your sitter will be staying overnight, make sure they have a dedicated bedroom to sleep in, fresh sheets and towels, and a clean bathroom to use. At Grand & Graham Pets, we always ask that our sitters are likewise respectful of the home and clean up any messes that they or the dogs make during the stay.
#4. Clearly outline the home’s boundaries.
This is going to look different for everyone, but whatever your needs are, you need to be crystal clear with your sitter about any boundaries you have in your home. Maybe both they and the dogs should stay out of the kid’s room or the office while you’re away. Or you might need to clearly label any food that’s off limits or up for grabs. If you’d rather they not use any of the home’s amenities like exercise equipment, pool, or sauna, it’s not unreasonable to let them know upfront.
#5. Inquire about chores.
This will also be unique to each sitter, but many of them will consider taking care of small chores around the house to be part of the job, or be able to take care of it with an additional fee. Ask if they’re alright taking the trash or recycling out on the proper day, watering the house plants, or bringing in the mail.
#6. Last-minute safety check.
Keep in mind that due to the changes in routine that come with travel, your dog may be a little more stressed and bored than normal, so they may be more likely to try to get into things they shouldn’t. Put away anything that the dogs should stay out of, and double-check any fencing or dog gates that you use to keep them safe. It’s a good time to check the batteries on your smoke/gas alarms and expiration dates on fire extinguishers, too.
How to Find a Trustworthy Pet Sitter
While the big names in pet-sitting marketplace apps can be an easy way to get connected with a pet sitter, they often don’t have a sufficient vetting process for sitters and can’t guarantee the quality of the service you’ll be receiving. Asking other pet owners that you trust is one of the best ways to find a trustworthy local pet sitter. You might also check with your vet or dog trainer to see if there’s anyone they recommend.
If you’re in San Francisco, we hope you’ll also reach out to us at Grand and Graham Pets. We offer in-home, overnight sitters to ensure that your pets receive the highest quality care while you’re away, and you don’t have to take our word for it! Check out the reviews from our happy customers or learn more about what services we off here.
The information provided by Grand & Graham Pets on https://www.grandgrahampets.com is for general informational purposes only. It does not represent medical or training pet care advice. All information on the blog is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of any information on the blog. Under no circumstances shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the blog or reliance on any information provided on the blog. Your use of the blog and your reliance on any information on the blog is undertaken solely at your own risk. All text content of this blog is the property of Grand & Graham Pets and is therefore subject to copyright protection and not for reproduction or reuse. By accessing or using the website, blog, any materials, content, or intellectual property owned by the Owner, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Disclaimer. For more information, please see our full Disclaimer.
