Heading out of town should be exciting, not stressful. But if you have a pet at home, the days before a trip can dissolve into a scramble of loose ends. Will the sitter know where the extra food is? Did you write down the vet's number? What if there's an emergency?
We've watched hundreds of pet parents prep for vacations, work trips, and long weekends. The ones who feel best about leaving are the ones who take 30 minutes to run through a simple checklist. Here's ours.
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1
Share your vet's contact info
Write down the name, phone number, and address of your regular vet. If they have after-hours emergency instructions, include those too. Your sitter shouldn't have to search for this in a crisis.
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2
Leave a spare key with a neighbor
Even if your sitter has a key, things happen. Lockouts, lost keys, stuck deadbolts. A trusted neighbor with a backup key can save the day — and save your sitter from sleeping in the car.
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3
Stock up on food, treats, and medication
Count the days you'll be gone, then add two extra. Make sure there's enough kibble, wet food, treats, and any medications your pet needs. Leave clear dosage instructions for meds, including the time of day they should be given.
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4
Write down the daily routine
Pets are creatures of habit. Note feeding times, walk schedules, bedtime rituals, and any quirks — like how your cat only drinks from a running faucet, or your dog needs to go out within five minutes of eating.
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5
Prep the house
Show your sitter where the cleaning supplies are, how the thermostat works, and which rooms are off-limits. If your dog has a crate, make sure it's clean and set up. Secure any trash cans that a curious nose might find.
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6
Provide emergency contacts
Beyond the vet, leave a list of people the sitter can call: you (obviously), a local friend or family member, and your building manager if applicable. The more options, the more confident your sitter will feel.
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7
Do a walkthrough with your sitter
If possible, have the sitter visit before you leave. Walk them through the house, introduce them to your pet, and do one feeding or walk together. This gives your pet a chance to warm up and gives the sitter context that no note can provide.
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8
Set expectations for updates
Do you want daily photo updates? A text after each walk? Or would you rather just hear if something goes wrong? Let your sitter know upfront so you're both on the same page — and so you can actually enjoy your trip.
The Bottom Line
Leaving your pet doesn't have to feel like a leap of faith. A little preparation goes a long way toward peace of mind — for you, your sitter, and most importantly, your pet. The goal isn't to create a 20-page manual. It's to give your sitter the information they need to keep your pet happy and safe, and to give yourself permission to relax.
Still deciding what kind of care to book? Here's how to choose between drop-in visits and overnight stays. And if you're looking for a sitter who already knows the drill, we'd love to help — we bring our own checklist to every free meet-and-greet and walk you through everything before you head to the airport.
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