Have you ever scrambled out the door before a trip and realized you forgot to leave your pet sitter all the info they need?
A scribbled note about feeding times…
A last-minute text with the vet’s phone number…
Or worse, remembering too late that you never mentioned your cat hides under the bed during storms.
Pet sitters are literal lifesavers, but here’s the tea: there’s ONE simple thing they absolutely love when pet parents do it. It makes their job easier, keeps your pets chill, and lets you actually enjoy your trip without panic-texting every 5 minutes.
So, what is it?
The Secret Pet Sitters Wish Every Owner Knew
It’s simple: leave behind a clear, organized Pet Sitter Information Sheet.
Pet sitters want to do everything right for your pets — but when they’re piecing together texts, sticky notes, and vague instructions, it can be stressful and things can get missed. A single, easy-to-read sheet solves all of that.
Think of it as your pet’s “care cheat sheet” — the sitter can glance at it anytime and instantly know exactly what your dog or cat needs. To make things easier for you, I even created a free Pet Sitter Printable you can download and fill out before your next trip. It’s ready to go, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Why a Pet Sitter Info Sheet Matters
A Pet Sitter Information Sheet may look simple, but it can make a big difference. With everything written on one page, your sitter can keep your pet’s feeding times, walks, and medications the same every day.
It also prevents confusion and helps your sitter feel ready and confident. Pets do best when their routine stays the same, and having clear instructions makes it easier for them to feel safe and comfortable.
As both a veterinarian and a pet owner, I know the best way to help your sitter is to write things down clearly.
Finding a Pet Sitter
There are lots of ways to find a good pet sitter. You can hire one through a pet sitting company, which usually makes sure their sitters are trained and insured. Websites like Care.com are another place to look for local sitters.
If you want someone with more animal experience, ask at your vet’s office. Many vet techs or assistants do pet sitting on the side. You could also ask around for a responsible college student who loves pets and is looking for extra work.
No matter who you choose, make sure they’re reliable, have good references, and that your pets feel comfortable with them.
Schedule a Meet and Greet
Once you’ve chosen a pet sitter, it’s a great idea to schedule a meet and greet. This gives your sitter a chance to meet your pets, walk through your home, and get familiar with everything they’ll need. Show them where food, leashes, litter supplies, cleaning items, and toys are kept, as well as light switches or anything else important around the house. Most importantly, it lets your pets warm up to their new caregiver in a low-stress setting.
During the visit, you might:
- Feed a meal to your dog or cat with your sitter watching or helping.
- Take your dog out for a potty walk.
- Walk your sitter through your cat’s litter box setup and demonstrate how you scoop or refresh it.
These hands-on moments make sure the sitter understands your pets’ routine exactly the way you’d like it done.
💡Tip: If you expect your sitter to spend more than 30 minutes at a meet and greet, it’s considerate to offer a tip or small payment for their time.
Preparing Your Pet’s Information in One Place
Instead of leaving sticky notes around the house or sending scattered texts, keep everything on one page. A Pet Sitter Information Sheet organizes your pet’s care instructions in one place: feeding, medications, routines, and emergency contacts.
Your sitter will appreciate having a clear reference they can glance at anytime.
Emergency Information to Include
Emergencies happen—and being prepared makes all the difference. Your printable should include:
🏥 Your veterinarian’s name, clinic phone number, and address
🩺 A nearby 24/7 emergency vet clinic
📞 Your phone number and a trusted backup contact
With these details in one spot, your sitter won’t waste precious time if something goes wrong.
Daily Routine Notes to Share
Pets do best when their daily routine stays the same. Make sure your sitter knows what’s normal for your pet, like feeding times, how much food to give, walk schedules, bedtime habits, and how often the litter box or bathroom breaks should happen.
You should also share little quirks, such as needing a favorite blanket at night or only drinking from a certain water bowl.
These small details help your pet feel safe and comfortable while you’re away.
Medical and Medication Details
If your pet takes medication, be very clear: write the name, dosage, and timing. If your pet has health conditions (like allergies, kidney disease, or seizures), note what signs to watch for and how to respond.
Even if your pet is healthy, jotting down “no known medical issues” helps your sitter know they didn’t miss anything.
Exercise and Playtime Instructions
Energy levels vary, and sitters won’t know your pet’s needs unless you spell them out. For dogs, write down how many walks per day, how long they usually last, and if there are favorite routes.
For cats, note play routines—like “10 minutes of feather wand in the evening.” Keeping pets active keeps them happy (and prevents mischief).
House and Yard Rules
Sitters appreciate it when you’re upfront about household expectations. A few examples:
“The dog is not allowed on the couch.”
“The backyard gate sticks—double-check it latches.”
“The cat is strictly indoors only. Open the front door slowly and watch for him to try and slip out.”
Clear rules prevent misunderstandings and keep your home (and pets) safe.
Cleaning Instructions
A little guidance goes a long way. Add notes like:
- Where litter and scoops are kept
- How often to change water bowls
- Where to find poop bags and cleaning supplies
- How to wipe muddy paws before coming back inside
Sitters don’t mind helping with pet messes—but clear instructions make their job easier.
Grab Your Free Pet Sitter Printable
I put together a Pet Sitter Printable you can download today to make leaving your pets with a sitter stress-free.
The printable includes space for all the important details your sitter needs, like:
✅ Pet’s name, age, and breed
✅ Feeding schedule and amounts
✅ Medications and instructions
✅ Veterinarian’s name and contact info
✅ Emergency contacts
✅ Behavior quirks (like “loves belly rubs but not her paws touched”)
✅ Household notes (where to find food, leash, litter, toys, etc.)
It doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does need to be complete. Your sitter will thank you, and your pets will feel right at home with their routine.
How to Use It
- Subscribe to my newsletter to get the password and access my exclusive Resource Library.
- Download and print.
- Fill in your pet’s details — feeding, meds, quirks, and emergency contacts.
- Leave it in a visible spot (I like taping mine to the fridge and also emailing or texting a digital copy).
- Update as needed before each trip.
It’s one simple step that makes a huge difference for everyone involved—your sitter will thank you, and your pets will stay happy and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Taking a trip (whether for work or vacation) is always easier when you know your pets are in good hands. By leaving behind a clear Pet Sitter Information Sheet, you’re giving your sitter everything they need to provide safe, consistent care — and you’ll have fewer worried “Did I forget to tell them…?” moments.
Trust me: pet sitters love it when you do this. And once you try it, you’ll never leave home without it again.
Related Posts:
11 Tips For Traveling Long Distance With A Dog
Traveling with Your Dog? Don’t Forget These Essentials! (Free Dog Travel Checklist Included)
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