Preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly things go for your pet when the pet sitter comes to visit. Here are some tips:
- Call your pet sitter before you leave town to confirm travel dates and contact information while you are away.
- Make sure the pet sitter has a phone number where you can be reached, as well as a local emergency contact number.
- Provide the pet sitter with a house key. If you wish to provide a garage door opener, give the sitter a back up key as well, just in case of a power outage. If you have new keys made, try them out to make sure they work.
- Make sure to test the alarm system, and provide your pet sitter with both the keypad code, as well as the spoken password, in case of a false alarm.
- Clean litter box(s) and food / water dishes before leaving town.
- Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just in case you’re not able to return when planned.
- Clean out the refrigerator to avoid smelly food spoilage and wash the dishes in the sink to prevent ants, flies or other pests.
- Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for the pet during your absence. In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short time.
- Leave a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter needs to contact service or maintenance companies while you are away; i.e., plumber, electrician, cleaning service, yard maintenance, pool service, etc.
- Tell the pet sitter of any household areas that are off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter. Secure access to those areas before leaving home.
