The best pet sitter instructions are specific, easy to scan and tested before you leave. The RSPCA recommends giving a carer clear instructions, your vet's details and an emergency contact. Start early enough to introduce the sitter to your pet and walk through a normal day together.

Pet sitter handover checklist at a glance

  • Your travel details and the best way to reach you
  • A local backup contact with a spare key
  • Your usual vet and out-of-hours emergency vet
  • Feeding amounts, times and foods to avoid
  • Medication instructions copied exactly from the vet or label
  • Walks, toilet breaks, sleep and normal daily routines
  • Behaviour, handling, escape risks and household safety notes
  • An emergency plan, supplies and permission to seek veterinary help

1. Your contact and travel details

Write down your mobile number, email, where you are staying and the dates and times you expect to leave and return. Say whether calls, texts or WhatsApp will reach you fastest. If you may be unavailable, name a local backup person who knows your pet and has agreed to help.

Give the sitter your home address in writing too. It sounds obvious, but it is useful if they need to call a vet, taxi, locksmith or emergency service from an unfamiliar house.

2. Pet profile and identification

List each pet's name, species, breed or type, age, sex and a short physical description. Add the microchip number and database if you have them, plus a recent clear photograph. Check that the contact details registered against the microchip are current before you travel.

Include the location of carriers, leads, harnesses and collars. Note any reliable recall word, hiding place or escape habit. For multi-pet homes, explain which animals can safely share food, rooms, walks or exercise areas.

3. Food, water and the normal routine

Measure food in the same scoop, grams or pouch size the sitter will use. Record the exact amount, time and place for every meal, where spare food is kept and what must never be given. Mention allergies, treats, scavenging habits and whether pets need separating at mealtimes.

Then describe an ordinary day: waking, walks or exercise, toilet breaks, play, grooming, bedtime and any household cues your pet understands. Familiar details can reduce confusion when their usual person is away.

4. Medication and health information

Copy medication details exactly from the vet's instructions or dispensing label: medicine name, dose, time, route and storage. Show the sitter how your pet normally accepts it and ask them to record each dose immediately. Do not leave anyone to guess what to do after a missed, refused or vomited dose—agree that plan with your vet in advance.

List allergies, ongoing conditions, recent treatment and signs that are normal for your pet. Keep the veterinary practice name, daytime number, out-of-hours number, insurance details and policy number together. Tell both the sitter and veterinary practice what authority the sitter has to approve treatment and how costs should be handled.

5. Behaviour, handling and safety

Be honest about anything that could affect safety. Explain fear of strangers, resource guarding, reactivity, door rushing, handling dislikes, noise sensitivity and triggers such as other dogs, livestock, children or fireworks. Record the equipment and routes that are normally used, along with places the sitter should avoid.

For cats and small pets, point out unsafe doors, windows, cables, plants and hiding places. Explain exactly which animals are allowed outdoors and under what supervision. Never assume a sitter will know a species-specific routine without being shown.

6. Home access and practical instructions

Test keys, alarms, smart locks and entry codes together. Label food, medicines and equipment, and show the sitter the fuse box, stopcock, cleaning supplies and pet-safe waste arrangements. Leave instructions for heating, ventilation, bins, post and any rooms that must stay closed.

Agree how often you want updates and what a useful update looks like—a quick message after each visit, a daily photo or a call only if something changes. Clear expectations help the sitter focus on care rather than guessing whether to contact you.

7. Emergency and lost-pet plan

Leave a written plan for illness, injury, fire, flood, travel delay and escape. For a missing pet, include a recent photo, microchip database, local vets, rescue contacts and the local authority dog warden where relevant. Make sure the sitter knows which neighbour or backup carer can enter the property if they cannot.

Store carriers and leads where they can be reached quickly. Leave enough food and essential medication for an unexpected delay, following the storage and supply advice from your vet or pharmacy.

8. Do a practice handover

Arrange an introductory visit while you are present. Walk through feeding, medication, access and emergency steps, then invite questions. If your pet will stay with a boarding business, check the premises and relevant licence before booking. Licensing rules vary by service and location; in England, businesses providing cat or dog boarding generally need a local council licence.

Finish by putting the instructions in one obvious place and sending a digital copy. Tell your backup contact and vet who is caring for the pet and when.

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