Hiring a pet sitter to stay at your home is often easier for your dog, because this allows your dog to feel safe and secure in her own environment. It is also the best option for dogs with anxiety, phsyical or medical issues. Make sure to only hire a pet sitter with excellent references and who clears a background check. Invite them over for an interview and allow them to meet, interact and play with your dog. It’s all about energy with dogs, and they will let you know if it is a right fit!
Explain the dog’s daily routine and have them go through it with you at least once before you leave. Many well meaning pet sitters may think it is cute to feed the dog something forbidden, or something from the table, because no one would know; but its important to explain why that is not alright. Remember that any habits the dog has prior to your vacation, such as running away from someone with a leash or pulling during a walk, may be exacerbated when you’re gone. These are things that may yield a less well behaved dog when you come back from your trip. So, make sure the pet sitter know the rules and can follow them. Call and text to check in and have a neighbor on call if needed.
- Check the references for the petsitter
- Provide extra food, vitamins, supplements, treats, poop bags, and medications (if applicable)
- Do a complete walk thru of the house and show them where everything is located including: food, food bowls, water bowls, vitamins, treats, poop bags, supplements, beds, leashes, toys, emergency numbers, where to discard of the poop bags, etc
- Give the caregivers the times when your dog eats and how much they should be fed
- Be clear that they are only to give your dog his / her food and not any of the food at their home (not even treats / no exceptions)
- List any allergies or medical issues
- Include a t-shirt of another piece of clothing with your scent so your dog can feel more comfortable
- Provide a list of emergency numbers: your number, veterinary, family, friends, neighbors, etc
- Provide health records from your vet
- Create a contingency plan together in case something happens to the pet sitter
- Provide cash in case they need to purchase something when you’re gone
- Explain all behaviors training for your dog – leash rule, door rule, furniture rule, stair rule, etc – and ask them to follow these rules
- List all locations where to and where to NOT to take your dog (avoid dog parks)
- Provide extra flea, tick and heart worm preventions just in case
- Provide the name of your trainer or behaviorist in case issue arise
- Double check your yard before your trip to make sure there are no places where there is damaged wood, holes, ditches, or gaps
- List of service people who may be stopping by and instructions of what to do with your dog during their visit (housekeepers, gardeners, pool cleaners, etc)
