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Pet Care Tips4 min readMarch 30, 2026

What to Tell Your Pet Sitter Before You Leave

A great pet care experience starts with great communication. Here's a simple checklist of everything your sitter needs to know before your trip.

What to Tell Your Pet Sitter Before You Leave

The Essentials

Before any visit, make sure your sitter has:

  • Emergency vet contact — name, address, and phone number
  • Your cell number and a backup contact
  • Feeding schedule — exact times, portion sizes, and any food sensitivities
  • Medication details — dosage, timing, and how your pet takes them

Behavioral Notes

Don't skip the quirks! Does your dog bark at the mailman? Does your cat hide for the first hour? Knowing these things helps your sitter stay calm and respond appropriately.

Routine Matters

Pets thrive on consistency. Share your dog's walk route, your cat's favorite nap spots, and any bedtime rituals that help your pet feel settled.

Access & Safety

Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor and make sure your sitter knows how to arm/disarm any alarms.


At Happy Tails, we walk through all of this during your free meet & greet — so nothing falls through the cracks.

What to Tell Your Pet Sitter Before You Leave | Happy Tails Pet Care