Whether it's a friend, a neighbour or a professional pet sitter, the more they know, the happier your pet will be while you're away. Here's what to share before you leave.
1. Your contact details and a backup
- Your phone number and where you'll be staying
- Your travel dates and when you'll be back
- A backup person who can make decisions if they can't reach you
2. Vet and emergency information
- Your regular vet's name, phone and address
- The nearest 24-hour emergency vet
- A pet poison helpline number
- Pet insurance details, if you have it
Tip: call your vet before you leave and tell them who'll be caring for your pet. Ask how to authorise treatment if needed while you're away.
3. The daily routine
Pets feel safest when their routine stays the same. Write down:
- Meal times, which food and exactly how much
- Walk times and favourite routes (for dogs)
- Litter box cleaning (for cats)
- Play time and favourite games
- Bedtime routine and where your pet sleeps
4. Medicines
List each medicine, the dose, the time to give it and how to give it (in food, as a pill pocket, etc.). Leave enough for the whole trip plus a few extra days.
5. Quirks and house rules
- Fears or triggers: thunder, doorbells, other dogs, the vacuum
- Escape habits (door dashers!)
- Whether they're allowed on the sofa or bed
- Rooms that are off-limits
- Things they love: a special toy, a favourite spot to be scratched
6. Where to find everything
Food, treats, leash, poop bags, litter, medicines, cleaning supplies, the carrier and a first-aid kit. Leave them all together if you can.
7. Ask for updates
A quick daily message or photo gives you peace of mind and helps you spot anything unusual early.
Make it easy with a printable
Our Pet Sitter Info Sheet has space for every detail above, a morning-to-bedtime routine page and daily notes for your sitter to fill in. Print, fill and stick it on the fridge before you go.
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