What to Leave for a Pet Sitter or House Sitter (Checklist)
By Cedar & Ledger
Holiday travel is peak season for pet sitters and house sitters. A good set of notes means fewer texts while you are away and a calmer pet. This checklist covers what to write down and what to leave out before you go.
This is general information. Ask your vet about anything specific to your pet's health.
Quick checklist
- ☐ Write down contacts: yours, a local backup, your vet and the nearest emergency vet
- ☐ Write the daily routine for each pet, with times and amounts
- ☐ Leave enough food, treats and medicine for the trip plus a few extra days
- ☐ Walk the sitter through the house: keys, alarm, thermostat, water shutoff
- ☐ Agree on how and when you will check in
Contacts to leave
- Your phone number and where you will be staying
- A local backup person who has a key
- Your regular vet: name, phone, address
- The nearest emergency or after-hours vet
- A written note saying the sitter may approve care if you cannot be reached (talk to your vet about what they need)
Each pet's routine
- Feeding times, the food, and the exact amount (show the scoop)
- Medicines: name, dose, time, and how to give it
- Walks, potty breaks or litter box cleaning
- Where the pet sleeps and any crate rules
- Habits: hiding spots, things they must not eat, doors they slip out of
- What "normal" looks like, and signs that something is wrong
Supplies to set out
- ☐ Food and treats, plus extra in case your trip runs long
- ☐ Medicines in labeled containers
- ☐ Leash, harness, poop bags, litter and scoop
- ☐ Cleaning spray and paper towels for accidents
- ☐ Carrier, in case of a vet trip
- ☐ A copy of vaccine records
House notes
- How the keys, locks and any alarm work
- Thermostat settings, and what to do if the heat goes out
- Where the water shutoff and breaker panel are
- Trash and recycling days
- Mail and package plans
- Wi-Fi name and password (on paper, not posted online)
Check-ins and payment
Agree up front on how often the sitter sends an update, what counts as an emergency, and how much they are allowed to spend on care if something goes wrong. Settle the rate and when you will pay before you leave.
Get the printable version
The House & Pet Sitter Binder (12 pages, Letter and A4) has pet profiles, a feeding and medication schedule, vet and backup contacts, house instructions, a daily sitter log and a payment and dates page.
Related template: House & Pet Sitter Binder. Also see: Family Holiday Packing List Kit
See all Cedar & Ledger templates
Try the free 50/30/20 budget calculator →
Frequently asked questions
What does this guide cover?
What to write down and set out for a pet or house sitter: contacts, each pet's routine, medicines, supplies, house notes and check-ins.
Do I need a template to do this?
No. A notebook or a sheet you build yourself works fine. Cedar & Ledger also sells spreadsheet templates (I'd earn from a purchase); see the template box at the top of this page.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's general information with example numbers only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Use your own numbers and check anything important with a qualified professional or the official source.