How to Write Pet Sitter Instructions: A Printable Checklist for Dogs and Cats

Good pet sitter instructions tell someone what your pet needs, where to find it, and whom to call when something changes. Put urgent contacts first, keep daily care easy to scan, and describe the habits a visitor could otherwise misunderstand.

A printed copy belongs beside the supplies, with a digital copy sent before the first visit. Arrange a walkthrough as well. Written directions are useful, but seeing how a harness fastens or where a nervous cat hides can prevent confusion.

Start with contacts and permission to get help

List your phone number, a backup person who has agreed to help, your regular veterinary practice, and an emergency veterinary hospital. Confirm the hospital’s current contact information before leaving. Add your travel dates and the times you expect to be unreachable.

Ask your veterinarian what authorization and payment arrangements the practice requires if the sitter brings in your animal. A note in a binder may not satisfy the clinic’s procedures. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends designating an authorized agent for emergencies when an owner cannot be reached.

Write down where the carrier, leash, and relevant medical records are kept. Give the sitter instructions from your veterinarian for any known condition, including when to seek care. Do not ask a sitter to diagnose an unfamiliar symptom or improvise a medication dose.

Describe an ordinary day precisely

“One scoop twice a day” leaves too much room for interpretation. Identify the food, the measuring cup, the amount, and the usual meal times. State which bowl belongs to which animal and whether pets eat separately. Include permitted treats and foods to avoid.

Medication directions should match the current prescription label and your veterinarian’s instructions. Record the drug name, amount, route, timing, storage, and the contact to call after a missed or refused dose. Demonstrate administration before the trip and confirm the sitter is comfortable doing it.

For dogs, describe the usual walk route, equipment, toilet breaks, and situations to avoid. Mention door-dashing, leash reactivity, and escape attempts plainly. For cats, locate every litter box and explain scooping, waste disposal, and how to confirm that each cat has been seen. A hiding cat should not disappear from the care record simply because the food bowl is empty.

Explain the details a guest would not know

Distinguish normal behavior from a change worth reporting. “Usually hides under the guest bed until dinner” is more helpful than “shy.” Note handling dislikes, rooms that stay closed, and whether outdoor access is allowed. Keep access codes and key arrangements in a private message rather than on a sheet left in public view.

Agree on visit length, overnight expectations, updates, and a backup plan if the sitter cannot arrive. A dated message confirming food, water, toileting, medication, and anything unusual gives both people a useful record. For more feline-specific preparation, see Essential Tips for Cat Sitters: A Comprehensive Guide to Feline Care.

Copy-and-print pet care sheet

Copy this section into a document, fill in the blanks, and print one sheet per pet when their care differs. Keep prescription instructions attached separately if they need more space.

• Pet name, description, and current photo: ____________________
• Care dates and agreed visits or overnight hours: ____________________
• Owner phone and backup contact: ____________________
• Regular veterinarian and emergency hospital: ____________________
• Veterinary authorization and payment arrangements confirmed with: ____________________
• Food, measured amount, meal times, and feeding location: ____________________
• Water bowls and refill instructions: ____________________
• Medication directions and location of prescription instructions: ____________________
• Walks, toilet breaks, or litter box routine: ____________________
• Normal behavior, hiding places, and handling limits: ____________________
• Doors, gates, outdoor access, and equipment rules: ____________________
• Carrier, leash, cleaning supplies, and waste disposal: ____________________
• Update schedule and backup plan: ____________________
• Instructions last checked on: ____________________

Before leaving, let the sitter use the sheet to find the food, fit the walking equipment, and locate the carrier without prompting. Revise anything that requires an explanation. That small rehearsal reveals missing information while you are still there to supply it.