🐾 Pet sitter handover checklist

Written so the sitter never has to guess. If it isn't on the list, assume they won't know it — and that includes the thing you thought was obvious.

17 items

1. Feeding times and exact amountsWrite it down even if it seems obvious — 'a scoop' means something different to everyone who hasn't done it before.
2. Where the food and any supplements are kept
3. Medication, with times and dosesShow them once, in person, rather than trusting the instructions alone.
4. Vet's name, address and phone number
5. Emergency vet or out-of-hours numberThe daytime vet often isn't who answers at 2am.
6. Your number and a backup contact who can decide if you're unreachable
7. Insurance details and policy number
8. Walk routes and rules
9. Where they're allowed off the lead
10. Anywhere to avoid — another dog, a road, a specific gate
11. Any behavioural quirksThe thing that makes them bolt, bite or hide. Better heard from you than discovered by the sitter.
12. Litter tray or bedding routine and how often it's changed
13. House keys and how to work anything unusualThe temperamental back door, the alarm code, the bin day.
14. Where they're allowed and not allowed in the house
15. A recent photoFor a lost-pet poster nobody wants to need, ready before it's needed.
16. Their microchip numberIn case the sitter is the one who has to report it.
17. Cash or a card for anything unplannedA vet visit shouldn't wait on getting hold of you first.