A smooth trip starts a few days before you leave. Most of the stress pet owners feel on the road comes from small things left undone at home: a missing spare key, an unclear feeding note, a vet number nobody can find. These five steps get your home and your pet ready, so your sitter can follow your pet’s routine from the very first visit.
Step 1: Book Care Early and Schedule a Meet & Greet
Reserve your sitter as soon as your dates are set, especially around holidays and school vacations when calendars fill quickly. Then schedule a meet & greet at least a week before you leave. It lets your pet meet the sitter while you’re there, gives you time to walk through the house together, and leaves room to fix anything you forgot. Lisa’s Pet Sitting requires a free meet & greet for every new client.
Step 2: Write Down Your Pet’s Routine
Your pet’s routine lives in your head, so put it on paper. Include:
- Meal times, exact portions and where the food is kept
- Walk times, leash habits, and anything that sets your dog off (other dogs, bikes, trucks)
- Litter box locations and how often you scoop
- Hiding spots, favorite toys and comfort items
- House rules, such as whether your dog is allowed on the furniture
The dog profile form and cat profile form walk you through all of this in a few minutes.
Step 3: Organize Health and Emergency Information
Make sure vaccinations are current before you go, since most sitters require it. Leave your vet’s name and number, the nearest emergency animal hospital, and an emergency contact who lives nearby and can make decisions if you can’t be reached. If your pet takes medication, write the dose, timing and how to give it, and fill out the medical care sheet. Call your vet ahead of time to authorize care while you’re away.
Step 4: Stock Supplies and Pet-Proof the House
Buy enough food, litter, treats and medication to last a few days past your return date, in case of travel delays. Put everything in one clearly marked spot along with leashes, poop bags, cleaning spray and paper towels. Then do a quick walk-through: secure trash cans, put away anything chewable or toxic, check that window screens and gates are secure, and set the thermostat to a safe temperature for the season.
Step 5: Prepare the House Itself
Leave a spare key and any alarm or door codes with your sitter, and test them during the meet & greet. Let your sitter know about anything they should expect: package deliveries, a landscaper, a neighbor who might stop by. If your sitter is handling mail, plants and lights, note which plants need water and how often. Finally, decide how you’d like to receive updates (text, photos, or both) so you can relax and enjoy the trip.
The Day You Leave
Keep your goodbye calm and brief; a long, emotional farewell can make some pets more anxious. Feed and walk your pet as usual, and leave a worn T-shirt in their bed if they find your scent comforting. For a printable version of everything above, see the pet care checklist before leaving your pet with a sitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?
As soon as your dates are confirmed. For holidays, book weeks ahead; see why booking holiday pet care early matters.
How much extra food should I leave?
Enough for at least two or three extra days beyond your planned return, in case of flight delays.
Should my pet stay home or go to a kennel?
Most cats, seniors and anxious pets do best at home. Read in-home pet sitting vs. boarding kennels to compare.
Planning a trip from Chelmsford, MA? Book a free meet & greet with Lisa’s Pet Sitting and get your pet’s care set up before you pack.
Need someone you can trust with your pet?
Talk with Lisa about dog walking, cat visits, overnight sitting and boarding in Chelmsford, MA.
