Many clients ask what they can do to prepare their home and pet for a pet sitter. Here are a few things we recommend you do.
- Leave a list with your petsitter of important things to remember. Ex. What doors need to remain shut if the dog is aloud to roam free. Things that need to be kept out of reach like rugs, coasters, etc. Lights you’d like to keep on, favorite toys and snacks. Your home’s particular quirks like locks that may jam, gate codes that don’t always work etc.
- Anything that should not be chewed or played with should be put away and out of sight. You know your dog best and you know what they like to toy with when you are not around.
- Remember to take your petsitters information with you so you can call in case your travel plans get extended.
- Leave only a few toys out for your pup and put the rest away. Let your petsitter know where the rest of the toys are so that he/she may rotate the toys on visits so your dog does not get bored of the same toys.
- If you will be crating your dog make sure the crate is the appropriate size for your dog since he/she will be in there most of the day. The crate should be big enough for your dog to turn around, stretch, and get comfortable, but not so big that he looks lost inside. Also, leave 1 or 2 toys in there with them. If you have a puppy remove all bedding from the crate since puppies are not fully potty trained having the soft cushion promotes them going in their crate.
- Advise your petsitter of any quirks or habits your dogs may have. Dogs like to keep to a routine so work with your petsitter to set up a schedule that is tailored to your pooch.
More tips coming soon including “Preparing for your Pet Sitter 101 for Cats”.
