PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

Preparing your pets and home for your new pet sitter is a very important step. Here are some things you should do to get ready for the big day. I've also included some things you can do to help make things easier for your pet sitter.

• Make sure your pets are up to date on all of their vaccinations. It’s also a good idea to leave a copy of your vet records for the pet sitter in case of an emergency.
  
  

• Let your vet know that you are leaving and that your pet sitter has authorization to bring your pets in for emergencies. Ask your vet about their billing policy in this situation and make arrangements as necessary. Your veterinarian may require that you fill out a pre-authorization form. They may also request that you provide a credit card number and a maximum dollar amount that you will authorize in advance. Preparing for emergencies now will insure that your pets are able to receive the care they need.
  
  

• Make sure that your pet is wearing a collar and that is in good shape and fits properly. It is also important that their identification tags are attached as well as a rabies tag for dogs. While preparing your pet, it's important to know that your pet should never be left unattended while wearing a choker collar. If your pets' choker gets hung up on anything while he or she is alone, it could be fatal. Most pet sitters will remove a choke collar if one is left on your pet.
  
  

• Buy extra pet food and supplies just in case you are not able to return home as scheduled. If you keep your food and litter in an unmarked bin or container, make sure that your sitter knows what brands you use just in case your supplies run low for any reason. This will prevent your pets from getting diahrrea due to a sudden change in their diet.
  

• Make sure all of your pets are secure inside your home before you leave.
  
  

• Lock all doors and windows. If you have a “doggy door” make sure that it is also locked.
  
  

• If you have a fenced in yard where your dogs are allowed to roam, check the entire area to make sure there are no holes or areas where they can escape. This is definitely one of the most important tips for preparing your home because if your pets escape while you are gone, it may be very difficult for the pet sitter to find them.
  
  

• If there are areas in your home that are off limits to your pets, make sure the doors are shut or you have established secure gates. Let your pet sitter know what rooms are off limits.
  

• Give your pet sitter plenty of notice. The earlier you call them the better, especially during the holidays when the appointment book fills quickly.
  
  

• Give your pet sitter a house key and make sure that it works. If you prefer that your pet sitter enters your home through the garage, you can give them a garage door opener, but they still need a key just in case the power goes. It’s also a good idea to leave a key with a friend or neighbor. This could come in handy if your pet sitter loses your key or if there is some emergency that would prevent the pet sitter or back-up from making it to your house.
  
  

• If you have a security system, make sure your pet sitter has clear instructions on how to operate it. Just to be on the safe side, it’s probably a good idea to have them run through it so that they are aware of any quirks. Also discuss what they should do if the alarm is accidentally set off.
  
  

• Leave detailed instructions on feeding and caring for your pet, a number that you can be reached at while you are away and any local emergency contact numbers. It’s also a good idea to leave your itinerary, including all flight information, if you will be traveling to multiple locations. If your pet sitter will be taking care of your plants, mail, and garbage include those instructions as well.
  
  

• Place your pet food, treats, leashes and supplies in one location, if possible, and make sure your pet sitter knows where to find them.
  
  

• Occasionally your pet may have an accident or throw up so be sure to leave cleaning supplies where your pet sitter can easily find them.
  
  

• Since weather can be so unpredictable and cause so many problems, it’s a good idea to leave any maintenance numbers in case there are problems with your plumbing, furnace, power etc.
  
  

• If you live where there is snow you should make arrangements to have your driveway plowed so that the sitter can make it in and out of your driveway.
  
  

• Let your pet sitter know if your pets have any hiding places. Sometimes cat will hide whenever the pet sitter is there. A good pet sitter will try to find your cat to make sure it is okay and knowing where to look can help. If at all possible, it is recommended that you close off some of the rooms, especially if you have a large house.
  

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