Pet sitter checklist: what to do before you travel

How do I prepare for a pet sitter?

The best preparation is a clear, written handoff. Your sitter cannot read your pet's mind, and the small details are what keep the routine feeling normal. A little time spent now makes your trip calmer for everyone.

I am Samantha Anema, and I do pet sitting in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visits are $25 per daily visit and cover feeding, fresh water, let-outs, walks, playtime and medication if needed. Here is the checklist I suggest to every client.

What should I write down about my pet's routine?

Write down how a normal day looks. Be specific, because it is the specifics that matter.

• What and how much your pet eats, and at what times
• Where the food, bowls, treats and leashes are kept
• How long walks usually last and which route your dog likes
• Favorite toys and games, and anything your pet is afraid of
• Habits that look odd but are normal, like hiding after dinner

How should I handle medication?

If your pet takes medication, give written instructions with the name, dose, timing and how your pet likes to take it. Some pets need a treat wrapped around the pill. Others need a specific spot in the house.

Show the sitter in person if you can. Ten minutes of demonstration is worth more than a page of notes. Keep the medication in one clearly marked place, and keep enough on hand for a few extra days in case your return gets delayed.

What should I leave in the house for the sitter?

Make it easy to find everything. Leave a simple sheet on the counter or fridge with the key details:

• Your travel dates and how to reach you
• A backup contact who can be reached if you are unreachable
• Your veterinarian's name and phone number
• Where to find cleanup supplies, spare leashes and extra food
• Any alarm codes or door quirks, such as a sticky latch

Why should I meet the sitter first?

A meet-and-greet lets your pet sniff out the new person while you are still around. It also lets you ask questions and check the fit. It is a good moment to talk about walking schedules, behavior concerns and anything that makes you nervous.

A signed service agreement and Home Entry Consent are in place before my first visit. I am also First Aid and CPR trained. If you want to know how I handle something specific, bring it up at the free consultation.

What else can I do the day before I leave?

Do a quick walk-through of your home from your pet's point of view. Put away anything chewable, secure the trash and check that gates and doors close properly. Tell your sitter about any changes, such as a new neighbor dog or a repair person coming by.

Send a short reminder message the night before you leave. Mention the first visit time and anything you may have forgotten to write down. You will feel more relaxed once everything is clear.

When you get back, share feedback. Tell your sitter what worked and what could be better. A few honest notes make the next trip even smoother.

How do I make my home easy for a sitter and safe for my pet?

Think about what could go wrong while you are away and remove the risk. Put away chewable items and anything your pet should not eat. Make sure cabinets with food or cleaning products close firmly.

Check the basics too. Do your doors and gates latch? Is there a clear path for walks? Is the leash easy to find? These small details help a visit go smoothly, especially for a sitter who does not know your layout yet.

If your pet has a favorite hiding spot or a spot to avoid, mention it. Pets can behave differently when their person is away, and a heads up helps the sitter read the situation.

What if something unexpected happens while I am away?

Plan for it before you leave. Tell your sitter how you want to be contacted, how quickly you expect a reply and what to do if you cannot be reached. Leave your vet's details and a backup contact.

Talk about what you want in common situations: a missed meal, a dropped appetite, a mess in the house or a storm. A little planning on paper keeps everyone calm. You are leaving to relax, and clear instructions let you do that.

A last tip is to keep the notes short and easy to scan. A sitter reading bullet points on the counter will catch more than one reading a long paragraph, so put the most important details at the top.

What next?

Friendly chat, no pressure. You can book a free 15-minute consultation at https://cal.com/harmonysync/15min, text me at 319-290-3837, or email samantha.anema@harmonysyncsolutions.com. Tell me what is piling up and I will tell you honestly whether I am the right fit.