School’s almost out and everyone’s gearing up for their Summer vacation!  For me, I’ll be here watching your dogs while your on the beach having a great time.  Don’t worry, we still get our vacation too. Besides I love what I do and I love that I can help my clients have a stress free vacation.

My family on vacation in Montana a couple of years ago

What about those pets that can’t board and need  a pet sitter to visit them at their house? Having a plan will save the pet sitter a lot time which gives them more time to have fun with your pets.

Here’s  a few suggestions that can help you prepare your pets and your home.  Most of these topics should be covered in the pet sitting forms you filled out

Planning for your pooch and other creatures

Call your vet ahead of time and leave a credit card number with them just in case of an emergency.  Most reputable pet sitters will have a Vet Release form for you to sign.  The pet sitter will bring this form to the Vet if something should happen to one of your pets.  The Release informs the vet that the sitter has authorization to care for your pets.

Let your pet sitter know where all the shut off valves are for gas, water etc.  If you have a water pipe burst, at least they can shut it off and reduce the damage.

Give the sitter a list of important phone numbers. For instances, a neighbor  – leaving a key with the neighbor is also a good idea, Vet ( this should be with the paperwork), maybe a name of a handyman or electrician, locksmith, and the name of your “emergency contact” should the sitter not be able to get a hold of you.  This too, should be in the paperwork.

Have their favorite toys handy

Provide towels or rags to wipe dirty paws

If your pets are crated, have extra bedding or blankets in case they have an accident.

Put lights on a timer and please leave the front light on. Reptile lights should be on a timer.  The most important light for your sitter is the front porch light.  This is a must for a few reasons:  1) Safety of the sitter.  It makes it harder for “would be” criminals to hide, 2) so the sitter can see the keyhole and not have to fumble with the keys, and 3) it’s really scary to go up to a dark house!  I’ve been freaked out a couple of times.

Leave supplies in one general area. Your kitchen counter is a good place to leave your supplies. This can include a leash, medications (unless they have to be refrigerated), any additional notes, mailbox key, can opener, food and treats, etc.

Have extra supplies on hand.  Sometimes flights are delayed or canceled.  There’s a million reasons why you  may not be able to return when expected.  Always have enough food for the entire service and then a little more.  Same goes for treats and medications.

Make sure the extra key works. Usually when a pet sitter comes to your home, you need to give them a  key to get in.  You don’t want the sitter going to your home and finding out that they can’t get in and the dogs can’t get out!    That’s why you leave a number of a good locksmith – preferably one that works 24/7.

Have caged pet supplies nearby.  If you have a hamster, guinea pig, mouse, bird or any other pet that needs to have their cages cleaned, please have all the bedding, scoops and waste bags near their cage.

Leave cleaning supplies in plain sight.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve searched high and low for either a vacuum cleaner, broom or dust pan.  Please put them where your sitter can easily find them.  If you’re hiring a professional pet sitter all this should be covered in the paperwork.

Notify your alarm company and tell them your pet sitter’s name and the duration they’ll be coming to your home.  Also let your sitter know the password in case the alarm goes off.  The alarm company will call your home to ask for a password to reset the system.  I know this because it’s happened to me.

Make sure your outside sprinklers are properly adjusted and on a timer. If you want your sitter to water potted plants, put them in one area so that the sitter doesn’t have to go around the yard watering.  Remember, this is all time taken away from your pets.

Make sure your pets are wearing all their identification. If you’re using a Citronella bark collar or an electronic collar, make sure they have fresh batteries.

Secure all outside gates and fences. If your pets have access to the backyard, they might get itchy to escape.  Check your fences for holes and make sure the gates are closed and secured properly.

Other little extra tips for your home

Adjust your thermostat to a comfortable temperature for your pets.

Empty all your indoor trash and put in the outside bins.  Your pet sitter should put out the bins on the appropriate trash pickup days.

Put your toilet lids down.  Just saying.

Close all the doors to rooms that are off limits.  It’s also a good idea to close cabinet doors.

Empty out your refrigerator of food that will spoil

If you’re going away for a long period of time, have the Post Office hold the mail for you.  However your pet sitter can get the mail if you chose not to put it on hold.

Have checks ready for your sitter, housekeeper and/or gardener if appropriate.

Close and lock doors and windows

Clean your house and mow the lawn.  I love coming home to a clean home.  A good pet sitter will clean up after herself and pick up your “doggies presents” before she leaves.

I’m sure there are a thousand other things that could be done, but I think this is a good start.  Now that you have a plan, you can have a stress and worry free vacation!