Even the best sitter cannot read your mind. A short, well-organized instruction sheet gives them everything they need to care for your dog confidently, and it reduces the number of worried texts on both sides. Aim for something that fits on one or two pages and lives somewhere obvious, like the refrigerator.
The essentials at the top
Put the most important information first, where it is easy to find in a hurry:
- Your cell phone number and the dates you will be away.
- A local emergency contact who knows your dog and can make decisions.
- Your veterinarian’s name, phone number and address.
- The nearest emergency animal hospital, with its address and hours.
- Your dog’s name, age, breed, weight and microchip number.
- Any allergies, health conditions or medications.
Daily routine
Write out a typical day in the order it happens. Include times, amounts and details that might seem obvious to you:
- Meals. What, how much and when. Where food is stored. Whether your dog gets any toppers or supplements.
- Medications. Name, dose, time and how to give it. Include what to do if a dose is missed.
- Walks. Typical routes and length, plus summer rules: walk early and late, avoid hot pavement, carry water and keep walks short in high heat.
- Bathroom breaks. How often, and whether your dog needs a leash in the yard.
- Bedtime. Where your dog sleeps and any bedtime habits.
Behavior notes and house quirks
Every dog and every house has its quirks. A sitter who knows them is far less likely to have a problem:
- Is your dog a door-darter? Afraid of storms or fireworks? Reactive to other dogs on walks?
- Which foods or objects does your dog tend to steal?
- How does your dog show they need to go out?
- Which doors stick, which gate latch is tricky and where is the thermostat?
- Where are the leash, harness, waste bags, cleaning supplies and extra towels?
- Where does your dog go to feel safe?
If something goes wrong
Spell out what you want the sitter to do in an emergency. Include signs that should prompt an immediate vet call, such as vomiting more than once, not eating, heavy panting that does not ease, limping or any sign of overheating. Let your veterinarian know a sitter will be caring for your dog and ask how to authorize treatment if you cannot be reached.
Add a short lost-dog plan: check nearby hiding spots, call you and your emergency contact, contact local shelters and animal control, and post on neighborhood groups. Note that your dog wears an ID tag with your number and is microchipped.
Finally, ask your sitter to send a quick photo or update each day. It costs them a minute and gives you peace of mind while you are away.
