Preparing for your pet sit: 5 top tips for a stress free handover

Holidays are exciting, you work hard and you’re looking forward to a well deserved rest. The last thing you want is a phone call while you’re sipping on your Pina Colada because the pet sitter has run out of dog food. Preparing for your holiday is a busy time and can be stressful and it’s easy to forget things. But good communication and planning can help with a smooth handover with your pet sitter. Don’t go on holiday worrying and wondering if you have told your sitter all they need to know or if your beloved pet is okay. Use these tips to ensure a stress free trip.

1. Before your sitter arrives check the information you have given them.

You will have completed some information for your sitter prior to the sit starting but take some time to go over this and see if anything has changed. Are your pets routine clear ? Have you left details of how various appliances work? Are all contact details up to date? Most sitters will want this as written information and the more you can prepare beforehand the less you will have to do while you are checking you have your passports, money and tickets.

2. Hand over the keys

Make sure your sitter has keys to the house and anywhere else they may need to access. Is the sitter using your car ? Do they need access to a shed, garage or other buildings? Have keys ready, preferably on a key ring and ready for the sitter.

3. Have an up to date list of contacts including your own preferred numbers.

Check you have all the up to date numbers for emergency and non emergency contacts. Are you going somewhere where there is a large time difference ? What do you want the sitter to do if they can’t contact you? Be clear and even number your contacts in order of priority if this helps. Also you may want to note what works best for you while you are away; text, WhatsApp, messenger ?

4. A guide to the local area

Leave details of your neighbourhood or local area so your sitter is familiar with walks and where for example the local shop is. If you have a dog or dogs to be walked you may want to do a short walk with the sitter if there’s time before you leave.

5. Imagine yourself as a stranger in your house.

Show your sitter where they are sleeping and the space for their personal items. Is there a special technique for getting your shower to work? Identify any rooms that are off limits. Also show them where cleaning items are kept and let them know if there are any items that need special care. What do you want your leather sofa wiping with in case of accidents?

Preparing well and thinking about what someone who is unfamiliar with your house and pets might need to know can ensure a smooth handover and avoid lots of last minute calls while you are on holiday. And once you are on that well earned break you can feel confident you have given your sitter all they need to know. And for while you are away check out our blog ‘keeping in touch while you are away from home’.

I’m Nicky, a professional pet sitter with Retired & Inspired Pet Services. If you have a break coming up and need someone to care for your pets please drop me an email at retiredandinspired2020@gmail.com You can also check out our website www.retiredinspiredpetservices.co.uk