As much as you would want to bring your fur babies everywhere you go, sometimes you need to leave them at home. This is especially true if you travel for work, are a parent to an older pet, or are caring for a puppy who doesn’t acclimate well to new environments. In situations like these, hiring a pet sitter allows your animals to remain in the comfort of your home while ensuring that they continue to be well cared for.
However, if it’s your first time getting a pet sitter, the stress of having another person take over the care of your beloved pets may become overwhelming. You might worry about them getting along well with your cat or being able to find the customizable dog treat bag that holds your pup’s favorite snacks. Doing a bit of planning can go a long way in alleviating your concerns and ensuring that your home is pet-sitter ready. This will make the transition as smooth as possible and help ensure that your pets have a good time with their sitter, whether you’ll be out for just a few hours or even several weeks!
Make a Short Dossier about Each Pet
Create a list of all the preferences of each pet, taking particular note of any quirks or special needs. If you live in a multi-pet household, you need to ensure that your pet sitter knows how to handle each pet, especially during feeding time when each animal might have their own routines or have different dietary requirements. Be very specific about all the qualities, both good and bad, of each pet that the sitter needs to know. Not only will this make the pet sitter’s job easier, but it will also keep your pets calm during your absence.
If needed, you can give examples of what to do in specific situations. For example, you might tell the pet sitter what to do if your normally peaceful pets suddenly get into a fight with each other. Also give them information regarding any medication your pets need to take.
Keep Up with the Routines
Most pets find comfort in routines. Having a pet sitter over in your home can disrupt your pet’s daily routine, which may stress them out and cause them to display negative behaviors such as hiding, growling, or scratching. The best way to prevent this is to detail your pets’ hourly schedules, including their feeding and medication times, when they need to be walked, and when they usually go to sleep. Though your fur baby may still feel uncomfortable with having a new person around, sticking to their scheduled activities will encourage your pet to trust their sitter.
You can also leave behind some customizable plush dog toys that your pet can cuddle with while you are away. This will help comfort them while you’re out, especially if they don’t immediately allow the sitter to pet them.
Keep Supplies Readily Accessible
Depending on how long you’ll be gone, make sure that your home is well-stocked to sustain all your pets’ needs. Make sure that all your pets have plenty of food and water, and label food containers in case the sitter needs to refill their customizable collapsible dog bowl. If you have multiple pets on different diets, make sure to leave detailed instructions for your sitter, including portion size and any other important information. This is crucial if one of your pets needs to take their medicines at certain times of the day.
Leave Emergency Numbers
It’s a good idea to give your pet sitter the number of your veterinarian and the nearest pet hospital in case of an emergency. You should also provide them with your updated information so that they can reach you for any concerns that may arise. If you are traveling to a location where you will not be able to access your phone regularly, make sure that your pet sitter has the number of a close relative or friend who lives nearby and knows your pets and their medical histories.
Be Extra Cautious about Dangerous Areas in Your Home
Your pet may not behave properly when they know you’re not there watching over them. This may include going to prohibited areas in your home, jumping onto window sills, or exhibiting other misbehavior that you normally put a stop to. Before your pet sitter arrives, go through your home to assess it for possible dangers. Put away items and close off areas that could potentially harm your pet.
Try To Socialize Your Pets before the Big Day
If you can, try exposing your pets to as many humans as possible before you leave for your vacation. This allows your pet to feel more comfortable with other people aside from you and minimizes the risk of them becoming overly stressed when you are away.
This is especially relevant if you own an indoor cat. Felines may experience separation anxiety when their owner is not around, which may manifest in not using their litter box correctly, excessive meowing, or over-grooming. Try socializing your indoor cat by regularly taking them outside in a canvas pet carrying tote bag for a few hours. This helps your cat get used to different sounds and people.
Sometimes, the best thing for your pets is to leave them at home and have a pet sitter take care of them while you are away. You can make the transition easier with a few simple tips, from informing your pet sitter about everything they need to know about each pet to filling your home with personalized pet products that your pets can cuddle with for comfort. Taking small steps to prepare your home for the pet sitter can help you rest easier, as you’ll properly equip them to provide the best possible care for your pets.