Preparing Your Home for Dog Sitting

Vets agree that having an in-home pet sitter care for your dog while you’re away is the best option for your pet’s well-being. But how do you ensure everything runs smoothly? This guide walks you through planning ahead, making your home safe and hazard-free, and leaving clear, thoughtful instructions for your sitter—so both your pup and their caregiver feel confident and comfortable.

Get Started Early

You can arrange sits months in advance on FurPetVo, so don’t wait until the last minute! Booking early gives you peace of mind—and a wider selection of trusted sitters to choose from. It also gives you time to prepare a detailed Welcome Guide and build rapport with your sitter.

Consider inviting your sitter for a trial stay—just one or two nights before you leave. This helps your dog get acquainted with them while you’re still around, especially if your pup experiences separation anxiety.

A pet sitter calmly feeding a friendly Beagle treats in a sunlit living room

Prepare the Essentials

Equip your sitter with everything they’ll need to care for your dog—and make sure it’s easy to find.

  • Stock up on your dog’s regular food and treats, and clearly label where they’re stored.
  • If your dog takes medication, confirm you have enough on hand—and include written, step-by-step instructions for dosage and timing.
  • Check that collars, leashes, harnesses, and other walking gear are in good condition and easily accessible.
  • Keep poop bags and towels for muddy paws with the walking supplies.
  • Store travel crates or carriers where your sitter can quickly locate them—in case of an emergency.
  • Ensure your dog’s first aid kit is fully stocked with bandages, gauze, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and any other essentials you rely on.

Prioritize Safety

Your sitter should know exactly what to do—and who to call—if something unexpected happens.

  • Provide your vet’s name, phone number, and address—and include clear directions to their clinic.
  • FurPetVo members on Standard and Premium plans have access to a 24/7 vet advice line—be sure your sitter knows how to reach it.
  • Share multiple ways to contact you: your personal phone number, the number of your accommodation, and/or a trusted local contact (like a neighbor or family member). Always ask permission before sharing someone else’s details.
  • Tidy up your home thoroughly—remove small objects, secure cleaning supplies, and store anything toxic or breakable out of reach.
  • Inspect your backyard: repair loose fence panels, check for diggable spots, and alert your sitter if your dog tends to jump or dig under fences.
  • If possible, introduce your sitter to nearby neighbors—or at least let neighbors know someone will be staying at your home during your absence.
A calm, confident dog sitter walking a relaxed Golden Retriever along a tree-lined neighborhood path

Leave Clear Instructions for Your Dog Sitter

A well-organized Welcome Guide—or even a simple checklist—goes a long way. Cover feeding schedules, walking routines, medical needs, and household preferences.

  • Specify how much food your dog eats—and when. If you have multiple dogs, outline feeding order or separate locations to prevent competition.
  • Detail any medical conditions, allergies, or behavioral quirks—and demonstrate how to administer medication if needed.
  • Clarify house rules for your dog: Are they allowed on furniture? Upstairs? Do they sleep in a crate or at the foot of the bed?
  • Outline walk expectations: duration, frequency, preferred routes, leash habits, and recall reliability. Note if your dog is reactive to other dogs, children, or cats.
  • State the maximum time your dog should be left alone—and whether they’re comfortable with short solo periods.
  • Let your sitter know how often you’d like updates: daily photo check-ins, text summaries, or no contact unless urgent.
  • Include non-pet tasks you’d appreciate—taking out bins, watering plants, collecting mail, or turning lights on/off.

Make the Home Comfortable

Your sitter is a guest in your home—and feeling welcomed helps them focus on caring for your dog.

  • Designate which bed they should use—and make it up with fresh, clean sheets.
  • Decide whether you’d like to stock the fridge for them (or ask them to bring their own groceries) and communicate that clearly.
  • Leave your home tidy: empty trash bins, put away laundry, and clear countertops—so you return to a peaceful space.
  • Place cleaning supplies in an accessible spot (but safely out of your dog’s reach).
  • Explain any house rules: removing shoes at the door, using specific towels, or avoiding certain rooms.
  • Provide a spare key—and write down alarm codes. Consider leaving a backup key with a trusted neighbor for emergencies.
  • Explain how to operate your thermostat—and note your preferred temperature range.
  • Let your sitter know if cleaners, gardeners, or service providers will visit while you’re away—and how they should be greeted or managed.
A cozy, well-organized living room with a dog bed beside a sofa, a filled water bowl nearby, and a labeled basket of leashes and toys

Thoughtful preparation doesn’t just protect your dog—it builds trust, reduces stress, and sets everyone up for a positive, worry-free experience. With FurPetVo, finding and preparing for a reliable sitter has never been easier. Visit furpetvo.com to get started today.