House Sitter Checklist for Before, During, and After the Sit
Going house sitting soon? Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared — covering pet care, home responsibilities, garden access, and more. Whether you’re preparing for your first sit or fine-tuning your routine, staying organized helps build trust, keeps pets safe and happy, and ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Before the Sit: Get Fully Prepared
Use this pre-sit checklist during your video call or in-person meet-up with the pet parents. The more you clarify upfront, the more confident and capable you’ll feel once the sit begins.
Communication & Travel Plans
- Exchange contact details: Share email addresses and phone numbers, and save the home address in your device.
- Agree on communication windows: Confirm the best times and days to reach the pet parents — especially if questions arise before or during the sit.
- Confirm arrival and departure timing: Ask when the pet parents will leave and return so you can plan handover logistics and end-of-sit coordination.
- Request travel itinerary (if applicable): For international trips, ask for flight numbers and approximate arrival times — this helps you anticipate time zone differences and availability.
- Discuss delay contingencies: Agree on a backup plan if travel is delayed. Many experienced sitters build in a two-day cushion between sits to avoid overlap.
About the Pets
- Basic info: Learn each pet’s name, age, breed, species, and whether they’re spayed/neutered or microchipped (and if chip registration is current).
- Background: Ask if they’re rescue or adopted pets — and how long they’ve been part of the family. This often informs temperament and needs.
- Transport readiness: Find out if they travel well by car and whether they’re comfortable being transported to the vet if needed. Identify local pet-friendly taxi services, just in case.
Veterinary Information
- Vet details: Get the clinic’s name, address, phone number, and hours.
- Pre-trip notification: Confirm the vet has been informed that the pets will be under your care during the sit.
- Your authorization: Ensure your name and contact information are added to the pet’s file — and find out who’s authorized to make medical decisions if the pet parent is unreachable.
- Insurance & billing: Ask for policy details and clarify whether costs are covered upfront or reimbursed later. Also confirm if any routine check-ups or vaccinations are due during your stay.
- Emergency protocols: Request after-hours vet contact info and clear instructions for life-threatening situations.
Pet Health & Daily Care
- Medications: If needed, get precise dosing instructions, timing, possible side effects, and whether food should be given beforehand.
- Medical conditions: Note any chronic issues — like arthritis, anxiety, or dietary sensitivities — and how they affect daily routines (e.g., shorter walks, quiet feeding environments).
- Food & treats: Locate food storage, review feeding schedules and portion sizes, and learn treat limits. Clarify what to do if supplies run low — including reimbursement method or cash left on-site.
- Dietary restrictions: Document foods to avoid and any known digestion issues (e.g., grain sensitivity, tendency toward vomiting).
Home & Household Guidelines
- House rules: Ask about off-limits areas, bedtime expectations, and whether pets may receive table scraps or human food.
- Pet essentials: Locate toys, leashes, waste bags, beds, blankets, grooming tools, and litter supplies. Don’t forget to ask about “hidden” essentials — like favorite chew toys or calming sprays.
- Pet behavior insights: Learn about triggers (e.g., thunderstorms, doorbells), separation anxiety cues, tolerance for other animals or people, and how long they can comfortably be left alone.
- Grooming needs: Determine frequency of brushing, bathing, or nail trims — and whether professional grooming appointments are scheduled during your stay.
- Litter management (for cats): Locate the litter box and supply storage, and confirm cleaning frequency and preferred brand or type.
- Garden access: Ask which areas pets may use, whether fencing is secure, and if there are any hazards (e.g., toxic plants, uncovered ponds).
During the Sit: Stay Consistent & Observant
Maintain the pets’ routine as closely as possible — consistency reduces stress and prevents behavioral issues. Keep a simple daily log (even just notes on your phone) tracking meals, medications, walks, mood, and any changes in behavior or health.
- Stick to established schedules: Feed, walk, play, and rest at familiar times — especially important for senior pets or those with medical needs.
- Monitor closely: Watch for subtle signs of illness or discomfort: decreased appetite, lethargy, excessive scratching, or changes in bathroom habits.
- Respect boundaries: Follow all house rules — from where pets sleep to which rooms they enter — to honor the pet parents’ preferences and protect their home.
- Stay connected: Send brief, reassuring updates (photos or short messages) — especially early in the sit — to help pet parents relax while away.
- Document expenses: Save receipts for any approved purchases (food, meds, vet visits) and note reimbursement arrangements clearly.
After the Sit: Wrap Up Thoughtfully
A thoughtful close leaves a lasting positive impression — and increases your chances of repeat bookings and referrals through FurPetVo.
- Return everything to its place: Restock pet supplies, tidy toys and bedding, and reset appliances (alarm system, thermostat, lights) to original settings.
- Leave a detailed handover note: Summarize key observations — eating habits, energy levels, any minor concerns — and note whether medications were administered as scheduled.
- Provide photo/video updates: A few genuine moments — a relaxed nap, a happy walk, or a well-groomed cat lounging in sunlight — go a long way.
- Submit feedback promptly: Complete your review on furpetvo.com while memories are fresh — highlighting what went well and any gentle suggestions for future sitters.
- Follow up on reimbursements: Submit expense documentation within the agreed timeframe and confirm receipt with the pet parents.
Final Tips for Success
Remember: Your role isn’t just about responsibility — it’s about compassion, attention to detail, and honoring the deep bond between pets and their people. When you approach each sit with empathy and preparation, you’re not just caring for animals and homes — you’re building meaningful connections and supporting joyful, worry-free travels.
Download your printable FurPetVo House Sitting Checklist at furpetvo.com/checklist — and start your next sit with confidence.
