5 Instructions for your pet sitter

This article was published in PetsClan on 8th September, 2011
http://www.petsclan.com/entry/5-instructions-pet-sitter/
Pet sitting
Pet sitting Inform your pet sitter about all the needs of your pet. Guide the pet-sitter about your pet habits too, so that she/he knows how to handle the situation.
A well informed pet sitter is in best situation to redress your pet’s woes while you are away. Before you leave for your vacation, it is always a good idea to brief you pet sitter about your pets’ habits and needs. A pet sitter is also a human and is likely to forget or mix up your verbal instructions. Here are 5 important instructions you should always remember to give your pet sitter to ensure comfort for both the pet and the pet sitter.

1. Details of your pet’s routine
Just like humans, pets also get used to routines. If there is even a little bit of deviation from the routine, pets are likely to get anxious. Or there might be things which scare your pet. So always leave written details of your pet’s daily routine for the pet sitter– what time your pet usually eats, naps, is taken for walk, poops and plays. Also mention your pet’s favorite play things, music or even TV and radio shows. Mention the things to be done or ways to be used to calm your pet when it gets anxious or frightened. Always let the pet sitter know about the specific commands, if any, used for your pet.

2. Emergency contact numbers
Write down your contact number (at least two numbers) and address during the period of your absence. Mention at least a couple of ways to reach you at all times. List down of all possible contact persons, on whom you can depend in case of a pet emergency, mentioning their addresses and contact numbers. Do not forget to mention the contact details of your pets’ vet.

3. Medical instructions
If your pet is on medication, leave written instructions about the medication’s timing, dose, prescription and any specific ways of administering the same on your pet. Mention the place where you keep the medical records of your pet. You also need to list down the food items that your pet is allergic to. Do not forget to inform your vet that you will be out of town and someone else might call him/her in case of your pet emergency.

4. Your pets’ hideouts
At some times, the pet sitter may not be able to find your pet or your pet may not answer to his/her calls. In that case the sitter should know where to find the pet. Pets may have specific hiding places in the house or its premises. If your pet has any such hideouts in the house, list down all the possible places of hiding. This will be a great help for the pet sitter. Also mention the likely places around the house where your pet might relieve itself so that the pet sitter is able to clean it up.

5. Miscellaneous instructions
If you want your pet sitter to perform additional and specific chores in your absence, please list them down. It is useless to expect your pet sitter to do certain things if you did not leave any specific instructions. For example, while bathing or grooming, if there are certain body areas which are to be avoided or given more attention, mention those specifically. Other chores may be things like grooming and bathing your pet, cleaning the litter box, bringing in the mail, closing and opening windows, watering the plants, sending you daily updates on your pet and so on.

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