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What to leave a pet sitter: a practical handoff checklist

Leave a short written routine, reachable contacts, supplies in known places and the veterinary instructions your sitter needs. Walk through the plan together before you leave.

By KindredPaw editorial team · Updated October 10, 2026 · No veterinary review claimed

Write for the person opening the door

AAHA recommends discussing a pet’s routine and special needs with the sitter and arranging veterinary preparation before boarding. Your handoff should turn those conversations into clear instructions. Begin with the pet’s name, how to enter safely, where the carrier or leash lives, and who to call. Do not put door codes on a sheet you plan to share widely. Give sensitive access details directly to the sitter.

Describe the normal care window

Use morning, midday and evening headings. Copy the established feeding instructions, show the actual scoop or container and explain where water and cleanup supplies are kept. If a task is flexible, say so. If the veterinary team has given precise instructions, keep those separate and unchanged. Ask the sitter to explain the routine back in their own words, especially if several animals use different supplies.

Prepare for the exception

List your usual veterinary practice and emergency hospital with phone numbers and addresses. Explain your preferred contact order and arrange any treatment authorization directly with the clinic. Show safe transport equipment. Leave current records where the sitter can find them. A printed sheet should still work when a phone battery dies or your return message is delayed.

Do a rehearsal, then hand over the final copy

Have the sitter complete one ordinary care window while you are available. Replace confusing language and remove old versions. In PawPilot, enter only the details you want on the handoff, preview the printout and check each pet’s name. Review the sheet whenever the care instructions change. A handoff is a snapshot, so write the date on the final copy.

Source and scope

AAHA veterinary guidance provides the veterinary context. The checklists and organizational examples here are editorial suggestions. This article does not diagnose, prescribe or replace advice from your veterinarian.

If your pet has trouble breathing, collapses, has major bleeding or may have been poisoned, contact an emergency veterinary hospital now. Do not wait to complete a planner or log.

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