House sitting or home visits can be a perfect service for a pet who loves to stay in their comfort zone. Of course, you want to make your home warm and welcoming for your house sitter.
Make sure to think about the following:
- Arrange a key handover - you can do this beforehand at your meet and greet, leave the key in a secure place for the sitter to collect (for example at a neighbour’s house), or you can meet up for a direct handover before you leave. If you'd like to use one, you can download a key handover contract in the files at the bottom of this article.
- Leave plenty of pet supplies and pet food - it's a good idea to supply some extra, just in case.
- Ensure you have supplied enough medication if your pet needs it and clear instructions on how to administer it.
- Always exchange an emergency contact with your pet sitter.
- Leave important details and numbers in an obvious spot. This might include your pet's routine, where cleaning products are kept and instructions for using appliances.
- Let your neighbours, friends and family know that you have a pet sitter staying.
- It’s also a good idea to let your regular veterinarian know you will be away, and ask them what they suggest, should any vet visits come up.
- Lock all your exterior doors and windows - this will give you and your sitter peace of mind. Ensure that the keys are in a secure space, should the pet sitter need to open anything.
- Check all fences and gates and mend any tiny holes, gaps or potential escape routes
- Leave the house tidy - clean out the fridge of perishables, empty the dishwasher, put away clothes and empty rubbish bins
If the sitter is sleeping over to keep your pets company, consider the following as well:
- Discuss food arrangements - will you leave some for the pet sitter to eat? Can they help themselves to anything?
- Top up house supplies like soap, toilet paper, washing powder etc
- Make up a bed with clean sheets for your pet sitter to sleep in
- Put away any valuables that you don't want to be left out and be sure to specify to your pet sitter if there are any rooms you'd prefer to be left untouched
Finally - relax and enjoy your holiday!