Penny Martin

May 8, 2024

8 minutes

Preparing Your Pet for a Sitter

When you embark on a trip, the worry of leaving your pet behind is natural. Properly preparing for a pet sitter ensures your pet stays comfortable and secure while you're away. These steps presented by pet trainer Chitra Walmsley are key in finding a great pet sitter and creating a seamless, anxiety-free environment for your pet. You can ensure both you and your pet enjoy peace of mind during your absence.

Selecting the Right Pet Sitter

When you're on the hunt for a great pet sitter, start with trusted sources like personal referrals or reputable online platforms. It’s important to do your homework on potential candidates. Dive into their background, evaluate their experience with animals similar to yours, and pore over any available reviews and references. This due diligence helps in finding a great pet sitter who you can trust with your beloved companion.

Bonding Time Between Pet and Sitter

Fear Free Happy Homes recommends allowing time for your pet and the sitter to get acquainted before you leave. This pre-trip introduction is crucial in easing any nerves your pet might have. It also gives the sitter a chance to understand your pet’s personality and needs. This step is fundamental in finding a great pet sitter, as it sets the stage for a comfortable and familiar environment while you're away.

Keeping Stress at Bay

Your own work-related stress levels can significantly impact your pet, especially if you have a dog. Focus on staying relaxed and positive when preparing for your trip and interacting with your pet. This calm demeanor will help your pet feel more secure and less anxious about your absence

Comfort Measures for your Pet

When preparing for a pet sitter, consider the comfort of your pet. A crate can provide a sense of security and comfort for your pup, and it can also help with decreasing destructive behavior and reducing separation anxiety. Ensure that the crate is spacious enough for your larger dog, allowing them to stand, stretch, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

This is particularly helpful if your pet is used to a crate or finds solace in their own space. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain a familiar environment for them in your absence.

Establishing Pet Care Routines

Communicate your pet's daily routines to the sitter with clarity. This includes feeding times, exercise routines, and specific care instructions. Understanding these routines is crucial for a pet sitter, as maintaining a familiar schedule helps in keeping your pet calm and happy. It also ensures the sitter can provide care that aligns with your pet’s usual habits and preferences.

Ensuring Home Security

Talk to your pet sitter about your home's security measures, including the proper way to lock doors, set alarms, and secure all entry points. It's crucial that they understand and follow these protocols to ensure the safety of your pet. Clear guidelines on these security procedures also protect your home while you're away. This careful attention to security details provides dual protection for both your pet and your residence.

Digitizing Documents for Emergencies

Having important pet documents in electronic format is essential. You can create and share PDFs of crucial information like medical records, feeding instructions, and emergency contacts. The benefits of saving them as PDFs include easy accessibility and the ability to swiftly share these vital details with your pet sitter, ensuring they’re well-prepared in any situation. Check out this online tool that turns your files into spreadsheets.

Staying in Touch

Ensure you provide your pet sitter with your contact information and specify how often and through what means you want updates about your pet. This arrangement guarantees you stay informed about their well-being. Frequent updates from your sitter will give you a continuous sense of reassurance. Your peace of mind during the trip hinges on these regular communications.

Getting ready for a pet sitter is straightforward and stress-free when you're prepared. Follow these steps, and you'll confidently set off on your journey, assured that your pet is safe and loved. This preparation ensures your furry friend's well-being and a smooth experience for both of you.

Chitra Walmsley teaches you how to communicate with your dog to develop a happy and enriching life together, positively. Connect with Chitra today to learn more! (650) - 713 - 9947.