The Complete Checklist for Getting Your Home and Pet Ready Before an Overnight Stay

Most pet sitting problems are not caused by the pet. They come from missing information, missing supplies, or a house that is harder to navigate than the owner realized. A little preparation prevents nearly all of them.

One to two weeks before

• Book your meet & greet. Do this while there is still time to fix anything that surfaces.
• Check vaccinations. Confirm rabies and any other vaccines your sitter or boarder requires are current. See our guide to dog vaccines before a sitter stay.
• Refill medications and prevention. Order enough for the trip plus a few extra days in case you are delayed.
• Update ID. Make sure the collar tag and microchip registration have your current phone number, and add the sitter's number to the registration if possible.
• Buy extra food. Having at least a few days' extra supply avoids a panicked store run and protects against a delayed return.

The week of your trip

• Write your instruction sheet. Include feeding, walking, medication, and house rules.
• Pre-portion meals if your pet eats a complicated diet. Labeled bags or containers cut the chance of mistakes.
• Stock litter, waste bags and cleaning supplies.
• Tidy hazards. Put away medications, chocolate, houseplants that are toxic to pets, and anything chewable.
• Authorize your vet. Sign any paperwork giving your sitter permission to approve emergency treatment, and tell your vet who will be calling.

The day before

• Walk the house with your sitter or write down the key locations: leashes, food, towels, flashlight, trash bins, breaker box and water shut-off.
• Check that every door and gate latches properly. Fix wobbly gate latches now.
• Set the thermostat to a comfortable, safe temperature. Pets cannot adjust it themselves.
• Leave fresh towels, and a basic first aid kit within reach.

Leave a few things for the sitter

• Your cell number and a backup contact who lives nearby
• Your veterinarian and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic
• The Pet Poison Helpline number: 855-764-7661 (a consultation fee may apply)
• Wi-Fi password, alarm codes and any camera instructions

On departure day

Keep your goodbye calm and brief. Long, emotional departures can raise your pet's anxiety. Give your pet a good walk or play session before you leave so they are tired and relaxed when the sitter arrives.

Even if you only travel once or twice a year, doing this every time makes your trip easier. Pets thrive on predictable routines, and a prepared owner usually means a calm, well-cared-for pet.