Giving Medications While You're Away: A Safe Plan for Pet Owners and Sitters

If your pet takes medication, the most important question to ask any sitter is whether they are comfortable giving it. The second most important is whether you have given them everything they need to do it correctly.

Before you book

• Be upfront. Tell the sitter about every medication and supplement at the first conversation.
• Ask about experience. Pills in treats are simple. Eye drops, injections, subcutaneous fluids and medications for diabetes or seizures require training and confidence.
• Demonstrate. At the meet & greet, show the sitter how your pet takes the medication, and let them practice with you watching.

Set up the supplies

• Keep medications in the original labeled containers, not unlabeled baggies.
• Use a weekly pill organizer for your own tracking, and keep labeled originals available for the sitter.
• Leave extra doses beyond the trip, in case you are delayed.
• Note storage instructions, such as refrigeration for liquids or insulin.
• Provide any needed supplies: syringes, pill pockets, treats, gloves.

Write a medication schedule

Include a table or list with:

1. The name of each medication
2. Dose and form
3. Time of day, and with or without food
4. How your pet takes it, such as hidden in cheese or pressed on the tongue
5. What to watch for, such as vomiting, lethargy or a missed dose
6. When to contact you or the vet

Ask the sitter to log each dose

A short note or text after every dose, with the time and how it went, creates a record. If your pet has a health event, your vet will want that information.

Time-sensitive conditions

Pets with diabetes, seizure disorders, heart disease or kidney disease need consistent timing. Talk to your veterinarian about how much flexibility there is, and whether a sitter who stays overnight or visits multiple times per day is the safer option.

Never give human medications

Common human pain relievers, including ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen, can be extremely dangerous to pets. Keep all human medications put away, and tell your sitter to call the vet or a poison helpline before giving anything not on your list.

Plan for the unexpected

• If your pet refuses a dose, what should the sitter do? Ask your vet in advance.
• If your pet vomits right after a pill, should it be repeated? Get a clear answer ahead of time.
• Make sure your vet knows your sitter may call for guidance.

Clear instructions, labeled supplies and a sitter who is comfortable with the routine make medicating your pet while you travel safe and low-stress.