Leaving your pets behind while you travel can feel stressful — even when you know they’ll be in good hands. Whether you hire a professional pet sitter or have a trusted friend checking in, a clear set of pet care notes makes all the difference. It helps your sitter keep your pets safe, comfortable, and cared for while you’re away — and gives you peace of mind knowing everything’s covered.
Here are five things to include in your notes before you head out of town:
1. Your Pet’s Daily Routine
Pets do best when their daily routine feels familiar. Include your pet’s feeding schedule, food portions, and any special preferences (like mixing wet and dry food or warming meals slightly).
It’s also helpful to note where extra supplies are kept — such as food, litter, and cleaning tools like vacuums, brooms, or sprays. These details make it easier to keep your pet’s environment tidy and comfortable throughout your time away.
Tip: If your pet has habits that make their care smoother — such as waiting for meals in a specific spot or preferring a certain litter box — jot that down. A few quick notes can make the transition stress-free for both your sitter and your pet.
2. Medical Information & Medications
If your pet takes any medications or supplements, list them clearly with dosage instructions and how they’re given (for example, “1/4 tablet crushed in food once daily”). Also note any chronic conditions, allergies, or signs your sitter should look out for. Having the medications already prepared in a pill holder is helpful. Be sure to include medications the pet is receiving in case your pet sitter needs to take your pet to the veterinary hospital.
Having clear directions ensures your pet’s treatments are performed safely and correctly.
3. Veterinary Contact Information
Always include your primary veterinarian’s hospital and phone number, , along with your preferred emergency clinic.
If you don’t have a preferred ER, specify that your sitter may take your pet to the nearest trusted facility in case of an emergency.
Having veterinary information handy can save valuable time and help your sitter make informed decisions if an urgent situation arises.
4. Home Access & Safety Notes
Creating a safe and calm environment goes a long way toward helping your pets feel comfortable while you’re away. Make sure their favorite spaces are accessible, remove any potential hazards such as open trash bins, string toys, electrical cords, or unsecured windows, and check that doors and gates close securely.
If your home has smart devices, automatic feeders, or cameras, leave a short note on how to operate or ignore them during visits. It’s also helpful to note details like alarm settings, thermostat adjustments, or lights that should stay on or off while you’re away.
5. Emergency Contacts & Backup Plans
Emergencies are rare, but being prepared for them gives everyone peace of mind. Along with your primary contact information, include the name and phone number of a trusted backup person — someone local who can assist if you’re unreachable or if access to your home is ever needed. It’s helpful to note if this person has an extra key or knows where one is kept.
If you have cats or small pets, please indicate where their carriers are located in case an evacuation becomes necessary. For example, during events like a nearby fire, severe weather, or flooding, your sitter may need to transport them safely. If you’ve prepared an emergency “go kit” with essentials such as food, medications, or paperwork, include where it’s stored so it can be grabbed quickly if needed.
These small details can make a big difference in ensuring your pets’ safety and care, even in unexpected situations.
Preparing detailed pet care notes is one of the simplest ways to make your trip smoother — for both you and your pets. It ensures your sitter has all the information they need to provide the same level of care your pets receive when you’re home.
At Purr & Pulse, I specialize in in-home pet care and medical visits that help pets feel safe, calm, and cared for in their own environment. If you’re planning a trip, I’d be happy to help keep your pets comfortable while you’re away.
Leave a Reply