How to Write Clear Instructions for Your Pet Sitter

Write down everything your sitter needs to know before you leave

The best pet sitter instruction is written down, specific to your pet and your home, and left where your sitter can find it the moment they arrive. A text message or email sent the day before is not enough — your sitter needs a physical document they can reference during the visit, especially if something unexpected happens or they need to make a quick decision about your pet's care.

Start with the basics: your pet's name, age, and any medical conditions. Then add the exact steps for feeding, medication, exercise, and bathroom breaks in the order your sitter will encounter them. Include your veterinarian's name and phone number, your own contact information, and the name and number of an emergency contact who can make decisions if you are unreachable. The document should be thorough enough that a sitter who has never met your pet can follow it without guessing.

Key Takeaways

• Write instructions on paper and leave them in a visible place in your home, not just in email or text.
• Include your pet's feeding schedule with exact amounts, medication instructions with times, and any behavioral quirks your sitter should know about.
• Provide your veterinarian's phone number, your own contact information, and an emergency contact who can authorize care if you cannot be reached.
• Show your sitter where supplies are kept — food, treats, leashes, cleaning supplies, first aid items — before you leave.
• Leave a recent photo of your pet and a description of normal behavior so your sitter can spot signs of illness or injury.

The core information your sitter must have

Start your instructions with your pet's name, species, age, and weight. Add any medical conditions, allergies, or medications. If your pet takes pills, include the exact name of the medication, the dose, the time it should be given, and how to give it — whether it goes in food, is swallowed whole, or needs to be crushed. If your pet has a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, write down what symptoms to watch for and when to call the vet.

Next, write your feeding instructions: the brand and type of food, the exact amount (use a measuring cup, not "a handful"), how many times per day, and what time each meal should happen. If your pet eats at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., say that. If your pet needs water changed twice daily, say that. Include any treats your sitter can give and any foods that are forbidden. If your pet has a sensitive stomach or refuses certain brands, mention it.

Add bathroom and exercise details. For dogs, write down how many walks per day, how long each should be, and whether your pet has any bathroom issues — some dogs need to go out immediately after eating, others need a few minutes to settle. For cats, note the litter box location and whether your sitter should scoop it during each visit. For any pet, describe normal bathroom habits so your sitter can spot diarrhea, constipation, or other problems.

Behavioral notes and personality quirks

Write down how your pet typically behaves so your sitter knows what is normal and what is a red flag. If your dog is shy with strangers, say so. If your cat hides when people visit, explain that this is normal and your sitter should not worry. If your pet is energetic and jumps on people, warn your sitter so they can manage it. If your pet has anxiety or aggression issues, describe the triggers and how to avoid them.

Include any commands your pet knows and how your sitter should use them. If your dog responds to "sit" or "stay," mention it. If your cat comes when called, say so. If your pet does not respond to commands, say that too — your sitter should not waste time trying to train or discipline your pet during a visit.

Describe what your pet likes and dislikes. Some dogs love to play fetch, others want only a quiet walk. Some cats enjoy being held, others prefer to be left alone. If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket, mention it. If your pet gets anxious when left alone, describe what helps — soft music, a specific room, a piece of your worn clothing. These details help your sitter keep your pet calm and comfortable.

Where everything is located in your home

Create a simple map or list showing where your sitter will find food, water bowls, leashes, treats, toys, litter boxes, cleaning supplies, and first aid items. Write down which cabinet the dog food is in, which drawer holds the leash, where the cat litter is stored. If you have a garage or basement, specify whether your sitter needs to go there. If supplies are in multiple places, list each location.

Include instructions for locking and unlocking doors, using your garage door opener, disarming any alarm system, and turning lights on or off. If your pet has a crate or pen, show your sitter where it is and whether your pet should be crated during the visit or left loose. If your pet wears a collar with ID tags, describe it so your sitter knows what to look for if your pet escapes.

Emergency contact information and veterinary details

Write your full name, cell phone number, and home phone number at the top of the instructions. Add your veterinarian's name, address, and phone number. If you have a preferred emergency veterinary clinic (one that is open after hours or on weekends), include that information too. Some areas have 24-hour animal emergency hospitals — if you know of one, add it.

List an emergency contact: a friend, family member, or neighbor who can make decisions about your pet's care if you cannot be reached. Write their full name and phone number. Explain to this person in advance that they may be contacted and what authority they have — for example, whether they can authorize emergency surgery or medication.

Add any special instructions for emergencies. If your pet has a seizure disorder, write down what your sitter should do and when to call the vet. If your pet has a heart condition and shows signs of distress, explain what that looks like and when it becomes an emergency. If your pet is on a medication that must not be missed, emphasize that.

A photo and description of your pet

Attach a recent, clear photo of your pet to your instructions. If your pet escapes or gets lost during the visit, your sitter will need to describe your pet to neighbors or animal control. A photo is faster and more accurate than a written description alone.

Write a brief physical description: color, size, markings, and any distinctive features. For example: "Black lab, 65 pounds, white patch on chest" or "Orange tabby cat, medium size, left ear has a small notch." If your pet wears a collar or ID tag, describe it. If your pet has a microchip, write down the microchip number and the registry where it is registered.

How to format and present your instructions

Type or write your instructions clearly on one or two pages. Use a large, easy-to-read font if you type it. Leave it on the kitchen counter, on the refrigerator, or in another obvious place where your sitter will see it immediately upon arrival. Do not hide it in a drawer or assume your sitter will check email before starting the visit.

Consider creating a simple template you can use for each sitter visit. You can keep the core information the same and update only the dates, times, and any temporary changes. This saves time and ensures you do not forget anything important.

Walk your sitter through the instructions before you leave, if possible. Show them where the food is kept, how to use the leash, where the litter box is, and how to contact you. If you cannot meet in person, send a video walkthrough or call your sitter before their first visit. This gives them a chance to ask questions and builds confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my pet has never met the sitter before?

Write even more detail than usual. Describe your pet's temperament, how they typically react to strangers, and what helps them feel comfortable. If your pet is anxious or shy, suggest that the sitter spend the first few minutes just sitting quietly in the room before attempting to interact. Include a photo so the sitter knows what to expect.

Should I leave my instructions in writing or just tell the sitter verbally?

Always leave written instructions, even if you also talk to your sitter in person. Written instructions are a reference your sitter can check during the visit if they forget something or if an unexpected situation comes up. Verbal instructions alone are easy to misremember, especially under stress.

How detailed should my feeding instructions be?

Be as specific as possible. Instead of "feed the dog," write "feed the dog one cup of blue bag kibble at 7 a.m. and one cup at 6 p.m., in the stainless steel bowl on the kitchen floor." Include the brand name, the exact amount measured in cups or ounces, and the times. If your pet has special dietary needs, explain them.

What if my pet is on multiple medications?

Create a simple chart with the medication name, dose, time, and how to give it. List them in the order your sitter will give them during the visit. If one medication must be given with food and another on an empty stomach, make that clear. Include the veterinarian's phone number in case your sitter has questions about how to administer a medication.

Should I leave my house key with the sitter or hide it somewhere?

Arrange this in advance with your sitter. Some sitters keep a key on file, others prefer you to hide one in a lockbox or under a mat. Never leave a key in an obvious place like under a doormat or above the door frame. If you use a lockbox, tell your sitter the combination. Make sure your sitter knows how to disarm your alarm system if you have one.