What to Put in Pet Sitting Instructions (Template)

Why Written Instructions Matter

Verbal instructions get forgotten, especially during the stress of handing off your pet before a trip. A written instruction sheet is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your pet sitter provides good care. It takes 20 minutes to write and eliminates 90% of the "quick questions" your sitter would otherwise text you about while you are on vacation.

The Essential Pet Sitting Instruction Template

Here is everything your pet sitter needs to know, organized by priority. Copy this structure and fill in your details:

1. Emergency Information (Put This First)

• Your veterinarian: Name, phone number, address, and hours
• Emergency vet (24-hour): Name, phone number, address
• Poison control: ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
• Your phone number and a backup contact who can make decisions if you are unreachable
• Authorization note: "I authorize [sitter name] to approve emergency veterinary treatment for [pet name] up to $[amount]. I will reimburse all costs."

2. Pet Basics

• Name(s) and what they respond to (nicknames, commands)
• Breed, age, weight
• Microchip number (in case of escape)
• Collar/tag info — what tags they wear, what to do if a tag falls off
• Photo — include a recent photo in case of lost pet

3. Feeding Schedule

• Food type and brand — be specific (e.g., "Blue Buffalo Life Protection, chicken and brown rice, adult formula")
• Portion size — exact measurements (e.g., "1 level cup from the measuring cup in the food bin")
• Feeding times — (e.g., "7am and 6pm")
• Where food is stored
• Treats — type, frequency, and any limits (e.g., "2 Greenies per day max")
• Water — "Fresh water in the silver bowl, refill 2x/day"
• Food allergies or restrictions — critical if your pet has dietary issues
• Do NOT feed — list any foods that are off-limits (chocolate, grapes, onions, etc.)

4. Medication

• Medication name and purpose
• Dosage — exact amount
• Schedule — exact time(s)
• How to give it — (e.g., "wrap in cheese" or "mix with food" or "pill pocket")
• Where medication is stored
• What to do if a dose is missed
• Side effects to watch for

5. Daily Routine

• Morning routine — wake-up time, first potty break, breakfast, walk
• Midday — walk or potty break timing
• Evening — dinner time, evening walk, bedtime routine
• Bedtime — where pet sleeps, what time, any nighttime needs
• Potty habits — how often, any signals to watch for, preferred spots

6. Walking Instructions

• Leash location
• Harness or collar? — show how to put it on if it is not obvious
• Walk duration and route — preferred path, areas to avoid
• Behavior on leash — pulls, reactive to other dogs, afraid of loud noises
• Off-leash? — only if 100% safe and your sitter is comfortable
• Poop bag location

7. Behavioral Notes

• Anxiety triggers — thunderstorms, fireworks, strangers, other dogs
• How to calm them — specific comfort techniques that work
• Forbidden behaviors and corrections — what training commands to use
• Interactions with other animals — if you have multiple pets, note dynamics
• Things they are afraid of — vacuum, broom, specific sounds
• Things they love — favorite toy, belly rubs, specific game

8. House Rules

• Allowed on furniture? — specify which pieces
• Allowed in all rooms? — note any off-limits areas and why
• Crate trained? — when to use the crate (if ever)
• Door/gate protocol — which doors to keep closed, baby gates
• Trash cans — note if your pet gets into trash (secure lids)

9. Home Access and Logistics

• How to enter — lockbox code, smart lock code, key location
• Alarm system — code and how to arm/disarm
• Wi-Fi password
• Thermostat — preferred temperature range for your pet
• Parking — where the sitter should park
• Trash day — when and where to put bins out (for longer stays)
• Mail and packages — what to do with deliveries

10. Your Trip Details

• Your departure and return dates/times
• Best way to reach you — text, call, WhatsApp, etc.
• Time zone you will be in
• How often you want updates — daily photo, text after each walk, etc.

Tips for Writing Effective Instructions

• Print a physical copy — Leave it on the kitchen counter or wherever your sitter will see it. Phone screenshots get lost.
• Send a digital copy too — Email or text the document so your sitter has it on their phone.
• Be specific over being brief — "One level cup" is better than "some food." "7am and 6pm" is better than "morning and evening."
• Update it each time — Medication changes, new behavioral quirks, or seasonal adjustments should be reflected each time you leave your pet.
• Do a walkthrough — Spend 15 minutes walking your sitter through the house the first time. Show them where everything is physically.
• Include a photo of your pet — If your pet escapes, your sitter needs a current photo to share with neighbors or post on social media.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No emergency vet info — If something happens at 11pm, your sitter needs a 24-hour vet number immediately, not a text to you.
• Vague feeding instructions — "Feed him twice a day" without quantities leads to overfeeding or underfeeding.
• Forgetting medication details — Missing one dose of some medications can cause serious health issues. Be precise about timing and method.
• Not mentioning behavioral triggers — If your dog is reactive to other dogs on walks, your sitter needs to know before the first walk, not after an incident.
• Outdated information — If you wrote the sheet six months ago and your dog's medication or routine has changed, update it.

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This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for specific medical instructions for your pet. Last updated February 2026.