Pets and Their People Blog

This resource is a product of the PPG Pet Care Division Team: Kat Frizzell, CPPS, FFCP, PFACCI, PLBS; Kristi Jones, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CET; and Roxanne Dockter, MSc., CPPS, FFCP, CFVA, PFACCI

The “minimum level of care” provided by a pet sitter typically involves meeting the pet’s basic needs, preserving their routine, and safeguarding their well-being in their familiar home setting. Pet care companies should have these core pet care duties documented, in particular if there are contractors and employees, to ensure a standard level of minimum care, irrespective of who visits your home for a specific visit. 

This List of Core Pet Care Duties Should Include:

• Feeding: Providing food and fresh water according to the owner’s instructions (type, quantity, schedule). The pet’s appetite and water intake should be monitored and documented at each visit.
• Cleaning Dishes: Washing food dishes after each meal. Washing water dishes and replenishing fresh water at least once per day.
• Exercise and Potty Breaks: For dogs, this means regular walks or supervised outdoor time for elimination and exercise.
  • To ensure dogs have adequate opportunities for elimination and exercise, a minimum of three visits per day is required, two if the dog has access to a pet door for outside access. 
  • For cats, the litter box is cleaned every visit. A minimum of one visit per day is required for cats.
  • All equipment employed should be suitable for the pet’s size, and physiology and be in good condition.
• Adhering to a Strict Code of Ethical Conduct. No shock, No prong, No choke and No pain, No fear, No force are ever employed in the training, behavior modification, care, or management of any pet.
• Medication Administration: If required, accurately administering any prescribed medications as per the owner’s instructions and documenting each time the medicine is taken and the pet’s reactions.
• Companionship and Interaction: Providing playtime, affection, and attention to help reduce stress and loneliness while the owner is away (unless the pet is stressed by these types of interactions from visitors).
• Basic Hygiene: Cleaning up pet messes (accidents, vomit) immediately upon discovery, scooping litter boxes at every visit, ensuring bathroom areas are tidy, and feeding areas are tidy after each meal. Ensuing pet waste is removed from the home daily to prevent odors.
• Monitoring Health: Observing the pet for any changes in behavior, appetite, or physical condition that might indicate illness or injury and reporting any concerns to the owner immediately.
  • Having visual contact with cats, even when hiding, to ensure they are not sick or injured. 
  • Any concerns should be reported to the homeowner immediately according to the established agreement with the owner regarding health notifications, urgent and nonurgent.  
• Documentation: Keeping a record of each visit including what duties/activities were performed, appetite of the pet, urine and bowel habits, general demeanor of the pet, and general condition of the pet. 
• ID: Make sure adequate ID is on the pet at all times. Pets should be microchipped and the number and company contact information to be provided to the pet sitter. Dogs are not to go outside without a collar and/or harness with ID tags and contact information.

Download this checklist as a handout here:

About the PPG Pet Care Division

Supporting pets and their owners is a shared function of all pet professionals, including pet groomers, pet sitters, dog walkers and canine enrichment technicians. If you are interested in joining our divisional team and giving a voice to pet care providers, please join PPG today  then log in to your PPG member account and fill out the volunteer form.

With your help, we can develop more resources for pet care providers and build great referral programs across the many vital roles of pet professionals.

Let’s keep the conversation going….

Join the Pet Care Division for a live chat on PPG’s Facebook Page!

Recorded: October 27, 2025
Location: Live-streamed via PPG’s Facebook page.
Host: Niki Tudge
Guest Speakers: The PPG Pet Care Division – Kat Frizzell, CPPS, FFCP, PFACCI, PLBS; Kristi Jones, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CET; and Roxanne Dockter, Msc., CPPS, FFCP, CFVA, PFACCI