Pets and Their People Blog

This resource is a product of the Pet Professional Guild 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

Having completed an initial inquiry and a successful “Meet & Greet” session with your pet sitter, there are now some crucial questions that need to be answered when you make your reservation and pay your deposit. These are logistical and emergency-preparedness questions to finalize plans and prepare for your actual absence.

1. How can we contact you and access your home safely while you’re away?

2. Who should we call in case of an emergency or if you can’t return as scheduled?

• Emergency contact (name & number)
• Local backup (friend/family/neighbor)
• Long-term backup for extended absence

3. What should we know about your home and routines?

• Location of cleaning supplies
• Household limitations or hazards
• Where to dispose of waste
• Tasks like trash day, watering plants, adjusting blinds, and collecting mail/packages?
• Utility service dates

4. Since the initial inquiry, has there been any change in any of the following:

• Number of pets who reside in your home? If so, please specify.
• Pet’s health or wellness? 
• Locks or access points to the home?
• Security or safety systems?

5. Tell us about your pets — we’ll ask these questions for each pet.

• Name
• Birth date (or age)
• Species/breed
• Spayed/neutered
• Color/markings
• Microchip number
• Vaccination status
• Photo of pet

6. Does your pet have any medical needs or a vet preference?

• Ongoing illnesses, treatments, or allergies?
• Disabilities, pain, or impediments?
• List medications (name, dosage, frequency, how to administer)
• Provide the veterinarian’s contact information.
• Provide the designated emergency vet clinic contact information.

7. Behavior and routines:

• Exercise/play/nap routines – favorite games/toys
• Where do they sleep? Any comfort items?
• Known hiding places
• Are there off-limit areas or known hazards?

8. What does your pet eat and drink — and how?

• Water setup and restrictions (if any)
• Food location, type, feeding schedule, and quantity/measurements
• List any dietary restrictions or food sensitivities
• Are treats okay? Any special feeding routines regarding treats?

9. For dogs only:

• Walk requirements
• Location of leashes, collars, waste bags
• Crate/kennel use?
• Social behavior with other animals:
  Leash reactivity (dogs, cats, squirrels, kids, cars, etc.)
  Notable behaviors (barking, digging, escaping, aggression)
• Helpful trained cues/cue words – Emergency recall cue, game, sound?
• Pet insurance details (if applicable)

10. For cats:

• Number/location of litter boxes
• Counter/table permissions – If not allowed, what force-free methods are used for prevention?
• Specify indoor/outdoor access – if indoor only, how to prevent outdoor access and what to do (and NOT do – i.e., don’t scream, don’t chase) if the cat gets out
• Quirks, fears, stress behaviors
• Known hiding places
• Helpful trained cues/cue words
• Crate/carrier location in case of emergency

11. Special care for other animals (rabbits, birds, reptiles, rodents, etc.):

• Detailed care instructions, including but not limited to the above applicable items.
• Emergency protocol and preferred/primary vet
• Alternate vet 

Download the checklist here:

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About the PPG Pet Care Division

Supporting pets and their guardians 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.