If you are leaving home and can’t bring your dog along, getting a dog sitter will ensure that it’s well taken care of, even in your absence.
This article gives you handy tips on how to prepare and what to provide to your dog sitter and helps you feel more confident about leaving your dog.
Read on.
Pet Care Options
Sometimes, traveling with your dog may not be ideal for various reasons. If this is the case, there are options you can consider to keep your dog safe and comfortable while you are away. You can opt for either:
Pet Sitting
This involves looking for someone to care for your dog while you are away. Getting a pet sitter will allow your dog to stay home while you are away, as they will do everything right from home.
With pet sitting, your dog is less likely to experience stress-related anxiety as it stays in a familiar environment. It also ensures that your dog’s diet and exercise routines remain uninterrupted.
You can get a live-in sitter to live with your dog to provide constant companionship and continue with its regular schedule while you are away. You can also hire a daily sitter to drop by from time to time during the day to walk and feed your dog as necessary.
Pet sitting is an excellent option if your dog is prone to anxiety-related stress or has socialization issues.
Pet Boarding
This involves leaving your dog with other dogs at a professional boarding facility while you are away. These facilities provide your dog with a kennel or a sleeping area and have staff available for walks.
Pet boarding comforts you knowing your dog is cared for round-the-clock while you’re away. You don’t have to worry about a pet sitter arriving in time for your dog’s routine.
Additionally, you’ll be at peace knowing that your dog will receive routine care, including feeding, walking, and playing.
It also allows your dog to socialize with other dogs if the facility allows playing. This is an excellent option for energetic dogs and those who enjoy socializing.
What to Always Pack
Whatever option you choose, whether pet sitting or boarding, the following are the must-pack essentials for your dog;
Important Documents
Your sitter will need documents with the following information:
- Your contact information and a backup contact in case you are unavailable
- Your vet’s contact information and a 24-hour emergency clinic
- Your dog’s medical records include their current vaccinations, medications, medical conditions, and insurance information.
- Up-to-date microchip information
- A current photo showing any markings or features on your dog
Care instructions
List down all the care instructions if your dog has special needs. These may include food preparation instructions, sleep routine instructions, feeding schedules, potty instructions, and other important considerations.
Your pet’s medicine
If your dog requires regular medication, pack enough and ensure your sitter can administer them well. Include the dosage instructions and the side effects to look out for.
A collar/ Harness and Leash
A well-fitting collar or harness will be handy if your dog is to walk out. A comfortable leash will help the sitter keep your dog under control while walking outdoors.
Emergency plan
Ensure your pet sitter is well-prepared to handle any emergencies. Tell them where the pet carrier is, how to get your furry buddy into it, and where to find shelter in a natural disaster.
Meal plan
Maintaining a routine is crucial for your dog’s health. Include your dog’s feeding schedule, menu choices, and serving portions. Describe your dog’s dietary needs in detail.
What to Prepare for Your Pet Sitter
You’ll need to prepare your pet and home for your pet sitter. This is what you’ll need to prepare for your sitter.
- Enough pet supplies: Ensure you have a healthy stock of everything your dog will need daily. Prepare enough supply of things like food, medication, grooming, and first aid supplies.
- Your dog guide: Describe a typical day for your dog. Provide a schedule of your dog’s preferred fun activities, walks, and other activities. This will ensure they stay as close to their regular schedule for an easy time.
- A guide to your home: Let your pet sitter know where to get the things they’ll need to take care of your dog, including grooming supplies, cleaning materials, medications, and food. Also, show them how to get around your house.
- Pet-proofed home: Leaving your dog with someone new may lead to anxiety resulting in queer behavior. It’s thus important to ensure that your home is safe for your dog. Keep anything that can harm or injure your dog away. Limit your dog’s access to sensitive areas and valuable items.
- Toys: Ensure you inform your sitter what they can use to keep your dog busy. Prepare and show them enough toys including chew toys, to keep them from being bored.
What to Pack for Pet Boarding
If you take your dog for boarding, you must make it as comfortable as possible. You’ll need to make it feel like a home away from home by packing some bit of home with them. This is what to pack for dog boarding:
- Your dog’s regular food: Your dog will enjoy eating its normal food more while away from home. Pack enough food to last your dog for the entire duration of the boarding, plus a little extra just in case it’s needed.
- Your dog’s favorite items: Pack some of your dog’s favorite things, such as its most loved toy, bed, or blanket. These will give it a home feel for a more comfortable stay.
- Your dog’s treats: Bring along some of your buddy’s favorite treats, especially if it has any dietary restrictions that could prevent it from consuming the treats provided at the boarding facility.
Final Thoughts
Being away from your dog is not easy for you and your dog. Hiring a pet sitter will ensure your dog is well cared for, even in your absence. However, you’ll need to prepare your pet sitter by providing everything your dog needs to be comfortable.
If you want a worry-free trip, you’ll need to prepare by creating a pet sitter checklist to tell them exactly what to do while you are away. Follow our guide and give your dog the best experience.
All the best.