The pet sitter handover checklist

Your sitter is kind, capable and has your number. None of that helps at 7am when the cat won’t eat and your phone is off. This is what to leave behind so they don’t have to ask.

Written by G.D. Hart · GuardDoc.tech · 3 min read · Free to use, no sign-up

SHORT ANSWER

A vet needs two things: someone with your authority to say yes, and enough medical detail to treat safely. That means a signed authorization naming your chosen person, your treatment preferences and a spending limit, plus a one-page record of your pet’s weight, medications, allergies and rabies status. Leave a signed copy with your regular practice before you travel, and the same copy with whoever has your pet.

The Checklist

Tick as you go. Anything you can’t fill in is something your sitter would have had to guess.

Food and water

What they eat — brand, amount, and which bowl

When — times, and whether meals can shift

Treats — which ones, and how many is too many

Water — where the bowls are, how often to refill

Off-limits food — anything from the table, the bin or the garden

Medicines

Name and dose — exactly as on the label
When — the time, and with or without food
How — pill in cheese, liquid by syringe, wrapped in a towel
Where it’s kept — and where the spare is
A missed dose — what to do, and who to ring

Daily Routine

Walks or litter — when, how long, and where
Sleep — bed, crate, or which room
Doors and gates — what stays shut, and who tries to slip out
Grooming — brushing, cleaning, anything due while you’re away

The vet

Your usual vet — name, address, phone
The out-of-hours vet — the one you’d actually want
Who can say yes to treatment — and up to what cost
Insurance — the insurer and policy number
Where the medical page is — weight, allergies, conditions

Reaching You

Your travel dates — and where you’ll be
The best way to reach you — and when you won’t be reachable
A backup person — name, phone, and how they know your pet

The things only you know

Warning signs — what “off” looks like for this pet
Fears — thunder, the vacuum, men in hats
People and other animals — who they’re fine with, who they’re not
Hiding spots — where to look first
“Please don’t” — the list of things you’d never do

What actually goes wrong.

The cat isn’t eating the food. They don’t know the cat always hides behind the couch when she’s unwell. The last section is the one that matters most, and it’s the one people skip.

Before you leave

Step 1 — Walk through it together

Ten minutes, in person, in your kitchen. Show them the food, the medicines and the carrier. Reading it isn’t the same as seeing it.

Step 2 — Ring your vet

Tell them who’s looking after your pet and for how long. Ask whether they want anything signed before you go.

Step 3 — Leave it where they’ll see it

On the fridge or by the food. Send a photo of it to their phone too.

Or use one that’s already laid out

Pet Caregiver Instructions has everything above as fillable fields, across two pages, with a line for your sitter to sign. Fill it in on your phone or laptop, print it for the fridge. Buy it once. No account, no subscription, no expiry.

OR USE ONE THAT’S ALREADY LAID OUT

See Pet Ready →

FAQ

What should I leave for a pet sitter?

Food, medicines, routine, your vet’s details, and how to reach you. Then the habits only you know, and who can say yes to treatment if they can’t reach you.

Q: Does my sitter need permission to take my pet to the vet?

For an emergency, a vet will act. For anything after that, a signed note naming who can decide saves a lot of phone calls. Our vet guide covers what it should say.

(Link “Our vet guide” → /library/pets/what-a-vet-needs-in-an-emergency/)

Q: Is this worth doing for one night?

Yes. Most of it doesn’t change, so write it once and reuse it. Next time, you only update the dates.

Q: How often should I update it?

Every time the food, the medicines or the vet changes. At least once a year.