15 Easy Ways to Get Your Dog and Home Ready for a Pet Sitter
Your dog’s your best bud, right? So, leaving them with a pet sitter can feel stressful. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be! By prepping your dog and home ahead of time, you can ensure your dog stays comfy and stress-free while you’re away. Follow these fun, easy steps to make it easy.
Create a Pet Sitter Cheat Sheet
Leave a guide with your dog’s routine, feeding times, medication, and any quirks they have. A pet’s schedule can help reduce anxiety when the owner is away, according to the American Kennel Club. Make it detailed but easy to follow so they feel confident caring for your dog while you’re gone.
Introduce Your Dog to the Caretaker
Don’t wait until the last minute! Have the caretaker come by a few days early so your dog gets comfortable with them. Research by the ASPCA suggests familiarizing your dog with new people eases separation anxiety. Be it a quick walk or playtime, this small step builds trust and makes the transition smoother.
Keep Your Dog’s Routine Consistent
Dogs love routine; it helps them feel secure. So, make sure they stick to the usual schedule, from mealtimes to bathroom breaks. A study by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior shows that maintaining consistency reduces stress for your dog, keeping it calm while you’re away.
Secure Your Home and Dog’s Environment
Ensure your home is safe by pet-proofing it. Remove anything that might be dangerous, like loose cords, sharp objects, or foods that are harmful to dogs. Also, leave gates or barriers up if you have areas your dog shouldn’t access. This way, your pup watcher won’t have to worry about unexpected accidents.
Set Up a Safe Space
Create a cozy spot where your pup feels secure. Make sure they have a place that smells like home, such as their bed, crate or a familiar room. Studies by PetMD suggest that having a safe space helps reduce anxiety when pets are left with watchers. Comfort goes a long way in keeping your dog calm.
Prepare Emergency Contacts
Things happen! Leave a list of emergency contacts, including your vet and a backup person who can help if needed. It’s a small step, but can make a huge difference if anything goes wrong. A solid plan ensures your pup’s caretaker can handle emergencies smoothly, as the Humane Society points out.
Stock Up on Supplies
Make sure your caretaker has enough food, treats, toys, and medication to last the entire time you’re gone. No one wants to run out of essentials! PetMD points out that running out of routine supplies can cause unnecessary stress for both the sitter and your dog. Be prepared, and everyone will thank you.
Leave Clear Walking Instructions
Every dog has their favorite routes. So, leave a map or instructions about where your dog loves to walk. Knowing your pup’s schedule helps them keep them happy and active, whether it’s the nearby park or a quiet neighborhood street. Bonus tip: Mention any spots your dog dislikes to avoid problems.
Make a Vet Plan
In case your dog needs a vet visit, leave your vet’s info and make sure they know where the clinic is. You can even leave a pre-signed note authorizing care if needed. Drawing from PetMD, being proactive about medical care makes any situation easier to manage and prevents delays in treatment.
Give Your Dog Enough Exercise
Before you leave, tire your dog out with plenty of exercise. Activities such as a long walk or a fun play session will help your dog burn off energy and relax. As suggested by the American Kennel Club, regular exercise reduces anxiety in dogs, making them calmer and more relaxed when they arrive.
Clarify House Rules
If your dog has any boundaries, like no jumping on furniture or staying out of certain rooms, ensure to let the caretaker know. Consistency is key for keeping your dog’s behavior in check, even when you’re not home. According to PetMD, unclear boundaries can confuse pets and lead to unwanted habits.
Leave Comfort Items
Does your dog have a favorite toy, blanket, or even an old shirt of yours? Leave these comfort items for them while you’re away. Studies show that familiar smells help dogs feel more secure when their owners are gone. As the ASPCA suggests, scent is powerful for pets and can ease their stress.
Set Expectations for Playtime
Not all dogs love to play the same way. Let the attendant know if your dog prefers fetch, tug-of-war, or lounging with a chew toy. This ensures your dog gets the mental and physical stimulation it needs, keeping it happy and entertained. Every pup has preferences!
Make the Goodbye Short and Sweet
When you leave, don’t draw it out. As PetMD highlights, long goodbyes can make separation harder for dogs. Keep it quick and upbeat so your dog doesn’t sense any worry or sadness. It sets a positive tone, and your dog will adjust more quickly to the sitter taking over.
Check-in and Communicate
While you’re away, check in with them for updates on how your dog is doing. This not only reassures you but also lets the sitter ask any questions. Communication is key for a smooth pet-sitting experience. According to Rover.com, regular updates keep pet owners and attendants on the same page.
