Skip to content

NutriPet

Plan everyday care

What to Leave for a Pet Sitter: A Dog and Cat Handover Sheet

Write down what your pet's normal day looks like: routine, food and treats with amounts and times, medication instructions, exercise, behaviour, where equipment lives and who to call, including your vet's out-of-hours service. Meet the sitter and arrange introductory visits before you go.

NutriPet Editorial TeamUpdated

Before you book

The RSPCA advises meeting a pet sitter before employing them, so you are confident they can care for your pet's needs.

  1. Meet the sitter and check their references. In the UK, the RSPCA suggests asking to see a DBS certificate.
  2. Confirm they have insurance that covers your pet in an emergency.
  3. Arrange introductory sessions before you leave, so your pet and the sitter can get to know each other.

Fill in the handover sheet

The RSPCA's checklist covers routine, food, contacts, health information, behaviour, exercise and supplies. These fields turn it into one sheet per pet.

  1. Routine: the usual day from morning to night, and why keeping to it matters for this pet.
  2. Food and treats: the exact product, the amount with its unit, and the times. If you measure with a particular scoop or cup, leave that one with the food.
  3. Medication: what is given, how and when, with the supply left out. Ask your veterinary team in advance if the sitter needs to be shown how.
  4. Contacts: your number, an emergency contact, and your vet's details including their out-of-hours service.
  5. Behaviour: personality, likes and dislikes, how your pet prefers to be approached, and anything that worries them.
  6. Exercise and supplies: when and how to exercise, and where the lead, litter, toys and cleaning items are kept.

Two example sheets

These invented entries show the level of detail. Amounts are placeholders, not feeding advice.

Dog

Walk 07:00 and 18:00 on the long lead. Food A, [amount] g at 07:30 and 18:30 using the red scoop. Treats from the jar only during walks. Nervous of the doorbell; let her settle in the kitchen.

Cat

Food B, half a pouch at 07:00 and 19:00, bowl by the window. Litter tray in the utility room, scooped daily. Prefers to come to you; let him approach first.

  • Leave dry food in its original bag. FDA handling guidance advises storing it that way, and the pack keeps its label details with the food.
  • Write down what is normal for your pet, such as when they usually eat, so the sitter can tell you about changes.

FAQ

Should the sitter follow the feeding guide on the pack?

Give them your pet's actual amounts and times. The pack guide is a starting point; your sheet says what your pet normally gets.

What if my pet takes medication?

Write what, how and when, and leave the supply. If giving it needs a demonstration, arrange that with your veterinary team before you go.

Sources

NutriPet editorial reviewEvidence library

  1. Exploring pet sitting optionsRSPCA
  2. Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and TreatsU.S. Food and Drug Administration
All guides