by Jen Flatt Osborn

Getting prepared for your pet sitter might sound a little like cleaning up before your housekeeper comes over, but the process will give you peace of mind and who doesn’t need some of that.

So you’ve decided to take off to Fiji for a vacation or go see Aunt Martha for the weekend? Either way, you know Fluffy (or Thor or Nemo!) is going to need care and attention and for things to stay smooth and easy for them while you’re gone.

The question is, how do you go about getting things ready for a pet sitter?

Let’s talk about what you can do to help them keep your sweetie(s) safe, happy, and healthy while you’re sipping a Margarita and taking in the white sands. Or talking to Uncle Henry about Aunt Martha.     

When you choose Stay at Home Pet Services –

We want to make sure you have a seamless transition when you leave your pets with us…For you to be so assured in your decision that you drive away with a goofy grin on your face instead of a pit in your stomach.

We handle the necessary preparations early to focus on the most important job we have – caring for your animal(s). To begin, here’s what we’ll need:

1. YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

2. VETERINARIAN’S CONTACT INFORMATION

3. EMERGENCY CONTACT’S INFORMATION

4. INFORMATION ON ENTERING YOUR HOME

• Key – Please check the key in the lock before . They can be finicky.

• Security system info (Lockbox and keypad code and location, garage code, hide-a-key info)

Insider Tip: It’s a good idea to leave a key with a neighbor for a double back-up.

• Clear instructions on how to arm and disarm the system in case it’s tripped inadvertently, including the password if the security company calls.

5. YOUR ASSISTANCE:
We ask that you block any doors you’d like to remain closed and pack away anything that could potentially harm your pet (like certain plants and/or medications).
Also, let us know if you’d like your pet’s collar to be worn at all times or taken off when they’re inside. Knowing how and when your animal should be crated is another important tidbit for us.

6. YOUR PET’S ROUTINES:

> Feeding

> Walking/Exercising

> Sleeping (if overnight sitting)

7. LOCATION OF:

A. Emergency information for you and your veterinarian

B. Food, treats (yay!), and bowls

C. Medication (We will administer with specific instructions but would prefer you to take care of it)

D. Crates

E. Leashes and collars

F. Dog/Animal doors

G. Toys

H. Doggie bags, litter, litter box

I. Cleaning supplies

8. And finally…

WE NEED THE INSIDE SCOOP:

Does Scooby love it when you blow on his face? Would he rather marry a cat than go outside in the rain? Does he insist on sleeping with your pink sweater?
These are golden nuggets of knowledge to us since personalized animal care is what we do best.
So tell us Tweety’s quirks. We’ll happily oblige.

Contact us when you need A+ pet care services.

We’ll also scoop the litter, take out the trash, and get the mail at no charge when we’re sitting with your pet.
Our communications with you will be daily through the Time To Pet app on your phone or computer. We’ll also ‘show’ you how well your munchkin is doing by sending pictures so you won’t worry about them.

We’ll even leave the radio or TV on when we leave if you’d like (just in case they want to watch Animal Planet).

Stay at Home Pet Services goes the extra mile –

On our “Become a Client” website page, you’ll be asked to complete a form so we can get to know you and your pet(s) better. We even have a “Request a Quote” page to break things down for you.

Every detail we receive will help us prepare you and your beloved for the best experience possible. When you leave or have another reason for needing our services like illness, we want to make sure you feel secure in your decision to choose us.

So even before the actual pet sitting experience, another step to prepare for your pet sitter is being ready for the…

SAHPS’s registration meeting –
This is a necessary/mandatory meeting that will take place at your home between you, the sitter(s), and the animals that:
– Helps ensure a smooth experience
– Allows everyone to meet (our favorite part) and spend some time together 
– Is an opportunity for us to answer any questions you might have
– Gives you the chance to show your sitter the location of everything
– Lets the provider(s) confirm and review all the pertinent information about the home and pet care routine – vet information, emergency contact, special requests, etc.
There is a $15 fee for this meeting that covers all administrative costs as well as the sitter’s time.

Why choose us as your pet sitter? –

If you’re in the Cincinnati service area, you can be sure you’ll be getting the absolute best care there is for your pet by scheduling a pet sitter with Stay at Home Pet Services.

Our “Peace of Mind Blueprint” is as follows –

> Professionalism
> Reasonable and competitive rates

> Customized services
> Safety
> First-rate staff
> Experience and educational development
> Technology and convenience
> Personal service with outstanding communication
> Follow-up
> Deep love of animals

And finally –

Now you’re armed with the information you need to prepare for your pet sitter, here’s a checklist for you.

1. Make a list of contact info for: 

• Your vet, including address

• Your emergency contact

• Pet emergency hospital

2. Detailed instructions on how to enter your home

3. List the aspects of your pet

4. Block necessary areas, including doors.

5. Have a key in a lock box, hide-a-key, or a numbered pad on your door, plus one at your neighbor’s, if you choose

6. Have the registration meeting.

7. Head to Fiji!  

Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, it hits the main points and organizes things. The other steps will fall into place. 

Hopefully, we’ll get to meet you and your pet(s) in the near future. And if you have a choice between Fiji and Aunt Martha, you know what to do.

Bon voyage!