Hiring a professional pet sitter is one of the best decisions you can make for your pets when you travel. They remain in their familiar environment, maintain their routines, and avoid the stress of boarding. But many pet parents don’t realize that a little thoughtful preparation at home makes a tremendous difference in the quality and safety of care.

When your home is properly prepared, your sitter can focus entirely on what matters most: your pets.

Start with Clear, Written Instructions

Even if you’ve reviewed everything during your consultation, written instructions that emphasize things such as recycling day, where medications are, and other pertinent notes are helpful, especially as time goes by.  Changes that include feeding amounts, medication details, favorite hiding spots, behavioral quirks, and emergency contacts that have changed should be updated with the pet sitter before service begins. Be specific. If your dog gets anxious during storms or your cat occasionally skips breakfast, note it if those things might happen during the assignment (i.e., instructions for the 4th of July or Halloween night).

Professional sitters are observant to changes in behavior, appetite, and environment — but clarity upfront prevents misunderstandings and protects your pet’s routine.

Organize Supplies in One Central Location

Before you leave, gather food, treats, medications, cleaning supplies, leashes, litter, and waste bags into one easy-to-access area. Label medication clearly with dosage instructions and timing.

When supplies are organized, your sitter isn’t searching cabinets or guessing which container is current. This reduces stress and eliminates errors — especially during longer trips.

Special note: If you organize your pet's medications in cases, be sure the pet sitter knows where the bottles are in case a trip to the vet is needed.  This provides the exact medication names, doses and administration instructions as labeled.

Check Safety Hazards

Walk through your home with fresh eyes. Secure loose fencing. Remove toxic plants. Put away chocolate, medications, essential oils, or small items that curious pets might chew. Ensure gates latch properly and doors close securely. At Christmas, it is highly recommended you unplug the tree lights and other decorations that pets might chew to prevent electrocution and fires.

If you have maintenance issues — like a slow plumbing leak or temperamental door lock — address them before you leave. A professional sitter will alert you to problems, but preventing them in advance protects your home and gives everyone peace of mind.

Put fresh batteries in your smoke detectors, alarm and door keypads, as well as the garage keypad, if used.

Confirm Emergency Plans

Provide your veterinarian’s contact information, preferred emergency clinic, and an alternate local contact who can make decisions if you are unreachable. Make sure your pets’ microchip information is current.  Again, these items should be updated with the pet sitter directly before you leave so the record can be changed with new information as time goes on.

Professional pet sitters are experienced in handling emergencies calmly and efficiently. Still, having your authorization and clear direction allows them to act quickly if needed. Update Veterinary Forms when changing vets.

Adjust Lighting and Home Access

Leave clear instructions for alarms, gate codes, garage access, and any security systems. If you use smart home technology, confirm that access is functioning properly before departure.

Small details — like exterior lighting or ensuring pathways are clear — protect both your pets and your sitter, especially during early morning or evening visits.

Communicate Expectations

Let your sitter know how often you’d like updates and through what method.  Some trips, you may not have a cell phone signal and will need to rely on emails instead of texting.  Many professional companies provide visit reports routinely with photos and detailed notes. Setting expectations beforehand prevents unnecessary worry while you’re away.

The goal is simple: trust and transparency.

When you choose professional in-home pet care, preparation and partnership go hand in hand. At VIPet Sitter Service, we guide our clients through every step so nothing is left to chance — from clear care instructions to home safety checks and detailed visit updates while you’re away.

Our goal is simple: dependable, professional pet sitting that protects your home, supports your pets’ routines, and gives you complete peace of mind.  If you’re planning travel and want trusted, insured, and experienced in-home pet sitting services, we invite you to schedule a consultation with VIPet Sitter Service. Discover why so many local pet parents rely on our professional pet sitters for reliable daily visits, vacation pet care, and customized attention tailored to each pet’s needs.

Your pets deserve consistency. Your home deserves respect. And you deserve to travel knowing everything is handled with care.  Contact VIPet Sitter Service today to learn more about our professional pet sitting services and reserve your upcoming dates.

Text Cindy now at 303-596-3796