Pet Owner's Checklist

If you're leaving your pet in the care of a house sitter, it's a good idea to have a checklist of things you need to do before you leave. Please feel free to use this one, or modify it to suit your purposes.

And if you're a house sitter reading this article, here are some interesting statistics. There are about 3.75 million pet dogs in Australia, and some 2.8 million pet cats. Furthermore, 63 percent of Australian households own pets. So somewhere along the way, pet sitting is very likely to be a requirement.

Put together a motel-style folder

Hotels and motels usually provide a folder of local information and phone numbers for the convenience of guests. Why not create something similar for your sitters, so that all essential information regarding your pet's health and welfare is in the one place and easy to find? If you have your house sat again in the future (and most homeowners who've tried it once do), you'll be able to use this folder over and over again.

Here are some suggested inclusions

Your pet's immunization history
Are they micro-chipped or tattooed? Give details
RSPCA, police or other lost pets contact number
Local government registration number
Vet visits card
Medicine, where to obtain more, dosages
Your vet's name, address and phone number
Vet's after hours number
Clear, up-to-date photo of pet
Safe dog walking areas and parks

Advise your sitter of pet special info, quirks

Is your dog friendly towards people and other dogs — or not very sociable? Is he or she likely to head for the hills if let off the lead, and be hard to round up; or to swoop on other dogs and small children? Does your cat spray inside the house? Be upfront about this — your house sitter really does need to know any quirks in advance, and how best to handle them.

Does your pet have certain daily routines? What are they?
Diet: what and how much do you give your pet each day (including treats)?
Are there any existing health or injury problems your sitter should know about, such as skin allergies, a heart condition or diabetes?
Vet's name, address and phone. How is payment to be made in your absence? (One option is to contact the vet before you go, and arrange to have them place any charges against your credit card, or alternatively agree that you'll pay them any outstandings when you get back home.)
Where are your pet's toys and treats kept?
What are your pet's favourite spots to check on, if the sitter can't find him or her?
Does your pet have any special phobias, anxieties or unusual habits?
Are there rooms or areas where your pet isn't allowed to go?
What should your house sitter do regarding your pet if some emergency calls the house sitter away? Is there a friend, relative, or kennels your sitter could call on?
Show your sitter the pet's travel carrier or car harness.

Food and supplies

Make sure you're stocked up on essentials for your absence, plus some extra should your return be delayed. Show your sitter where your pet supplies are kept, and give them any specific instructions they need on things like

Food (main meals, variations, treats, chewies)
Food and water bowls
Medications, including when and how much to give
Toys, leads, balls, jackets
Make sure your pets' registration, ID tags etc are up to date and secure.
Make sure their bedding is clean, and show where spares are kept.
Point out shampoos, brushes, towels, bathtub, hose
Cleaning equipment for the occasional "accident"
Toilet needs: scoops, bags, cat tray, kitty litter
Travel equipment: harness, blanket, pet carrier

Prepare your pets

Check out their collars and leads, ensure they're secure
Make sure their Council tags are in order. Add a contact phone number on a secure tag
Take up-to-date photos, showing the pet's markings and face
Introduce your house sitter and your pet. Let them get to know each other, and have the sitter take your dog for a walk, or feed your pet before you go.
Take time to reassure your pet before you leave

Safety precautions

Collect up possibly injurious articles and substances, and either dispose of them or put them out of your pets' reach. Also prevent your pets from getting into and out of areas which could lead to harm. Look out for things like:

Sharp objects, plastic bags and things that could choke your pets
Insect and weed killers, rat poison, slug killer, fertilizer, paints and thinners
Cleaning products, medicines
Secure your gates and repair holes in your fences
Block up or fill in any escape routes under your fences
Close doors to rooms or sheds where the pet could get into strife. Lock those which your house sitter won't need to use
Consider installing a pet flap if you don't already have one
Check on your pets just before you leave
Leave an old item of your clothing they can sleep on or play with to remind them of you

A few thoughtful preparations can ensure your pet's health, happiness and safety, and add greatly to your (and your sitter's!) peace of mind while you're away.