Blog: How to Prepare Your Pets for Pet Sitting

Pet sitting: it’s something many pet lovers do, and all pet owners will need at some point. Whether visiting family, handling business, or taking that much-needed vacation, a trusted pet sitter can ensure your pet is safe and happy while you’re away. But how can you make the experience positive for your pet, the sitter, and yourself? To answer this, PetLink spoke with three experienced pet sitters.

Research Before You Go

Before booking your vacation, start by researching pet sitters in your area. Alina Tuoni, from Salem, Massachusetts, has been pet-sitting for friends for about a year and a half. “It’s best to choose someone with good recommendations—either from friends or a highly reviewed professional,” she explains. Alina began pet sitting in 2022, and while she’s new to the field, she quickly fell in love with it.

What to Look For

With any type of pet care, it’s important to watch for warning signs. Erin Putnam, a former pet sitter with five years of experience, highlights one key red flag: “If a sitter ignores your instructions, especially about how to handle your pet, that’s a serious issue. My dog, [Ripley], is nervous due to past abuse, so if a sitter dismisses my advice on approaching her, it’s a dealbreaker.”

Alina agrees, adding, “The most important thing is if you feel your pet sitter is really interested in taking the job. Some people do it just for the money, so watch their interactions with your pet when you meet them.”

Erin also notes that pet sitters should be just as cautious when choosing clients: “Once, I was bitten by a dog right after walking into a home. The owner said, ‘You must’ve looked him in the eye.’ If a dog has behavioral issues, don’t take the job.” 

Communication Is Key

Clear communication between the pet owner and the sitter is important. Alina explains, “ If a pet owner is very open and wants updates all the time, that’s fine. I usually try to comfort the pet owner by sending at least a picture while we’re walking or at home. It’s important to them to see their babies are in good care. It’s crucial to be in touch.”

Erin adds,  “If you have a [health] question, even if it’s an awkward question like, “Hey, what’s their normal poop looking like?” Ask it. It feels like a really weird and uncomfortable question, but pet owners are likely very aware of their pet’s bowel movements and any behaviors around that. It is an indicator of health, so it’s best to know that type of thing.”

Keep the Routine Consistent 

Both Erin and Alina agree on the importance of maintaining your pet’s routine and ensuring the pet sitter is aware of them. Alina advises, “Don’t change anything in preparation for the pet sitter,” Alina stated, “A new person coming into their lives can be stressful for the animal, so keeping all the routines you have is important.”  

Erin makes it clear: “Every single schedule, any vitamins, absolutely everything, leave nothing to chance, and leave no detail out,” Erin recalls an experience with a detailed care plan for an elderly French bulldog. The instructions seemed overwhelming, but they were critical to the dog’s well-being. “Always make sure that the pet’s safety is the first thing that you’re thinking of.”

What to Know About Pet Sitting Facilities 

Beyond individual pet sitters, there are also boarding facilities. Kailey Cullin, owner of Cape Cod Dog Center, runs a facility with a capacity ofup to 120 dogs with various indoor/outdoor spaces and sleeping suites. “Leaving your pet doesn’t have to be a negative experience. We’re a happy team of people trying to make everybody happy and love dogs,” Cullin says. Her center offers grooming, training, and socialization in a safe environment. Cullin emphasizes the importance of early socialization and training to ensure a positive boarding experience.

Despite its size, Cullin’s facility provides personalized care. If a pet owner needs constant updates, “We will do that for them. I’ve done phone calls where people talk to their dog on the phone and the dog just sits there,” Cullin laughed, “Whatever makes people feel better, I’ll do.”

Regulations for Boarding Kennels

Most pet owners, and even Cullin herself, know the thought of kennels and boarding, no matter how clean and tidy, can make pet owners feel apprehensive. There is progress being made though, in Massachusetts, Ollie’s Law is being placed under legislation. According to MSPCA-Angell “This bill would require the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to establish reasonable rules and regulations for boarding kennels and daycare facilities.”

“It would be to create some kind of standard that the towns and Animal Control can keep as a guideline to make sure these kinds of places are doing what is correct and responsible for the animals. That these animals are going to a good environment, that they’re happy, they are meeting that standard of care. They are trying to create those regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of dogs,” said Cullin. “For people in the pet care industry, there is a calling to do a better job. More and more animal lovers are improving their practices every single day.”

Now, let’s summarize the essential steps:

• Make sure your dog is trained and socialized 
• Do your research and ask questions
• Visit the place where your pet will be staying
• Pay attention to the sitter’s interaction with your pet, and how your pet responds 
• Provide detailed documentation of your pet’s routines, quirks, and medical needs
• Maintain open communication throughout the trip 

Important Reminder: Before leaving, ensure your pet’s microchip information is up to date. Login to PetLink and verify your contact details. Be sure to inform the sitter of your pet’s microchip status in case of an emergency.

With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your pet is in good hands while you’re away.