Senior pets often feel best when care stays predictable. A written plan helps a sitter follow your pet’s usual routine, notice changes, and respond calmly if something unexpected happens. Before your time away, record medication instructions, mobility needs, daily habits, and the right people to contact. Walk through the plan together and show the sitter where supplies are kept. A little preparation can make the handoff clearer for you, your sitter, and your pet.
List Medication Instructions Clearly
Write down every medication and supplement, including the amount, time, method, and whether it should be given with food. Note any special handling instructions, such as hiding a pill in a specific treat. Keep the original labels with the supplies, and organize doses in a way your veterinarian approves.
Tell the sitter what to do if your pet refuses a dose, spits it out, or vomits afterward. Include known side effects and your veterinarian’s guidance for those situations. Avoid relying on verbal instructions alone; ask the sitter to repeat the schedule back so you can catch misunderstandings before you leave.
Explain Mobility and Comfort Needs
Describe how your pet gets around indoors and outdoors. Explain whether they need help with stairs, getting into a car, standing up, or entering the yard. Show the sitter safe ways to support your pet, and point out areas where slippery floors, clutter, or steps could cause difficulty.
Include practical comfort details, such as where your pet rests, how often they need bathroom breaks, and whether they use a ramp, harness, or non-slip mat. Tell the sitter what is normal for your pet and what changes should prompt a call to you or a veterinarian. Keep mobility aids in an easy-to-find place.
Keep Familiar Routines
Map out a typical day with meal times, portion sizes, walks or yard visits, rest periods, and bedtime. Include preferences that help your pet settle, such as a favorite sleeping spot or a quiet approach when they wake. A simple schedule gives the sitter a useful reference without requiring them to guess.
Share your pet’s cues for hunger, discomfort, needing to go outside, or wanting space. Note foods, treats, and activities to avoid, especially if your pet has dietary restrictions or tires easily. Leave familiar food and supplies together, and ask the sitter to keep changes to the routine as small as possible.
Prepare Emergency Contacts
Post your contact details, your veterinarian’s number, and the nearest emergency clinic’s information in the care area. Add a backup person who can make decisions or help the sitter if you cannot be reached. Confirm that each contact knows you’ll be away and is willing to assist.
Write down your pet’s identifying information, relevant health conditions, allergies, and preferred veterinary clinic. Explain when to contact you and when to seek urgent veterinary care. Make sure the sitter knows where the carrier, leash, medical records, and payment or authorization details are kept.
Review the care plan with your sitter before the first visit, then leave a copy where it is easy to find. Invite questions and update the instructions whenever your pet’s health or routine changes. A senior-pet sitter can provide more consistent care when your plan is clear and practical.