Heading away over summer? Whether a friend is popping in or a pet sitter is moving in, a little preparation makes life easier for them and keeps your pets happy and safe while you're gone. The more your sitter knows, the less guessing they have to do. This guide is a checklist of everything to sort out before you leave.
1. Stock up on food, with extra
- Leave enough food for the whole time you're away, plus at least an extra week, in case your plans change.
- Order early. Suppliers and couriers slow down over Christmas and New Year, and some foods are ordered in especially, so allow plenty of time.
- Don't change foods before you go. A new food plus a new routine is a recipe for an upset tummy. If you want to switch, do it weeks before, following our guide to changing your pet's food gradually.
- Make feeding foolproof. Write down exactly how much to feed and when, or pre-portion meals into labelled bags or containers. Mark which scoop to use.
- Raw feeders: leave clear instructions on thawing and hygiene, and make sure there's enough freezer space. Our guide to storing pet food once it's opened covers the basics.
- Treats: say which treats are allowed and how many, so your pet doesn't come home a few kilos heavier.
2. Health and medication
- Leave written instructions for any medication, with the dose, time and how to give it. Show your sitter how if you can.
- Do flea and worm treatment before you leave if it's due while you're away, so your sitter doesn't have to.
- Check vaccinations are up to date, especially if your dog will be walked with other dogs or might need to go into boarding.
- Leave your vet's details and the nearest after-hours emergency clinic. Let your vet know someone else is caring for your pet, and agree how any bills will be paid.
- Make sure ID is current. Check your dog's registration and tag, and that your contact details on your pet's microchip record are up to date. Consider adding your sitter's number to the tag while you're away.
3. Routines and personality
Write down your pet's normal day. It's surprising how much we do without thinking.
- meal times, walk times and how long they walk for
- where they sleep, and whether they're allowed on furniture
- litter tray location and how often to clean it
- commands they know, and any words to avoid saying
- quirks and warnings: escape artists, food guarders, dogs that don't like other dogs, cats that hide from strangers
- what's normal for them, so your sitter can spot when something isn't
4. Home and safety
- Check fences, gates and cat doors are secure.
- Leave spare keys, the alarm code and any gate codes.
- Show your sitter where the lead, poo bags, food, treats, toys and cleaning supplies are kept.
- Tidy away hazards, like Christmas chocolate, ham bones, lilies (deadly to cats) and anything chewable. Our guide to what foods dogs can and can't eat has a full list.
5. Summer care
- Make sure there's shade and plenty of fresh water, with a spare bowl in case one is knocked over.
- Ask your sitter to walk dogs early or late, and to check the ground isn't too hot. Our guide to protecting paws from hot pavements explains how.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
- If you'll be away over New Year, leave a plan for fireworks. Our guide to keeping pets comfortable during fireworks is a good one to share with your sitter.
6. Keep them settled and busy
Pets can feel unsettled when their people are away. Familiar routines, favourite toys and a few things to keep their minds busy all help.
Adaptil Calm On-The-Go Collar. Releases a calming pheromone for about four weeks, and is ideal for dogs staying in kennels or with a sitter. For cats, a Feliway Classic Diffuser plugged into their favourite room helps them feel secure at home while you're away.
KONG Classic. Leave a few ready-stuffed KONGs in the freezer for your sitter to hand out. They're an easy way to keep a dog happily busy while settling in with someone new.
Nina Ottosson Wobble Bowl. A simple puzzle feeder your sitter can use at mealtimes for some extra brain work. For cats, try the Petstages Hunt 'N Swat Treat Tumbler.
Beco Poop Bags. Leave plenty. Beco's bags are made from recycled plastic and are extra large.
Not sure what to stock up on? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll help you put together everything your sitter needs.
7. Do a trial run
If you can, have your sitter visit before you leave. Introduce them to your pets, walk through the routine together, and let your dog go for a walk with them while you're there. Agree how often they'll send updates, and leave your contact details and a backup contact.
Your quick checklist
- food for your whole trip, plus a week
- written feeding instructions, or pre-portioned meals
- medication and instructions
- flea and worm treatment done
- vet and emergency clinic details, and a payment plan
- ID tag, registration and microchip details current
- written routine and quirks
- keys, codes, leads, poo bags and supplies
- a summer and fireworks plan
- your contact details and a backup contact
Stock up before you go
Browse our full range of dry dog food, dry cat food and flea and worm treatments, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your pets. We're happy to help.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, see your vet.