Going away should be exciting, not stressful. But for many pet owners, the hardest part of travelling is leaving their furry family member behind.

The good news is that a little preparation can make all the difference.

Taking the time to organise your pet's routine, health information, and daily needs helps your pet sitter provide the best possible care while giving you peace of mind that everything has been covered.

1. Health, Safety, and Important Documents

Before you leave, create an easy-to-access folder with all of your pet's important information.

Include:

• Your regular veterinarian's name, phone number, and address.

• The nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

• Your pet's microchip details and a recent photo.

• Vaccination records.

• Any allergies, medical conditions, or recent health concerns.

• Pet insurance details and policy numbers.

• Emergency contact details for a trusted friend or family member.

Having this information available means your sitter can act quickly if an unexpected situation arises.

2. Write Down Your Pet's Daily Routine

Pets thrive on familiarity and routine.

The more information you provide, the easier it is for your sitter to keep your pet comfortable and settled.

Make sure you include:

Feeding Instructions

• The exact type and brand of food.

• Portion sizes.

• Meal times.

• Treat allowances.

• Any foods they should avoid.

Medications and Health Care

• Medication names.

• Dosages.

• How and when medication should be given.

• Any signs your sitter should watch for.

Exercise and Enrichment

• Normal walking times and duration.

• Favourite games and activities.

• Energy levels.

• How much alone time your pet is comfortable with.

Behaviour and House Rules

• Where your pet sleeps.

• Whether they are allowed on furniture.

• Any off-limit areas.

• Fears or triggers, such as storms, fireworks, strangers, or other animals.

• Any behavioural quirks your sitter should know about.

3. Pack Your Pet's Essentials

Whether your pet is staying in your home or travelling to a sitter's home, prepare a pet care bag with everything they need.

Pack:

• Enough food and treats for the entire stay, plus a few extra days in case of delays.

• Any medications or supplements.

• Food and water bowls.

• Their favourite toys.

• Their bed or a blanket that smells like home.

• Leashes, harnesses, collars, and waste bags.

• Grooming tools if needed.

Familiar items can provide comfort and help reduce stress while you're away.

4. Prepare Your Home for a Safe Stay

If your pet sitter is staying in your home, take a little time to make the environment safe and welcoming.

Pet Safety Check

• Lock away cleaning products, medications, and toxic foods.

• Check that fences, gates, windows, and pet doors are secure.

• Remove anything your pet may chew or accidentally swallow.

Make Your Sitter Comfortable

• Provide clean towels and fresh linen.

• Leave Wi-Fi information and any important house instructions.

• Explain alarms, keys, and emergency procedures.

• Provide contact information for neighbours if necessary.

A comfortable sitter is better able to focus on providing excellent care for your pet.

5. Arrange a Meet-and-Greet Before You Leave

A meet-and-greet is one of the most important steps before booking a pet sitter.

It allows your pet to become familiar with their caregiver while you are still present and gives you the opportunity to discuss routines, expectations, and any concerns.

Pay attention to how your pet responds. A good connection can make the transition much easier when it is time for you to leave.

6. Plan Communication While You Are Away

Before your trip, discuss how often you would like updates.

Many pet owners enjoy receiving:

• Daily photos.

• Videos.

• Text updates.

• Information about eating, walks, and behaviour.

Knowing your pet is happy and comfortable can make your time away much more relaxing.

Why Many Pet Owners Choose In-Home Pet Sitting

Many pets feel most comfortable remaining in the place they know best, their own home.

In-home pet sitting allows your pet to maintain their normal routine while receiving personalised attention, companionship, and care in a familiar environment.

A professional pet sitter can provide:

• Fresh food and water.

• Daily walks and exercise.

• Playtime and companionship.

• Medication administration when required.

• Regular updates, photos, and messages so you can stay connected while you travel.

Wagly also connects pet owners with a range of additional pet care services, including dog walking, grooming, and pooper collection services.

Whether you are away on holiday, managing a busy lifestyle, or simply need an extra helping hand, a pooper collection service helps keep your yard clean, hygienic, and ready for your pet to enjoy.

It is one less thing to worry about when you return home from your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?

For busy periods such as Christmas, Easter, and school holidays, it is best to book several months ahead. For regular weekends or short trips, booking a few weeks in advance is usually recommended.

Should I leave my pet's routine written down?

Yes. Even if you have discussed everything with your sitter, written instructions are extremely helpful and ensure nothing is forgotten.

What should I tell my pet sitter about my dog?

Be honest about your pet's personality, fears, medical needs, and behaviours.

The more your sitter understands your pet, the better they can provide safe, personalised care.

Should I leave emergency contacts for my pet sitter?

Absolutely.

Your sitter should always have your veterinarian's details, emergency contacts, and instructions about what to do if your pet becomes sick or injured.

Can I arrange additional pet care services while I am away?

Yes.

Depending on your pet's needs, you may be able to arrange additional services such as dog walking, grooming, medication support, and pooper collection.

Wagly makes it easy to connect with trusted pet care professionals, allowing you to customise the support you need while travelling or during everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a trip is not just about packing your own suitcase; it is about making sure your pet feels safe, comfortable, and cared for while you are away.

A little preparation, clear communication, and choosing the right pet sitter can turn your time away into a positive experience for both you and your pet.

At Wagly, we believe every pet deserves care that feels familiar, personalised, and trustworthy. That is why we connect pet owners with experienced pet care professionals who understand that every animal has their own unique needs.

Whether you need a pet sitter, dog walker, groomer, or pooper collection service, Wagly helps you find the right support to keep your pet happy, healthy, and well cared for.

Related Reading

• What to Expect During Your Dog’s First Stay With a Pet Sitter

• The Show Dog Owner's Guide to Finding the Right Pet Sitter

• Is Pet Sitting Better for Anxious Dogs?

Ready to explore Wagly? You can access Wagly's features right here on the website or download the Wagly app to keep pet care, pet-friendly places and helpful tools close at hand wherever you and your pet go.

Until next time

The Wagly Team