"We've never hired a dog sitter. What does it entail, and what do we need to do to prepare?"
Barking with the Bradley's has heard this question asked many times and in many different ways.
Dog sitting is when a dog care provider stays overnight in your home to provide care for your pups. Dogs are creatures of habit. So in many cases, being able to stay in a familiar environment, keeps them more comfortable than elsewhere while you are away. One of my quick responses for how to prepare is to do so as if you are hosting a house guest, but I realize this can be very different for different people.
I was discussing the topic with a friend, who made the clever recommendation to leverage the guidance that vacation rentals use for guest checkout cleaning. I found an extremely comprehensive list by VBRO. However, to be expected, it's not tailored for our needs, so I continued the search for a list specifically for pet sitters. I was able to find another great list by AKC, but it lacked some of the attention-to-detail for the home that I liked from the first. To make things easier for our clients, I decided to combine the two, add some BwB tweaks, and create "The Ultimate Guide to Prepare for a BwB Dog Sitter". The checklist below is primarily for dog sitting, but some of these also apply to preparations for a dog walker.
Dog Care
Ensure there is plenty of food and medication (if applicable) available
Make sure there are updated ID tags on your dogs’ collars; bonus points if their microchip information is current as well
It's a good idea to inform a neighbor that you'll have a pet sitter
If your pups exhibit signs of stress about you leaving, secure them in a room free from likely hazards or crate them when left alone for their safety
Make sure all tabs of your DoTimely Booking profile are complete prior to your sitting reservation. Double-check that you have included the following details:
Location and description of food containers, be particularly specific or label containers if the pups eat different foods
Feeding portion size, times, and management for multiple pups
Location of medication and administration instructions; demonstrate administration during the Pre-reservation Meet & Greet
Location of your dog’s leash, poop bags, crate, toys, food, bowls, and other supplies
Veterinarian’s name, phone number, and address
Signed consent for care if you wish to authorize the sitter to make care decisions if we are unable to reach you in an emergency
List of vaccinations and dates received
Your contact information and emergency contact information (multiple backups are preferred)
General Housekeeping
If applicable, ensure home instructions sheet is in a visible place and is in good condition
Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly
Make sure locking mechanisms are intact for all entry points and windows, especially your backyard to keep you pup secure
Provide sitter with instructions for house access (alarm code and key or keypad code, with a backup in case of key misplacement or keypad power outage)
Make sure your HVAC system is running properly and provide the sitter with operation instructions
Check for pest control service needs (including fleas and bed bugs)
Ensure cleaning supplies are easily accessible (to the sitter, but not to your pups) for possible stains and spills
Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as handles, doorknobs, and counters
Ensure all outdoor lights are functioning
Kitchen
Discard any food that has expired, or will expire during your trip, and has a pungent scent
Remove trash and recyclables; replace trash bags
Clean and disinfect range top, counters, cabinets, tables, and chairs
Clean and sanitize sink
Clean and disinfect appliances (interiors and exteriors), including the phone and inside of the microwave
Wash floor (sweep or mop)
Refill soap dispenser
Put out clean dish towels and a new sponge
Clean any dirty dishes or run the dishwasher
Bedroom for the Sitter
Dress the bed with clean sheets, blankets, and pillowcases
Vacuum floor
Remove trash; clean trash cans or replace trash bags
Dust furniture, knickknacks, ceiling fans, blinds, and windowsills and clean mirrors
Ensure outlets are available for phone charging
Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs, and remotes (provide operation instructions)
Living Areas
Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs and remotes (provide operation instructions)
Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors/carpets
Clean blankets
Dust and clean furniture, blinds, picture frames, knickknacks, ceiling fans, and lamps
Bathroom for the Sitter
Clean, scrub, disinfect, and sanitize shower, shower mat, bathtub, vanity, sink, and backsplashes
Clean mirrors
Clean and sanitize toilets (inside, outside, under the front, around the base, and behind)
Sweep and mop floors
Remove trash; clean trash cans or replace trash bags
Replenish soap
Replenish toilet paper (with extra rolls easily accessible)
Set out clean towels
Ensure shower curtains or doors are free of mold and water spots
Barking with the Bradley's, LLC is licensed, insured, Pet First Aid & CPCR Certified, and committed to continuous learning in our field, so you can rest assured that your dog is being well taken care of while you are away. But even with all of that I said, I know it can still be difficult leaving your furbaby, so I hope that by using this checklist, you'll feel more confident, your sitter will feel more comfortable, and that he or she will have the resources to provide the best care and keep your pups happy! We appreciate the time and consideration you take to prepare for us.
I'm curious to know if there is anything else that you think should be added to this list? Please leave it in the comments below.
Wishing you puppy kisses and well wishes,
Akira