How to Write Instructions for a Dog Sitter

Your pet is important to you, and instructions for its care should be specific.

Writing detailed instructions for a dog sitter can be a challenging task. What comes as second nature to you is a mystery to the person caring for your pet. Therefore it is important to remember all the details, even the ones that seem obvious. It is best to be orderly and yet simple, so as not to confuse your sitter. It is also advisable to have your dog sitter over at least once before you leave for any length of time to do a thorough walk through of each step in caring for your pet.

Instructions

1. Begin as if the person has just walked in the door. Always start with step one -- the most important step. For instance, if the dog is locked inside, a possible first step could be, "Let the dog out the sliding glass door to go potty. Be sure to lock the door once you bring it back in."

2. Always list where everything the sitter might need is, with directions as to how to get to it. For instance, if the dog food is in the basement in a bin with a lid on it, be sure to instruct the sitter exactly where it can be located and remind the sitter to replace the lid on top of the bin when he has finished.

3. Include portion sizes. If your dog eats both wet and dry food, leave either a measuring cup or an accurate approximation of how much it eats at each meal.

4. Remind the sitter to refill the dog's water regularly, especially if it is not next to the food.

5. Be specific as to how much personal care and attention you would like your dog to receive daily. Your sitter may not know if you walk your dog once a day, or throw its ball for it at least a few minutes every day. Don't assume that the sitter will take time to play with your dog or give it careful personal attention.

References

• Pet Sitters: Pet Sitters Checklist