Pet Sitter Checklist

Why a pet sitter checklist is so important.

As much as we love having our Miniature Schnauzers with us, there may come a time when you have to hire a dog sitter to care your furry friend. If this is the case, be sure to leave with them detailed written instructions and house rules of all the things that may come up during your absence.

Even if you have used the pet sitter before or thoroughly go over everything with them verbally, a written list will ensure there are no misunderstandings of your expectations by answering all the how, what, when, why, and where questions for them.

Click here for a Free Printable Pet Sitter Checklist

Pet Sitter Checklist

Before leaving on your trip take some time to fill out our pet sitter checklist form. Just click here and the form will open a PDF document for you to print out.

There are additional lines for you to add any further instructions that might pertain to your Schnauzer's specific needs. Even if you've never had any problems with a sitter before, don't just assume everything will be okay while you're away. For example...

We go through our daily lives performing so many little routine tasks that it would be pretty difficult without a list to remember them all.

Print the pet sitter checklist and fill in all the necessary information to leave with the person responsible for caring for your Schnauzer while you are away.

Also, if the petsitter will be staying in your home be sure to go over all your house rules: Will friends be allowed to visit them? Are there any specific household tasks you expect from them (like bringing in your mail, watering plants, etc... )? And do you have any specific restrictions on use of certain home appliances? (TV, stereo, home computer...).

A few additional instructions you may want to cover with your dog sitter:

• Comfortable room temperature (thermostat settings)
• Emergency spare key
• Security code (if applicable)
• Neighbor(s) to Contact
• Family or other local contacts
• Home telephone usage
• Inform dog sitter of anyone else that may be coming to your home during your time away (gardeners, handyman, etc)
• Rooms (if any) that are off-limits to your Miniature Schnauzer
• Pantry, cupboards, and garbage areas should not be accessible
• No food or drink should be left out on a coffee table as well as any nuts or candy (toxic foods to pets)
• All doors, windows and gates should remain locked while you are away.
• Photo of your Miniature Schnauzer, along with additional info in case they get out and lost (lost dog info)

And in addition to your written instructions, it might be helpful to prepare a box or storage bin of your dog's most used items. This will make it so much easier for you pet sitter to find the things she needs. Place items like your dog's leash, collar, flashlight, poop bags, favorite toys, dog food, medications, etc. in the box. Also if you have a pet carrier, be sure it is available in case your sitter needs to use it to transport your Schnauzer somewhere.

Preparing For Your Absence

Dog Proof Home: Before leaving on your trip it's a good idea to dog proof your home. Go through each room of your home and put away items that your Miniature Schnauzer may be able to reach that could pose him harm. Even though an item was of no interest to your Schnauzer before your trip, it may be of interest to him now that you are away. Also check your dog's toys for damage and put away any toys that show extreme wear.

Inform Your Vet: During your time away, try and keep your cell phone on as much as possible so attempts to contact you first concerning major decisions are available to the sitter. If a situation does arise that needs your input and you cannot be reached, leave your dog sitter at least 3 additional contacts that you have given authority to make such decisions (family member(s) and/or close friends).

Also, be sure to notify your Vet in advance, by phone and in writing, of your trip and about extending medical care to your Miniature Schnauzer during your absence.

Just keep in mind, if you can't be reached during a crisis and without prior instructions, you leave the pet sitter no other choice than to make decisions on behalf of your Miniature Schnauzer, herself. Dogs get sick, accidents happen. Be prepared. Print out our pet sitter checklist and leave clear written instructions.

Also, think about things you may need to add to the pet sitter checklist that are specific to your Miniature Schnauzer's needs. Are there certain dogs in your neighborhood that your Schnauzer should not be allowed to approach while on a daily walk? Is your Miniature Schnauzer afraid of thunderstorms or loud noises? What about the vacuum cleaner? Are certain rooms of your house off-limits?

*** important tip from Schnauzers Rule: Please, please discuss with the pet sitter how to handle potty accidents and/or anything else that might be considered bad doggy behavior, while you are away. You don't want to find out later on that your Schnauzer got his nose pushed down into urine or hit for chewing on a piece of furniture. Let them know in advance how you want any type of correction handled during your absence.

I know its hard to think of everything but that's why filling out our pet sitter checklist is so important. Don't wait until the last minute to do it either. Begin preparing a list about a week or so in advance of your departure and then continue to add to it as things come up.

And while you're away, make the time to phone or email your pet sitter so you can check on how things are going. You will have a better trip knowing your Miniature Schnauzer is being well cared for and safe.

 Printable Pet Sitter Instructions

*Special tip: If you are renting an apartment or home, leave word with the landlord and give them your pet sitter's name and contact number. (Also, leave the landlord's information with pet sitter).

Pet Cams

And for even more reassurance, check out this very affordable pet cam! It can be viewed and controlled from a standard Web browser, video display, or even a compatible cell phone or PDA. No PC required on location! And it's easy to install. Now you can always feel close to your Schnauzer, whether at work or on vacation. Did the pet sitter show up as promised? Is your Schnauzer playing with his favorite squeaky toy? Sleeping on the sofa? You'll know instantly with this webcam.

"Knowledge Share"... If you found this article on Instructions for the Pet Sitter and our Pet Sitter Checklist helpful and informative please share it with your dog-loving friends by clicking on one of the share links at the top right or bottom of this page. And if you've had any personal experience with a pet sitter others might find helpful, please post it in the comment section below.

Go from Pet Sitter Checklist to About the Miniature Schnauzer on Schnauzers Rule

Related Topics:

★ Choosing a Dog Sitter
★ Miniature Schnauzer Dog Boarding Tips
★ Miniature Schnauzer Dog Car Travel
★ Dog Info Card

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