What to leave in your dog sitter’s notes

Write the essentials first

Include your contact, an emergency backup, the usual vet and an out-of-hours veterinary service. Agree in advance how treatment decisions and payment will be handled. Put addresses beside telephone numbers so the sitter does not have to search during a stressful moment.

Describe an ordinary day

Use plain instructions for food, toilet opportunities, rest and walks. Include exact professional medication instructions only if relevant, and confirm the sitter is comfortable following them. Do a handover conversation rather than relying on a document alone.

• Show where the lead, food, cleaning supplies and carrier are kept.
• Explain door, gate and garden security.
• List known triggers and safe management arrangements.
• Leave the dog’s identification and microchip information accessible.

Be clear about boundaries

Say whether unfamiliar dogs, visitors, off-lead areas or shared food are unsuitable. A sitter should not have to discover that a dog is worried by strangers during a crowded outing. Be honest about separation difficulties, guarding or previous incidents so they can decide whether they can provide safe care.

Make a change-of-plan note

Agree what happens if you are delayed or cannot answer. Set expectations about updates, photographs and keys. Keep the printed handover in a known place and give the sitter a copy. Review it before each trip: old food instructions or an out-of-date number can undermine an otherwise good plan.