Pet Sitter Handoff Checklist.

You've found a great pet sitter. You trust them. But as the trip gets closer, the anxiety starts creeping in. Did you tell them about the evening medication? Do they know which treats are okay? What if there's an emergency?

The cure for that anxiety isn't worrying more — it's preparing better. A thorough handoff means your sitter has everything they need, and you can actually enjoy your time away without your phone buzzing with questions.

Here's the complete pet sitter handoff checklist, organized by category. Share it with your sitter before you leave, and you'll both feel a lot better.

Feeding

Feeding instructions seem obvious, but the details matter. "Feed the dog twice a day" isn't enough — your sitter needs specifics.

• Food brand and type: Include the exact product name. If your pet eats a specific formula (grain-free, senior, prescription), note it. Leave enough food for the entire stay, plus a few extra days.
• Meal times: Be specific. "7 AM and 6 PM" is better than "morning and evening."
• Portion sizes: Measure in cups, scoops, or grams. Show the sitter the measuring cup you use. If you add wet food, specify how much.
• Treats: Which treats are allowed? How many per day? Are there any foods that are off-limits (e.g., no table scraps, no rawhide)?
• Water: How often should the bowl be refreshed? Any quirks (e.g., "she only drinks from the ceramic bowl")?
• Special instructions: Does the food need to be warmed up? Mixed with water? Served on a slow-feeder?

Medications

This is the most critical section. Missed or incorrect doses can have serious health consequences, so be thorough.

• Medication name and purpose: List each medication and briefly explain why your pet takes it. This helps the sitter understand importance.
• Dosage: Exact amount — number of pills, milliliters of liquid, etc.
• Schedule: Time of day, with or without food, any special instructions.
• How to administer: Does your dog take pills in a treat? Does your cat need liquid medication syringed into the side of the mouth? Show your sitter in person if possible.
• What if they miss a dose: Should they give it late, skip it, or double up next time? Ask your vet and include the answer.
• Where medications are stored: "In the kitchen cabinet above the microwave" — be specific.

Exercise and Walks

Your sitter should know your pet's exercise routine and any important rules for outdoor time.

• Walk frequency and duration: How many walks per day? How long for each? Morning and evening walks might be different lengths.
• Preferred routes: Any favorite walking paths? Areas to avoid (busy intersections, aggressive neighbor dogs)?
• Leash behavior: Does your dog pull? Are they reactive to other dogs? Do they need a harness? Note any special equipment.
• Off-leash rules: Can they go off-leash at the dog park? Or should they always stay leashed?
• Potty schedule: For dogs, how often do they need to go out? For puppies or senior dogs, this might be more frequent.
• Indoor play: For cats, note favorite toys, play routines, and whether they need daily interactive play.

Emergency Contacts

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Your sitter should have every number they might need.

• Your contact info: Phone number and the best way to reach you (call, text, WhatsApp). Note any times you'll be unreachable.
• Backup contact: A trusted friend or family member who can help if you're unavailable.
• Regular vet: Name, address, phone number, and office hours.
• Emergency vet: The nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital — name, address, and phone number.
• Pet poison hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (note: a consultation fee may apply).
• Authorization for emergency care: Consider leaving a signed note authorizing the sitter to approve emergency veterinary treatment up to a certain amount if you can't be reached.

House Rules and Behavioral Notes

Every pet has their quirks. The more your sitter knows, the smoother things will go.

• Allowed areas: Can the pet go on furniture? Are certain rooms off-limits?
• Sleeping arrangements: Where does your pet sleep? Do they need a crate at night? A specific blanket?
• Known fears or triggers: Thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, strangers. How do you usually comfort them?
• Behavioral quirks: "She barks at the mailman but it's harmless." "He hides under the bed for the first hour with a new person — just give him space."
• Commands they know: List basic commands and any specific words or signals you use.
• Separation anxiety: Does your pet get anxious when alone? How long can they be left alone? Any coping strategies?

Grooming and Hygiene

• Litter box (cats): How often to scoop, where litter supplies are stored, any brand preferences.
• Brushing: Does your pet need regular brushing? How often?
• Bathing: Unless it's a long stay, this probably won't come up — but note it if needed.
• Teeth: If you do daily dental care, explain the routine.

The Easier Way: Share Everything Through an App

Writing all of this down on paper or in a long text message works, but there's a better option. With Kima, you can invite your pet sitter to your household with a time-limited invite. They'll have access to your pet's full care history — feeding schedules, medications, recent weight, and behavioral notes — right in the app.

Even better, when your sitter logs a feeding or medication dose, you can see it in real time from wherever you are. No more texting "did you give him his evening pill?" — just open the app and check. And when your trip is over, their access expires automatically.

Whether you use an app or a printed checklist, the important thing is that your sitter isn't guessing. A complete handoff means better care for your pet and less stress for everyone.

"The best pet sitter handoff is one where the sitter never has to text you with a question. If they have everything they need upfront, everyone — including your pet — has a better experience."

Quick-Reference Handoff Template

Here's a condensed version you can copy and fill in:

Print it out, email it, or — better yet — share it all through Kima and skip the paper entirely.