Your weekend trip is booked, but the person who usually cares for your dog is unavailable. Before you hand over the leash, think through the daily care your dog needs and the person who can provide it.
A good sitter for your dog will want to know more than where you keep the treats. A little preparation helps both of you settle on a plan, whether your companion loves visitors or considers the doorbell a personal insult.
Start with your dog’s normal day
Write down the usual wake-up, meal, walk, play and bedtime schedule. Note how long your dog is comfortable being alone and where they sleep. A puppy who needs frequent bathroom breaks and an older dog with mobility trouble may need a different visit schedule from an adult who naps through the afternoon.
Decide whether sitting for your dog should happen in your home or elsewhere. Staying home keeps familiar smells and routines close; another home may offer more company. If your dog will travel, ask about stairs, secure outdoor space, other animals and where your dog will rest. Share any relevant health conditions and behavior concerns before making arrangements.
For dog sitting, match the number and length of visits to your dog’s actual routine. A quick door-opening break may not leave time for a meal, a relaxed walk and cleanup. Agree on arrival windows, overnight arrangements if needed, and what happens if a visit is delayed.
Dog sitter questions that reveal a good fit
Before you find a dog sitter, describe an ordinary day and ask how the prospective sitter would handle its tricky parts. Listen for specific answers, and check references from people whose dogs had similar needs.
- What experience do you have with dogs of this size, age and temperament? How would you handle pulling on a leash or reluctance to go outside?
- How many animals will you care for at once, and who will cover a visit if you become ill?
- How do you secure doors and gates? What would you do if a dog slipped away?
- Can you follow the feeding and medication instructions exactly? What would you do if a dose were missed?
- How often will you send updates, and what information will they include?
A dog sitter should be comfortable saying when a need is outside their experience. If your dog has a complex medical routine or a history of biting, explain it clearly and ask your veterinarian for help planning appropriate care. Agree on access to your home, key return and any house rules, including whether visitors are allowed.
If you use a dog sitting service, ask who will actually visit, whether you can meet that person, and how a substitute sitter is selected. A named backup and a clear way to reach someone are especially reassuring when your trip is more than a single afternoon.
Arrange a low-pressure introduction
Invite your prospective dog watcher to meet while you are present. Let your dog approach at their own pace, and show the visitor how you normally offer a treat or attach the leash. Watch whether the candidate listens to your instructions and gives your dog room to move away.
Notice the whole picture: a relaxed body and easy movement are different from a stiff posture or repeated attempts to retreat. The ASPCA’s guidance on dog bites recommends recognizing signs of fear or anxiety and respecting a dog’s wishes about contact. If your dog seems uncomfortable, pause and create space; do not force a greeting. Discuss persistent concerns with your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional.
If the first meeting goes well, schedule a short practice session caring for your dog before a longer absence. Have the caregiver try a normal task, such as preparing a meal or taking a familiar walk. Afterward, ask the prospective caregiver what went smoothly and what was unclear. If your dog struggled, adjust the plan and allow more time for introductions.
Make food and walks easy to get right
For this period of canine care, write the food name for each meal, measured amount, time and any additions. Leave the correct measuring scoop and enough food for the entire stay plus a little extra. List approved treats and any foods your dog must avoid. Keep fresh water available and show where bowls are washed.
The FDA recommends keeping pet food in its original bag or container so product and lot information remain available. Refrigerate or discard leftover canned or pouched food promptly, and wash and dry food bowls after use.
Show the person caring for your dog how the harness fits and where to find bags, towels and a spare leash. Describe the usual route, preferred walk length and any places to avoid. If your dog reacts to other dogs, explain the distance that normally helps and the route you use to move away. Agree that the leash stays on unless you have explicitly arranged a secure, suitable space.
For home pet sitting, leave medication in its original packaging with your veterinarian’s directions. Show the caregiver how you administer it, and write down the dose and timing. If a dose is missed or refused, have them contact your veterinarian for instructions rather than guessing about an extra dose.
Prepare for a change of plans
For your dog’s care while you are away, put your number, a backup contact, your regular veterinarian and an emergency clinic on one sheet. Include your dog’s identification, medical conditions, medications and vaccination information. Tell your dog’s caregiver where the carrier or transport equipment is and how to reach the clinic.
Choose someone who can make veterinary decisions if you cannot be reached, and discuss payment arrangements in advance. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises recording that person’s authority and checking with the clinic about the documentation it requires. Agree on who calls whom, and give the backup person a copy of the plan.
For dog sitting to run smoothly, also agree on ordinary updates: a brief message after each visit might cover meals, bathroom breaks and anything unusual. Explain what warrants an immediate call. Difficulty breathing, collapse or uncontrolled bleeding calls for urgent veterinary attention; the ASPCA’s emergency care guide lists other signs that need prompt care. If you are unreachable in an emergency, the person looking after your dog should contact the clinic and your designated decision-maker without waiting for a reply from you.
Before leaving, hand over the written instructions, walk through them together and confirm that your caregiver can reach every contact. Then leave a copy somewhere easy to find at home.
