Quick answer: A good dog sitter instruction sheet covers everything someone needs to care for your dog without calling you: your contact details and travel dates, your vet and nearest 24-hour emergency hospital, feeding amounts and times, walk and potty routines, medications, house rules, your dog's quirks and fears, what's off-limits, where supplies are kept and what to do in an emergency, including who can approve treatment. Print it, stick it on the fridge and save a copy on the sitter's phone. Do a trial visit before you leave, and keep the sheet updated for every trip.

Why a written care sheet matters

Even the most experienced sitter doesn't know your dog the way you do. Written instructions mean your sitter doesn't have to remember a quick chat at the door or guess what to do. It's also a huge help if more than one person is helping, or if a backup sitter has to step in.

A care sheet also keeps your dog's routine consistent. Dogs feel safest when meals, walks and bedtimes happen the way they're used to. Small details, like using the same cue words or keeping the same feeding spot, make a big difference to how settled your dog feels while you're away.

Most importantly, a care sheet is essential in an emergency. If your dog gets sick or hurt, your sitter needs to know exactly who to call, where to go and what they're allowed to approve. Those details can save precious time.

Whether you're using a professional pet sitter, a friend, a neighbor, a family member or a boarding facility, a written care sheet helps. Keep reading for the full template.

Best of all, once you've written it, you'll use it again and again. Most families only need to update a few details for each new trip.

Choosing the right sitter

Before you write instructions, you need the right person. Take your time, and start looking early, especially for holidays and busy travel seasons.

• Professional pet sitters. Look for experience, references and insurance. Organizations such as Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters list members.
• Friends and family. Great if they know and love your dog. Make sure they're confident with your dog's needs.
• Boarding facilities. Visit first, ask about staff, supervision and vaccines.
• House sitters. Stay overnight in your home, which suits dogs who do best in their own space.

Ask questions like: How long have you been caring for dogs? Are you comfortable giving medicine? What would you do in an emergency? How will you update me? Our holiday boarding or pet sitter guide and doggy daycare or dog walker guide compare the options.

The trial visit: your secret weapon

A trial visit, sometimes called a meet and greet, is one of the best things you can do before a trip. It gives your dog a chance to meet the sitter while you're there, and gives the sitter a chance to ask questions.

Invite your sitter over for 30 to 60 minutes a week or two before you leave. Let your dog greet them at their own pace, with treats in the sitter's pocket. Then walk through the routine together: where the food is, how to put on the harness, how your dog likes to be walked and where the first aid kit lives.

If you can, go on a short walk together and let the sitter hold the leash. Watch how your dog responds and share any tips. Some families do a short practice run, leaving the sitter alone with the dog for an hour or two while they run errands.

Use the visit to go through your care sheet, line by line. Your sitter will likely think of questions you hadn't considered, and you can add the answers before you go.

The fill-in care sheet: overview

Here's what your care sheet should include. Each section below has fill-in prompts you can copy into a document and complete. Don't worry about being too detailed. Sitters always appreciate more information, not less.

• 1. Contacts and trip details. Your details, dates and backup contacts.
• 2. Vet and emergency. Vet, emergency hospital and treatment consent.
• 3. About your dog. Name, age, breed, weight, microchip and health.
• 4. Feeding. Food, amounts, times and treats.
• 5. Potty and walks. Routine, gear and walking tips.
• 6. Medications. Names, doses, times and how to give them.
• 7. Daily schedule. A typical day from wake-up to bedtime.
• 8. House rules. Furniture, crate, off-limits areas and visitors.
• 9. Quirks, fears and behavior. What your dog loves and what worries them.
• 10. Home and supplies. Where things are and how the house works.

Print two copies. Stick one on the fridge and keep one by the leash. Send a digital copy to your sitter's phone too.

The one-page quick sheet

Some sitters love a full care sheet. Others want the essentials at a glance. We recommend both: a detailed sheet plus a one-page summary on the fridge. Here's what to include on the one-pager:

• Dog's name and photo. At the top, big and clear.
• Your phone and backup contact. Easy to find in a hurry.
• Vet and emergency hospital. With phone numbers and addresses.
• Meal times and amounts. Breakfast and dinner.
• Medications. Name, dose and time.
• Potty and walk times. A simple timeline.
• Top three rules. Like never off leash, no table scraps and keep the side gate closed.
• Top three comforts. Like the favorite blue bear toy, ear scratches and sleeping in the crate with the door open.

Laminate it, or slip it into a clear sleeve, so it survives coffee spills and muddy paws. Update it before every trip.

Section 1: Contacts and trip details

Start with the basics. Your sitter should be able to reach you, and someone local, at any time.

• Your name and phone number. Plus a second number for your partner or travel companion.
• Travel dates and times. When you leave, when you're back and any time zone changes.
• Where you'll be. A hotel or address and phone number if possible.
• Local backup contact. A trusted friend or neighbor who knows your dog and has a key.
• How you'd like updates. Texts, photos or a daily call, and how often.
• Best times to reach you. Especially if you'll be in a different time zone.

Fill-in prompt: My name and number: ___. Second contact: ___. Dates away: ___ to ___. Where I'll be: ___. Local backup contact and number: ___. Update preference: ___.

Section 2: Vet and emergency plan

This is the most important section. Make sure your sitter knows exactly what to do if something goes wrong.

• Your regular vet. Clinic name, phone, address and opening hours.
• Nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. Name, phone, address and how to get there.
• Poison control. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number.
• Treatment consent. Who can approve treatment, and up to what cost. Tell your vet in advance that your sitter may bring your dog in.
• Payment. How payment will be handled, such as a card on file or insurance details.
• Pet insurance. Provider, policy number and claim phone number. See our pet insurance guide.
• First aid kit. Where it is. See our dog first aid kit checklist.

Fill-in prompt: Vet: ___. Emergency hospital: ___. Poison control: ___. Approved to authorize treatment: ___ up to $___. Payment: ___. Insurance: ___. First aid kit location: ___.

Share our dog emergency signs guide with your sitter so they know when to go to the vet right away.

Section 3: About your dog

This section gives your sitter a full picture of your dog. It's also invaluable if your dog ever gets lost.

• Name and nicknames. Including what they respond to best.
• Age, breed and weight. Plus a recent photo.
• Microchip number. And the registry it's listed with. See our microchip and ID tag guide.
• Health conditions. Allergies, arthritis, seizures, sensitive tummy and so on.
• Vaccination status. Especially important for boarding.
• Known cues. Sit, wait, leave it, come and any special words.

Fill-in prompt: Name: ___. Nicknames: ___. Age: ___. Breed: ___. Weight: ___. Microchip: ___. Health notes: ___. Allergies: ___. Cues my dog knows: ___.

Section 4: Feeding

Food routines matter a lot to dogs. Be specific about what, how much and when. Pre-portioning meals into labeled bags or containers makes it even easier.

• Food brand and type. And where it's stored.
• Amount per meal. Use cups or grams. Our feeding chart can help you check.
• Meal times. Morning and evening, or as usual.
• Where your dog eats. Same bowl, same spot.
• Treats. Which treats, how many per day and when.
• Foods to avoid. Anything your dog is allergic to, plus toxic foods. Share our toxic foods for dogs guide.
• Water. Refill and wash the bowl daily.

Fill-in prompt: Food: ___. Amount: ___ per meal. Times: ___. Feeding spot: ___. Treats: ___. Do not feed: ___. What to do if my dog skips a meal: ___.

Section 5: Potty and walks

Walks and potty breaks are some of the most important parts of the day. Tell your sitter exactly how your dog likes to do them.

• Potty times. When your dog usually goes out and how often.
• Potty spot. Where your dog prefers to go and any cue words.
• Walk routine. How long, how often and favorite routes.
• Gear. Collar, harness or both, and how to put them on. See our harness vs. collar guide.
• Leash manners. Pulling, reactivity or anything to watch for.
• Other dogs. Is your dog friendly, nervous or best kept apart?
• Off-leash rules. Usually, keep your dog on leash with a sitter.
• Poop bags. Where they are.

Fill-in prompt: Potty times: ___. Potty spot and cue: ___. Walk length and route: ___. Gear: ___. Leash notes: ___. With other dogs: ___. Off-leash: never or only at ___.

Section 6: Medications and health care

If your dog takes medication, this section needs extra care. Write it clearly and pre-portion doses if you can.

• Medication name. As written on the label.
• Dose and time. Exactly how much and when.
• How to give it. With food, in a pill pocket, by mouth or on the skin.
• Where it's stored. Including anything in the fridge.
• What to do if a dose is missed. Ask your vet ahead of time.
• Side effects to watch for. And when to call the vet.
• Flea, tick and heartworm prevention. If a dose is due while you're away.

Fill-in prompt: Medication: ___. Dose: ___. Time: ___. How to give: ___. Stored: ___. Missed dose plan: ___. Watch for: ___.

A simple daily checklist with boxes to tick for each dose helps your sitter keep track.

Cue words and training notes

Dogs learn specific words and signals. Using the same cues as you helps your dog understand the sitter and behave well. List the words your dog knows and what they mean.

• Basic cues. Sit, down, stay, wait, leave it, drop it and come.
• Potty cue. The word you use to ask your dog to go.
• Release word. Like okay or free, which tells your dog they're done.
• Crate or bed cue. Like bed or place.
• Hand signals. Especially helpful for older dogs with hearing loss.
• What not to say. Words that make your dog overexcited, like walk or squirrel.

Fill-in prompt: Cues my dog knows: ___. Potty cue: ___. Release word: ___. Bed cue: ___. Words to avoid: ___. Our dog training glossary explains common cues if your sitter is new to training terms.

Section 7: A typical day

A sample daily schedule gives your sitter a clear picture of your dog's routine. Dogs feel calmer when their day follows a familiar rhythm. Here's an example to adapt:

• 7:00 am. Wake up and potty break.
• 7:30 am. Breakfast and morning medication.
• 8:00 am. Morning walk, about 30 minutes.
• 12:00 pm. Midday potty break and a short play session.
• 3:00 pm. Puzzle toy or chew for enrichment.
• 6:00 pm. Dinner and evening walk.
• 9:00 pm. Last potty break.
• 9:30 pm. Bedtime in the usual spot.

Our building a daily routine for your dog guide can help you write yours. If your sitter won't be staying overnight, note how long your dog can comfortably be alone. See how long can a dog be left alone.

What to ask your sitter to report

Updates help you relax and help your sitter spot anything unusual. Let your sitter know what you'd like to hear about each day.

• Meals. Did your dog eat all their food?
• Potty. Normal pees and poops? Any diarrhea or straining?
• Water. Drinking normally? See our how much water should a dog drink guide.
• Energy and mood. Playful and relaxed, or quiet and withdrawn?
• Medications. All doses given?
• Anything unusual. Vomiting, limping, scratching or changes in behavior.
• Photos. Because everyone loves a happy dog selfie.

Ask your sitter to call, not text, for anything urgent. And make it clear that you'd rather hear about small concerns than have them worry alone.

If your dog gets lost

It's every dog parent's worst fear, but planning ahead helps. Include a short lost dog plan in your care sheet so your sitter can act fast.

• Search right away. Check the immediate area, calling your dog's name calmly.
• Call you and your backup contact. More people searching helps.
• Contact the microchip registry. Report your dog as missing.
• Call local shelters and animal control. Share a photo and description.
• Post online. Local lost pet groups and neighborhood apps can help spread the word.
• Leave familiar items outside. A bed or worn clothing near the door may help your dog find their way home.

Prevention matters most. Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag, that microchip details are current and that doors and gates stay closed. Remind your sitter that some dogs try to escape when their people are away.

Weather and seasonal notes

Weather can change your dog's needs fast. Add a few seasonal notes so your sitter knows how to adjust.

• Hot days. Walk early and late, avoid hot pavement and keep water topped up. See our summer heat safety guide.
• Cold days. Shorter walks, a coat if your dog wears one and paw checks after salted sidewalks. See our winter paw care guide.
• Storms and fireworks. Where your dog likes to hide and what helps them stay calm. See our fireworks and dogs guide.
• Rainy days. Indoor games and towel-off routines.
• Holidays. Extra guests, decorations and food hazards to watch for.

Fill-in prompt: Hot weather plan: ___. Cold weather plan: ___. Storm or fireworks plan: ___. Rainy day games: ___.

Section 8: House rules

Every home has its own rules. Consistency helps your dog behave well and feel secure.

• Furniture. Is your dog allowed on the couch or beds?
• Crate. When is the crate used, and is the door closed?
• Sleeping. Where your dog sleeps at night.
• Off-limits areas. Rooms or spaces that are closed off.
• Visitors. Are other people or dogs allowed to visit?
• Doors and gates. Which doors must stay closed. Is your dog a door dasher?
• Yard. Is the yard secure, and can your dog be left out alone?

Fill-in prompt: Furniture: ___. Crate: ___. Sleeps: ___. Off-limits: ___. Visitors allowed: ___. Doors to keep closed: ___. Yard: ___.

Section 9: Quirks, fears and behavior

This is the section that makes your sitter feel like an expert. Share everything that makes your dog unique, from favorite games to what scares them.

• Favorite things. Toys, games, cuddle spots and treats.
• Fears. Thunder, fireworks, vacuums, strangers or other dogs. See our thunderstorm anxiety guide.
• Calming tips. What helps your dog relax.
• Separation stress. How your dog copes when left alone. See our separation anxiety guide.
• Guarding. Does your dog guard food, toys or spaces? See our resource guarding guide.
• Escape artist. Any tricks for escaping the yard or house.
• Funny habits. The little things that make your dog, your dog.

Fill-in prompt: Loves: ___. Scared of: ___. Calms down with: ___. When left alone: ___. Guards: ___. Escape risks: ___. Funny habits: ___.

Section 10: Home and supplies

Make sure your sitter can find everything quickly. A quick house tour before you leave helps, too.

• Food, treats and bowls. Where they're stored.
• Leash, harness and poop bags. Usually by the door.
• Cleaning supplies. For accidents, plus paper towels and pet-safe cleaner.
• First aid kit. Location and contents.
• Spare keys. And who else has one.
• Wi-Fi password. For updates and photos.
• Thermostat. Keep your dog comfortable. See how cold is too cold for dogs.
• Trash and recycling. Collection days and dog-proof bins.
• Alarm system. Codes and instructions.

Multi-pet households

If you have more than one pet, your sitter needs to know how everyone gets along. Mealtimes, walks and play can all need a little extra planning.

• Who eats where. Separate feeding spots and whether pets need to be kept apart at meals.
• Who walks together. Some dogs walk well together, others need separate walks.
• Toy and chew rules. Any items that cause tension should be given separately.
• Cats and other pets. Litter boxes, feeding, cages and any safety rules around dogs.
• Signs of tension. What to look for and how to separate pets safely.

Fill-in prompt: Other pets: ___. Feeding apart: ___. Walk together or separately: ___. Items to give separately: ___. Keep apart when: ___.

Extra tips for puppies and senior dogs

Puppies and seniors often need more care and attention. Make sure your sitter knows exactly what's needed.

• Puppies. More frequent potty breaks, meals and naps. Share your training cues and crate routine. See our crate training guide.
• Puppy-proofing. Remind your sitter to keep shoes, cords and small items out of reach.
• Senior dogs. Note mobility limits, stairs, slippery floors and any ramps or steps.
• Medications and supplements. Seniors often take more than one. Pre-portion and label them.
• Comfort needs. Extra blankets, orthopedic beds and warm spots. See our senior dog care guide.
• Toilet changes. More frequent potty breaks and what to do about accidents.

Before you go: a prep checklist

A little preparation goes a long way. Use this checklist in the week before your trip.

• Book a trial visit. Have your sitter meet your dog and walk through the routine with you.
• Stock up. Enough food, treats, medications and poop bags for the whole trip, plus a few extra days.
• Pre-portion meals and meds. Label each bag or container.
• Update ID. Check collar tags and microchip details.
• Call your vet. Let them know who's caring for your dog and confirm consent.
• Dog-proof your home. Put away socks, shoes and anything your dog might chew. See our dog-proofing guide.
• Leave a worn item. A T-shirt that smells like you can comfort your dog.
• Print the care sheet. And send a digital copy.

On the day you leave

Goodbyes can be emotional, for you and your dog. Keep departures calm and low-key, so your dog doesn't pick up on stress.

Take your dog for a good walk before you leave, so they're relaxed. Give them a long-lasting chew or puzzle toy as you head out the door. Skip the long, emotional goodbye. A calm pat and a cheerful 'see you soon' is perfect.

If your sitter is arriving after you leave, make sure they have the keys, the care sheet and clear access instructions. Ask them to send a quick message when they arrive. Then try to relax. You've planned well, and your dog is in good hands.

If your dog tends to get anxious, try a short practice absence the day before. Leave for an hour while your sitter is there, then come back calmly. It helps your dog learn that the sitter is part of the routine and that you always come home.

Coming home

When you get back, your dog might be over the moon, or a little aloof at first. Both reactions are normal. Give them time to settle back into the routine.

• Keep the greeting calm. Let your dog say hello at their own pace.
• Check in with your sitter. Ask how things went and if anything came up.
• Watch for changes. Appetite, energy, potty habits and mood over the next few days.
• Update your care sheet. Add anything you learned for next time.
• Say thank you. A good sitter is worth their weight in gold. A thank you note or a positive review goes a long way.

If your dog seems unwell after your trip, call your vet. Some dogs pick up tummy upsets or kennel cough after boarding. See our kennel cough guide.

Then start planning your next adventure, knowing your care sheet is ready to go.

• Write it all down. Sitters love details.
• Emergency plan first. Vet, emergency hospital and consent.
• Keep routines the same. Food, walks and bedtime.
• Share quirks and fears. It helps your dog feel safe.
• Do a trial visit. Before you leave.

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What should I include in dog sitter instructions?

Include your contacts, vet and emergency hospital details, treatment consent, feeding, walks, medications, daily schedule, house rules, quirks, fears and where supplies are kept.

How do I prepare my dog for a sitter?

Book a trial visit, keep routines the same, stock up on food and medication, update ID tags, leave a worn T-shirt and keep goodbyes calm.

Should my sitter have permission to take my dog to the vet?

Yes. Tell your vet in advance who is caring for your dog, how much treatment they can approve and how payment will be handled.

How much food should I leave for the sitter?

Leave enough food, treats and medications for the whole trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays.

How often should a sitter visit my dog?

Most adult dogs need at least two to three visits a day for meals, walks and potty breaks. Puppies and some dogs need more or an overnight sitter.

What if my dog has separation anxiety?

Consider an overnight house sitter, keep routines consistent, share calming tips and talk to your vet or a trainer before your trip.

Should I use a pet sitter or boarding?

Pet sitters keep your dog at home, which suits many dogs. Boarding offers round-the-clock staff. Choose based on your dog's personality and needs.

How do I find a trustworthy pet sitter?

Ask for recommendations, check reviews and references, look for insurance and do a trial visit before booking.

What should I do when I get home?

Keep greetings calm, check in with your sitter, watch your dog for any changes and update your care sheet for next time.

Should I tell my sitter about my dog's fears?

Yes. Sharing fears like thunderstorms, vacuums or strangers helps your sitter keep your dog calm and avoid stressful situations.