How to prepare your home for a pet sitter (and help your pet settle quickly)

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Most people focus on finding the right pet sitter.

That’s important.
But what you do before you leave matters just as much.

I’ve seen two very different outcomes with house sitting:

• same type of dog
• same length of stay
• completely different experience

The difference is usually preparation.

A well-prepared home helps your pet:

• settle faster
• feel safer
• stick to their normal routine

It also helps your sitter:

• avoid guesswork
• respond properly if something changes
• focus on your pet, not logistics

This guide walks you through how I’d prepare a home if I were in your position

Why preparation matters more than you think

Your pet doesn’t understand holidays.

All they notice is:

• you’ve gone
• someone new is there
• things feel different

The more you keep things familiar, the easier it is.

That’s one reason many owners choose house sitting instead of boarding.
Your pet stays in their own space.

If you’re weighing that up, this guide may help:
→ house sitting vs boarding for dogs

The essentials your pet sitter needs

Keep things simple and easy to find.

I’d always suggest putting everything in one place.

Key items

• food (clearly labelled)
• treats
• bowls
• lead and harness
• poo bags
• litter tray supplies (for cats)
• bedding
• favourite toys

Important documents

• vet details
• emergency contact
• feeding instructions
• medication (if needed)

You don’t need anything fancy.
You just need it to be clear.

Setting up your pet’s routine clearly

Routine is where most of the stress sits.

Don’t assume your sitter will “figure it out”.

Write it down.

Include:

• feeding times
• walk times
• toilet habits
• sleeping setup
• behaviour quirks

For example:

• “gets nervous around other dogs”
• “won’t toilet if rushed”
• “barks at the door but settles quickly”
• Wont settle before bed without his nightly chew

These small details make a big difference.

Preparing your home environment

Think about your home from your pet’s point of view.

Then from the sitter’s.

Keep it calm and familiar

• don’t rearrange furniture just before you leave
• keep your pet’s usual sleeping space the same
• leave familiar smells (blankets, bedding)
• leave some unwasjed jumpers around so they have your scent

Make access simple

• clear instructions for doors, locks and alarms
• spare keys with a neighbour n a keybox – after all we are all human

Remove obvious stress triggers

• secure bins
• move anything your dog might chew
• keep cleaning products out of reach

Safety and emergency planning

This is one area people often rush.

Take a few minutes and make it clear.

Your sitter should know:

• your usual vet
• nearest emergency vet
• where the pet carrier or crate is
• any medical conditions

If your pet is on medication:

• write down dosage
• write down timing
• show where it’s stored

A clear plan removes hesitation if something happens.

For general pet welfare guidance, the PDSA has useful advice worth reading.

What I would focus on first

If you’re short on time, prioritise this:

• clear routine written down
• food and supplies organised
• vet and emergency info visible
• proper meet and greet beforehand

That covers most issues.

What people often forget

These come up more than you’d think.

• Wi-Fi password
• bin collection days
• how heating works
• where cleaning supplies are
• what to do if deliveries arrive
• whee to leave post

None of these are major on their own.
But together, they affect how smoothly things run.

A simple information pack

Before you leave:

• routine written down
• food prepared and labelled
• emergency contacts shared
• home access explained
• pet essentials in one place
• sitter has met your pet

Related guides

• → First 24 hours with a pet sitter
• → dog and cat care guides
• → questions to ask a pet sitter
• → what to pack for your dog’s staycation
• → preparing your dog for a staycation
• → Getting your dog used to a sitter

FAQs

How early should I prepare my home for a pet sitter?

Start a few days before.

That gives you time to:

• organise properly
• avoid rushing
• spot anything you’ve missed

Should I leave written instructions or just explain in person?

Both.

Go through it together, then leave it written down.
It helps avoid confusion later.

What if my dog is nervous with new people?

Let the sitter meet them in advance.

Keep things calm and low-pressure.
Don’t force interaction.

Do I need to provide everything?

Yes.

Your sitter should not need to bring:

• food
• leads
• litter supplies

Keep it simple for them.

Is house sitting better for pets than boarding?

For many pets, yes.

Especially those who:

• like routine
• don’t settle easily in new places
• are older or more sensitive

A final thought

A good pet sitter can do a lot.

But they’re working with what you leave behind.

A bit of preparation makes everything smoother.
For your pet, for your sitter, and for you while you’re away.

If you’re based around Finchley or nearby and want a calm, one-to-one approach with your pet staying in their own home, house sitting can be a good fit.

Happy to talk through what would suit your pet.

Updated April 2026