Are you getting ready to leave your canine companion or feline friend with a pet sitter? If this is your first rodeo, you may be a little nervous. After all, your pet is a beloved member of the family, and you want what’s best for them - plus, there’s the fact that there’ll be someone else in your home.

Don’t worry; we’ve got the guide you need below to help you get your home prepared to ensure that things go swimmingly and that both you and your pet have a great experience.

The Basics

Okay, start with the basics by leaving your professional pet sitter all the supplies you’ll need while you’re away. This includes a generous supply of your pet’s food (and treats)—figure out how much will be needed and then add a little more, just in case. If your pet needs medication, leave enough of this, too, along with details of exactly how often to administer it.

Don’t forget to leave handy essential supplies such as (as relevant) cat litter, pet cleaning products, leashes or harnesses, towels for muddy paws, and poop bags. As with the food supplies, figure out how much will be needed for your time away, and leave extra.

Preparing for an Emergency

In all likelihood, everything will go totally smoothly, and you’ll return to a happy pet and equally happy pet sitter. But planning for an emergency is vital. To this end, leave out your pet’s carrier or crate (in case a visit to the vet is required) and emergency contact details for both yourself and your veterinarian. Leave clear directions, too, if your pet-sitter isn’t familiar with where your vet is located.

It’s also advisable to leave a well-stocked pet first-aid kit, including items like tweezers, gauze, and bandages, just in case.

Getting Your Home Ready

Now it’s time to ensure your home is ready for a pet sitter to temporarily move in. Here’s what to do, depending on the type of your pet:

• Generally clean and tidy your home, and store safely away hazardous items like small, swallowable items, cleaning products, or anything else that could be toxic.

• Escape-proof your backyard - now is the time to mend that dodgy fence panel!

• Ensure your pet sitter will be as comfortable as possible in your home by making up a bed for them with fresh sheets, showing them where the things they may need are kept, and being clear on house rules.

• Leave instructions for things like how to adjust the heating in your home or turn on the hot water.

• If there’s time, it’s a great idea to introduce your pet sitter to your neighbors.

• Create a set of clear pet instructions - more on this below!

Create a Set of Guidelines

Putting together a clear set of instructions for your pet sitter will help ensure everything runs smoothly and will give you peace of mind while you’re away. In your guidelines, include information such as exactly when, how much, and how to feed your furry friend, details of any medication they need, and how often and where they go for a walk (in the case of a dog).

It’s also important to be upfront with your pet sitter; if there’s another dog in the neighborhood that yours doesn’t get on with, or they’re not great around kids, it’s essential that your sitter knows this. Similarly, let them know about any habits and routines they have. Does your cat sleep on the bed with you, or are they not allowed in the bedroom? Are your dogs allowed in every room of the house? What’s the longest they can be left on their own? All of this information will help ensure the sitting goes successfully.

Don’t Forget to Take Out Pet Insurance

If you haven’t already taken out a pet insurance policy, now’s a great time to get one - it’ll give you additional peace of mind, not to mention that all-important cover. But what does pet insurance cover, anyway? There are different types of policies, so you can choose the one that’s right for you, your pet, and your budget. Pet insurance typically provides protection should your beloved pet suffer an accident, injury, or develop a new illness; although be aware that most policies won’t cover existing conditions.

Other types of policies cover routine or preventative care, so your pet will be covered for things like vaccines, bloodwork, and annual wellness check-ups.

Prepare for Pet Sitting Success

The first time you leave your pet in the care of a pet sitter is likely to be the hardest. But running through the above guide to ensure your home is properly prepared will make all the difference and prevent any incidents from occurring - whether this is running out of supplies or an escape attempt. Happy travels!