Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
by Janet
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Keep Your Pets Safe
Unplug electrical appliances that will not be used to prevent injury during an electrical storm.

Close the door on the clothes dryer.

Leave the radio on to keep your pet company (and deter crime).

Clean up anything that might be accidentally swallowed by your pet (Christmas tree tinsel, string, etc).

Make sure that indoor pets are inside.

If your cat(s) escape(s) beforehand, let the sitter know to look for the animal(s) outside.

Prepare Your Home Before You Go Away
Leave a piece of clothing that you've recently worn near where your pet sleeps as a reminder of you.

Display the name and phone number of your vet in a prominent place.  Show it to the pet sitter before departing.

Place out appropriate food and water bowls for your pet's use.  Clean them beforehand.

Put everything needed for your pet's care in a specific area so the sitter doesn't have to search for leashes, food or medications.  Let the sitter know where these items are.

If the sitter will be coming in the evening, hook up a timer light so he/she will not have to come to a dark house. It will be homier for your pet as well.

Select a neighbor to keep an eye on your place while you're gone. Let him/her know that a pet sitter will be coming to your home while you're away. 

Clean out your refrigerator to prevent food spoilage.

Wash any dirty dishes to avoid attracting pests and make the sink free for the sitter.

Move valuables away from the windows.

Put away bikes, outdoor toys and lawn furniture to prevent them from being stolen.

Mow your grass. 

Secure any outside gates (to the dog lot, swimming pool).

Make sure all doors and windows are locked.

Do not hide keys for the sitter or others who might be entering your home while you're away.

Provide a friend a key in case of an emergency, inclement weather or in the event the pet sitter cannot make a scheduled visit.

Make your pet sitting reservations as early as possible, especially prior to holidays.

Have an extra house/apartment key made for the pet sitter.  Make sure it works.

Buy extra food, litter and supplies before you go away.  Always buy a little extra in case you're away longer than expected.

Let the sitter know where to find cleaning tools - vacuum, mop, broom, dustpan, sponges, cleaners trash bags.

Show the sitter where the fuse box/circuit breaker is and where to find new fuses.

Make sure your dog's collar fits properly and includes an ID tag.

Is your dog used to walking on a leash?  If not, practice with him/her beforehand.