Whether you’re welcoming a house sitter for the first time or inviting back someone you already know and trust, preparing your home properly helps everyone feel comfortable. A thorough handoff also makes it easier for your sitter to care for your pets and manage your home while you’re away.
Use this checklist to get ready before your departure.
House-Sitter Preparation Checklist
- Provide clear travel and arrival instructions.
- Make the home clean, comfortable, and welcoming.
- Prepare a bed with fresh linens and towels.
- Make room for your sitter’s belongings.
- Share the Wi-Fi network name and password.
- Explain how to use important kitchen appliances.
- Be available to welcome your sitter.
- Introduce your sitter to your pets.
- Review your household and pet-care routines.
- Provide detailed medication instructions.
- Share nearby medical and veterinary information.
- Explain your trash and recycling system.
- Leave your travel itinerary.
- Confirm emergency contacts.
- Anticipate your sitter’s questions.
- Confirm your expected return time.
Provide Clear Directions
Your sitter may be visiting your neighborhood, city, or even your country for the first time. Make their arrival as easy as possible by providing detailed directions in advance.
Consider sending:
- Your full address and written directions
- A map or GPS link
- Instructions for reaching your home by taxi, rideshare, or public transportation
- Details about parking or entry
- Information about gates, keypads, alarms, or lockboxes
Exchange personal email addresses, phone numbers, and WhatsApp details before the sit begins. Be clear about when you would like your sitter to arrive, while remembering that they may be traveling after a long day.
Make Your Home Comfortable
Whether your sitter is staying for a few days or several months, they should have a clean and comfortable place to live.
Before you leave, tidy the areas your sitter will use most, including the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. A welcoming space helps your sitter settle in and makes daily pet care much easier.
Be sure the home is also stocked with everything needed for your pets. Depending on the animals in your care, this may include:
- Food and treats
- Leashes, collars, and harnesses
- Waste bags
- Litter and litter supplies
- Toys and grooming tools
- Medication
- Cleaning supplies
Prepare the Bed and Linens
Make the bed with fresh sheets before your sitter arrives, and provide extra sheets, blankets, and towels for longer stays.
Show your sitter:
- Where clean linens are stored
- How to operate the washer and dryer
- Which laundry products to use
- Any special washing instructions
Also let your sitter know where you would like them to sleep. Showing them the bedroom or sleeping area during the arrival walkthrough will prevent confusion later.
Make Space for Your Sitter’s Belongings
Clear some room in the areas your sitter will use. A few empty drawers, shelves, or closet hangers can make a big difference, especially during an extended stay.
Try to provide space for:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Luggage
- Shoes
- Personal items
There is no need to reorganize your entire home. Simply make enough room for your sitter to live comfortably without having to keep everything in a suitcase.
Share the Wi-Fi Information
Leave the Wi-Fi network name and password somewhere easy to find. You can provide this information before the sit and leave a written copy in the home.
If possible, include instructions for:
- Restarting the router
- Resetting the internet connection
- Contacting your provider
- Using a backup connection, such as Starlink, if one is available
Reliable internet is especially important because many house sitters work remotely during their stay.
Explain How to Use the Kitchen
Kitchen appliances are not always intuitive, so leave clear instructions for anything that may require explanation. This could include the oven, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, washing machine, grill, or water filtration system.
You can leave the original manuals or write a short guide with the most important information.
Also mention:
- Appliances your sitter should not use
- Foods they may or may not eat
- Where basic groceries are stored
- How to operate the stove or oven safely
- Which cleaning products are appropriate
If you are comfortable with your sitter using certain pantry items or perishable foods, explain what is available. Clear expectations help avoid misunderstandings.
Be Ready to Welcome Your Sitter
If you have agreed on an arrival time, make an effort to be available and ready to greet your sitter. A personal welcome creates a positive start and gives you time to complete a thorough handoff.
During the walkthrough, show your sitter:
- The sleeping area
- Bathrooms and common areas
- Pet supplies
- Food storage
- Medication
- Laundry facilities
- Trash and recycling bins
- Security systems
- Important shut-off valves or circuit breakers
- Any parts of the home that are off-limits
If you cannot be there in person, leave detailed written instructions and arrange a video call or phone handoff.
Introduce Your Sitter to Your Pets
Your home is also your pets’ home, so meeting a new person can be exciting or stressful for them. Introduce your sitter while you are still present, giving your pets time to become familiar with their voice, scent, and presence.
Explain each pet’s personality and behavior. Mention whether they are:
- Shy or easily startled
- Protective of food or toys
- Nervous around strangers and/or children
- Comfortable with other animals
- Likely to run through open doors
- Sensitive to certain sounds or situations
- How is their recall
A calm introduction helps your pets feel more secure and gives your sitter confidence.
Review Your Daily Routines
Every household has its own rhythm. Walk your sitter through a typical day so they know what your pets expect.
Discuss:
- Feeding times and portions
- Walks and exercise
- Bathroom routines
- Playtime
- Nap or bedtime habits
- Grooming
- Outdoor access
- Mail and package collection
- Plant care
- Home-security routines
If your dog has a favorite walking route, take your sitter along before you leave. If your cat enjoys a particular toy or grooming routine, demonstrate where the supplies are and how they are used.
The more familiar your sitter is with your normal schedule, the easier it will be to keep your pets comfortable.
Explain Pet Medications and Special Care
Provide written instructions for every medication or treatment your pet needs. Include:
- The name of the medication
- The dosage
- The time it should be given
- How it should be administered
- Whether it must be given with food
- Possible side effects
Show your sitter where medications are stored, and keep them separate from other household supplies when possible.
All medical needs should be discussed with your sitter before the booking is finalized. If a pet requires complicated treatment, arrange a demonstration and make sure your sitter feels comfortable handling it.
Provide Medical and Veterinary Information
Leave the contact details for your pet’s veterinarian, the nearest emergency veterinary hospital, and the closest human medical facility.
Include:
- Names and phone numbers
- Addresses
- Opening hours
- Directions
- Your pet’s medical history
- Insurance information, if applicable
- Your preferred emergency procedures and authorized amount to spend
It is also helpful to leave written permission for your veterinarian to treat your pet if you cannot be reached.
Explain Trash and Recycling
Make your waste system easy to understand. Tell your sitter:
- Which bins are used for trash, recycling, and compost
- What belongs in each bin
- Which day bins should go to the curb
- Where extra bags are stored
- When the bins should be brought back in
If your neighborhood has special collection rules, leave those details in writing.
Leave Your Travel Itinerary
Provide your sitter with your travel information before you leave. Include your departure and return details, especially if you are traveling internationally.
Your itinerary may include:
- Flight numbers and times
- Ferry, train, or bus information
- Hotel or accommodation details
- Transportation arrangements
- Your destination and time zone
- A backup way to contact you
This information can be essential if your plans change or your sitter needs to reach you urgently.
Confirm Emergency Contacts
Your sitter should know whom to contact if they cannot reach you. Provide a list of trusted people who live nearby, such as:
- A neighbor
- A family member
- A friend
- Your property manager
- A local handyman
- Your veterinarian
Ask those contacts in advance whether they are willing to help if necessary, and explain what type of assistance they may be asked to provide.
Think About Your Sitter’s Questions
Before leaving, try to anticipate anything your sitter may need to know. Common questions include:
- Would you like regular updates and photos?
- What should I do if your pet becomes sick or injured?
- Does your pet have any fears or triggers?
- How should I comfort your pet during a storm or fireworks?
- Is your pet comfortable around children, strangers, or other animals?
- How reliable is your dog’s recall outdoors?
- Are there areas of the neighborhood I should avoid?
- Is the area safe to walk through after dark?
- Which foods may I use?
- Are there rooms or storage areas that are off-limits?
- Do your neighbors know I will be staying here?
- What should I do if a package arrives?
- Who should I contact if something breaks?
Written instructions are helpful, but encourage your sitter to ask questions during the handoff. It is much better to clarify details before you leave than to deal with uncertainty later.
Confirm Your Return Time
Even if you discussed your travel plans earlier, confirm your estimated return time before you depart. This allows your sitter to coordinate transportation and make appropriate departure arrangements.
If your plans change or you expect to be delayed, let your sitter know as soon as possible. If you are traveling internationally, share your return flight details and account for possible delays, customs, and transportation time.
A little communication can make the end of the sit much smoother.
Final Thoughts
Once you have provided clear instructions, prepared the home, and introduced your sitter to your pets, you can leave with greater peace of mind. Your sitter will have the information and supplies needed to care for your animals and maintain your home while you are away.
Now you can enjoy your trip knowing your pets and home are in capable hands. Peace of mind is priceless.