Preparing Your Home for a Pet Sitter

Leaving your pets behind while traveling can feel stressful, even when you trust the person caring for them. One of the best ways to make the experience smoother for both your pets and your sitter is to prepare your home ahead of time.

At Fur de Lis Pet Care, we know that a well-prepared home helps pets feel more comfortable and allows sitters to focus fully on providing quality care. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip or a longer vacation from Mandeville, Covington, or elsewhere across the Northshore, a little preparation can make a huge difference.

Here are some important steps to take before your pet sitter arrives.

Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Before leaving town, take some time to tidy up the areas where your pets spend the most time.

Helpful things to do include:

• Picking up clutter or small objects pets could chew or swallow

• Making sure walkways are clear and safe

• Securing trash cans

• Cleaning litter boxes and pet areas

• Ensuring pets have comfortable resting spots

A clean, organized environment helps reduce stress for both pets and sitters while making daily care routines easier.

If your pets are sensitive to noise or environmental changes, leaving familiar items like blankets, toys, or white noise machines running can also help them feel more secure while you are away.

Organize Food, Treats, and Supplies

One of the most helpful things you can do for your sitter is clearly organize all pet supplies in one easy-to-access location.

Be sure to leave:

• Enough food for the entire trip plus extra in case of delays

• Treats and feeding instructions

• Measuring scoops or portion instructions

• Bowls, leashes, harnesses, litter, waste bags, and other essentials

If your pet has allergies, dietary restrictions, or sensitive stomach issues, leave written instructions rather than relying on verbal explanations alone.

Leave Clear Medication Instructions

If your pet takes medication, detailed written instructions are extremely important.

Include:

• Medication names

• Dosages

• Administration times

• Special instructions

• Helpful tips that make administration easier

For example, if your dog takes medication hidden in peanut butter or pill pockets, letting your sitter know ahead of time can make the process much smoother.

At Fur de Lis Pet Care, we understand how important consistency is for pets requiring medications or specialized care routines.

Share Your Pet’s Daily Routine

Pets thrive on familiarity and routine, especially while their owners are away.

Providing your sitter with a written daily schedule can help maintain consistency and reduce anxiety.

Helpful information may include:

• Feeding times

• Potty break schedules

• Preferred walking routes

• Favorite toys or games

• Sleeping habits

• Exercise routines

• Areas of the home that are off-limits

The more your sitter understands your pet’s normal routine, the more comfortable your pet is likely to feel.

Be Honest About Behavioral Concerns

Every pet has unique habits, fears, and quirks. Sharing this information upfront helps keep everyone safe and prevents unnecessary stress.

Important things to mention may include:

• Fear of storms or fireworks

• Door-darting behavior

• Anxiety around strangers

• Reactivity toward other animals

• Escape tendencies

• Separation anxiety

• Resource guarding

• Hiding spots for cats

This type of information is incredibly valuable and helps your sitter provide safer, more personalized care.

Prepare Emergency Information

Before leaving, make sure your sitter has access to important emergency contacts.

This should include:

• Your primary veterinarian’s contact information

• The nearest emergency veterinary hospital

• A trusted emergency contact nearby

• Your travel contact information

It is also helpful to let a trusted neighbor or friend know that a professional pet sitter will be visiting your home while you are away.

Double Check Home Safety Before Leaving

Before heading out, do one final walkthrough of your home.

Check for:

• Toxic foods or plants left within reach

• Loose medications or chemicals

• Open gates or fencing issues

• Accessible cords or hazardous objects

• Proper thermostat settings

• Working smoke detectors if appropriate

A few extra minutes of preparation can help prevent emergencies while you are away.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Preparing your home properly helps your sitter provide the best possible care while helping your pets feel secure, comfortable, and relaxed in their familiar environment.

At Fur de Lis Pet Care, we proudly provide trusted in-home pet sitting services throughout Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, and surrounding areas of St. Tammany Parish. Whether your pets need drop-in visits, overnight care, live-in care, or specialized support, we’re committed to providing dependable, professional care while you’re away.