10 Things to Leave for Your Pet Sitter Before Vacation

Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation — A Guide from Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA

When you’re planning a vacation, your checklist probably includes booking flights, packing bags, and making sure the mail is held. But what about your pet’s care? If you’re hiring a professional pet sitter — like the trusted team at Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA — taking the time to leave the right information can make all the difference in your pet’s comfort and safety.

Here are ten essential things you should leave for your pet sitter before you leave home:

1. Emergency Contact Information

Even the most seasoned pet sitter needs a backup plan. Make sure to leave:

Your contact number while you’re away
A trusted local emergency contact
Your vet’s contact details
The number and address of a 24/7 emergency vet near Marietta

Lezlie’s Pet Sitting takes emergencies seriously and appreciates having all necessary numbers easily accessible.

2. Detailed Feeding Instructions

Don’t assume your pet sitter knows your pet’s eating quirks. Specify:

Exact brand and amount of food
Feeding times
Treat guidelines
Any known allergies

Label containers clearly and leave extra food in case you’re delayed.

3. Medication Schedule (If Applicable)

If your pet requires medication — whether it’s daily arthritis pills or a once-a-week supplement — write out:

Dosage
Time of administration
Method of delivery (with food, crushed, etc.)
Any signs to watch for

At Lezlie’s, pet sitters are experienced with administering medications and caring for pets with special needs, but written guidance helps ensure consistency.

4. House Rules

Pets thrive on consistency. If they’re not allowed on the couch or if they sleep in a crate at night, say so. Let your sitter know:

Where your pet sleeps
Whether they’re allowed on furniture
What commands they know (or don’t!)
Whether walks are allowed to interact with other dogs

This keeps your pet’s routine intact and prevents behavior regression.

5. Your Pet’s Personality Profile

Even if your sitter is meeting your pet in advance, leave notes like:

How your pet acts with strangers
What makes them nervous
Their favorite toys or games
Whether they’re food- or toy-motivated

At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting, building a bond with each animal is part of the service — this kind of info helps them connect even faster.

6. Favorite Toys & Comfort Items

Leave out one or two of your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, or items that smell like you. Familiar scents and textures reduce anxiety while you’re away. For pets with separation anxiety, this small step can make a huge difference.

7. Waste Cleanup Supplies

Make cleanup easy by leaving:

Poop bags
Litter scoops
Trash instructions
Extra litter, paper towels, or cleaning supplies

While Lezlie’s sitters always come prepared, knowing your setup saves time and stress — for everyone.

8. Keys, Access Instructions, and Alarm Codes

Make sure your sitter has:

A spare key or lockbox code
Alarm code and instructions
Wi-Fi info (in case they need to reach you)
Any door quirks or light switches worth pointing out

Security is always top priority, and Lezlie’s Pet Sitting ensures your home is treated with care and discretion.

9. Walk or Play Schedule

Dogs, especially, thrive on routine. Share:

Ideal walk times and durations
Favorite routes or parks in Marietta
Off-limits areas
Playtime preferences

Lezlie’s sitters love tailoring visits to fit your pet’s natural rhythm — whether it’s fetch in the backyard or a slow stroll around the block.

10. A Written Daily Routine

Summarize your pet’s normal day in one place. Include:

Wake-up and bedtime
Feeding and potty breaks
Typical moods at different times
Any rituals (like a bedtime treat or brushing)

Your pet sitter can’t replace you, but they can offer a seamless transition — especially when armed with your pet’s routine. This attention to detail is something the team at Lezlie’s Pet Sitting prioritizes with every visit.

Bonus Tip: Check-In Expectations

Let your sitter know how often you’d like updates — texts, photos, videos, or a quick call. At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting, daily updates are standard. Many clients in the Marietta area find this peace of mind worth everything while they’re away.

Final Thoughts

Taking time to prepare these ten items gives your pet the best possible experience while you’re gone. It also helps your sitter deliver top-tier care — the kind Lezlie’s Pet Sitting is known for across Marietta, GA. Whether you’re away for a weekend or a month, knowing your pet is happy, healthy, and in familiar surroundings makes all the difference.

Let your vacation be stress-free — for both you and your pet — by setting your sitter up for success.

10 Things to Leave for Your Pet Sitter Before Vacation