How to Communicate with Your Pet Sitter While You’re Away

Tips from Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA for Staying Connected Without Hovering

One of the biggest sources of anxiety for pet parents while they’re away isn’t just leaving their pet — it’s not knowing how they’re doing. Are they eating? Playing? Sleeping well? Did they hide under the couch all day? While it’s natural to worry, the right communication setup between you and your sitter can ease your mind and ensure your pet gets the best care possible.

At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we believe communication is just as important as the care we give. When expectations are clear and contact is consistent, both you and your pet benefit. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Set Expectations Before You Leave

Before you leave town, discuss:

How often you want updates (once per day, after every visit, just when something happens)
What kind of updates you prefer (text, photos, video, email, or app-based notes)
Your time zone and availability (especially if you’re traveling internationally)

Some clients love daily photo dumps, while others just want a single check-in. At Lezlie’s, we tailor our communication style to fit your comfort level — not ours.

2. Choose the Right Method

We’ve found that communication works best when it’s simple and predictable. Popular options include:

Text messages: Quick, familiar, and convenient
WhatsApp or Signal: Great for international travel or multiple media types
Pet sitting software/apps: Some platforms let you track visits, medications, and notes in real time
Email: Ideal for longer updates, especially for pets with complex routines

At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting, we use the Time to Pet Platform. It includes all the features of email and texts and provides a portal for you to communicate directly with your pet sitter.

3. Establish a Routine for Updates

Rather than waiting nervously, it’s helpful to know when you’ll hear from your sitter. Some ideas:

After the first visit (a quick reassurance that all is well)
Once daily, ideally at the same time (like after breakfast or dinner)
After each visit for high-need pets (like those requiring medication or post-surgical care)

For example, a client of Lezlie’s with a diabetic cat receives a brief update after each insulin shot — it gives peace of mind and creates an easy log of care.

4. Be Honest About What You Need

Some clients say “I don’t want to worry about anything” and then text five times a day. Others say “I want an hourly breakdown” and then go completely off-grid.

The best way to avoid miscommunication? Just be honest.

Let your sitter know:

If you’re a nervous traveler
If your pet has ever had a bad experience with other sitters
What will help you feel at ease

At Lezlie’s, we never judge — we just want to meet your expectations so you can enjoy your time away.

5. Ask for Photos and Videos

Let’s be honest: nothing soothes the heart like a wagging tail or a snoozing kitty. Ask your sitter to include:

A short clip of a walk
A photo of your pet eating or napping
A video of their favorite toy or behavior

Not only is it adorable — it helps you monitor your pet’s behavior and energy level remotely.

Our clients in Marietta tell us these updates are their favorite part of the day. Some even share them with friends and family — or frame them when they get back!

6. Leave Emergency Instructions and a Decision-Maker

Make sure your sitter knows:

Who to contact in an emergency if you’re unreachable
What vet to call
How much decision-making authority they have

Include this in your written care instructions. You can say something like:

“If there’s a minor issue, please call/text me and use your judgment. If it’s an emergency and I can’t be reached, you have my permission to seek veterinary care up to $300.”

Lezlie’s Pet Sitting always honors your wishes and acts in your pet’s best interest — but we need the green light to do so quickly if you’re out of reach.

7. Don’t Hover — But Do Stay Connected

It’s totally normal to miss your pet — and we love when clients check in! But constant messaging can create distractions, especially during time-sensitive care routines.

Here’s a healthy balance:

Check in once a day if needed
Trust your sitter to follow instructions
Save questions for update times unless it’s urgent

Remember: you hired a pro for a reason. At Lezlie’s, our clients feel confident knowing that we’re present, focused, and putting your pet first — not our phones.

8. Give Feedback (Both During and After)

Don’t wait until you return to say what’s working — or what isn’t.

If you feel anxious about update timing or want more detail, say so. Good sitters want to make your experience better.

After your trip, let your sitter know:

What made you feel confident
What could be improved next time
Any changes in your pet’s behavior after you returned

At Lezlie’s, we build long-term relationships with our clients — and that starts with listening and growing after every visit.

Final Thoughts: Communication Is Care

Your pet sitter isn’t just a caregiver — they’re a temporary extension of your home and family. A clear, respectful communication setup ensures:

You feel informed
Your sitter feels supported
Your pet receives seamless, stress-free care

At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we don’t just show up — we check in, we follow up, and we keep you connected to the one you miss most while you’re away.

Because when communication flows, so does peace of mind.

How to Communicate with Your Pet Sitter While You’re Away