Hiring a pet sitter for the first time comes with a knot in your stomach. You are handing your dog and your house keys to someone new, and you want the days you are gone to go smoothly for both of them. The good news is that a calm, successful sitting visit is mostly about preparation, and almost all of it happens before you leave.
A little setup helps your sitter step into your dog’s routine without guesswork, and it helps your dog feel settled instead of confused. Use the checklist below to get your dog, your home, and your information ready so your first sitter experience is an easy one.
Start With a Meet-and-Greet
The single best thing you can do is introduce your dog to the sitter before your trip. A short meet-and-greet lets your dog connect a face and a scent to the person who will show up later, so the first solo visit is not a surprise. It also gives you a chance to walk through your home, point out where things live, and watch how the sitter interacts with your dog.
Book the meet-and-greet at least a week before you leave. That leaves time to sort out any questions and, if needed, to schedule a second visit so a nervous dog gets more comfortable.
Write Down Your Dog’s Daily Routine
Dogs feel safe when their day looks the way it always does. Give your sitter a simple written routine so feeding, walks, and potty breaks happen on your dog’s normal schedule, not a guess. Include:
- Feeding times, exact portions, and where the food is stored.
- Walk times and how long your dog is used to being out.
- Potty schedule, including the last trip out before bed.
- Nap, crate, or quiet-time habits so the sitter does not fight your dog’s rhythm.
Keep it to one page. A clear, short routine is easier to follow than three pages of notes.
Prep Food, Medications, and Supplies
Set everything the sitter needs in one obvious spot so nobody is hunting through cabinets. Portion out meals ahead of time if your dog has a specific diet, and make sure there is more than enough food for the full trip plus a spare day.
- Pre-measured food or a clearly marked scoop and portion size.
- Medications with written dosages, timing, and how your dog likes to take them.
- Leash, harness, poop bags, and any favorite walking gear in one place.
- Cleaning supplies for accidents, and where the towels and trash are.
Get Your Home Ready
Walk through your house the way your sitter will. The goal is easy access and no surprises. Handle these before you go:
Access and keys
Make sure the sitter has a reliable way in, whether that is a key, a lockbox, or a code, and confirm it actually works during the meet-and-greet. Note anything tricky, like a sticky door or a gate latch that needs a firm push.
Safety and boundaries
Put away anything you do not want chewed, tuck cords and medications out of reach, and point out any rooms that are off limits. If your yard is part of the routine, check that the gate closes fully and the fence has no new gaps.
Leave the Right Information
Even a great sitter cannot read your mind. Leave a short info sheet with the details that matter in a normal day and in an emergency:
- Your vet’s name, address, and phone number.
- An emergency contact who can make a decision if you are unreachable.
- Your dog’s quirks: fears, triggers, whether they bolt at the door, how they are with strangers.
- House notes: thermostat, alarm, trash day, and anything the sitter should manage while there.
Set Your Dog Up Emotionally
The days before a trip are a good time to keep things steady rather than dramatic. Avoid a big, emotional goodbye, which can actually raise your dog’s anxiety. Keep your departure low-key and normal.
Leave familiar comfort in place: their usual bed, a worn t-shirt that smells like you, and their favorite toys. A tired dog is a calmer dog, so a solid walk before a long day helps your dog settle once the routine shifts to a sitter.
Your Quick Pre-Trip Checklist
Run through this the day before you leave:
- Meet-and-greet done and access method tested.
- One-page routine written and left on the counter.
- Enough food for the whole trip plus one extra day.
- Medications set out with clear instructions.
- Vet and emergency contacts written down.
- Home hazards cleared and off-limits areas noted.
- Comfort items in place and departure kept calm.
Where Four Dog Paws Fits
If you want in-home care from a sitter who does this every day, Four Dog Paws offers overnight stays, almost-overnight care, and shorter vacation visits across Denver. Every new client starts with a free meet-and-greet, so your dog meets the sitter and you walk through the routine together before your trip.
It is an insured, bonded team with 18 years of experience across Denver neighborhoods, and you get a report after every visit so you can relax while you are away and still know exactly how your dog is doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?
Aim to book at least a week or two before your trip, and earlier for busy travel periods. That leaves time for a meet-and-greet and a second visit if your dog needs more time to warm up.
What should I leave out for a pet sitter?
Leave enough food for the whole trip plus a spare day, any medications with clear instructions, walking gear, and a one-page routine. Add your vet and an emergency contact so the sitter is covered if anything comes up.
Should I do a big goodbye with my dog before I leave?
No, keep your departure calm and low-key. A dramatic goodbye can raise your dog’s anxiety, while a normal exit signals that everything is fine.
How do I know my dog is okay while I am gone?
Ask your sitter for updates. A professional service sends a photo or a short report after each visit, so you can see your dog is fed, walked, and comfortable.
Setting Up an Easy First Visit
Preparing for a pet sitter comes down to three things: get your dog comfortable with the sitter, write down the routine, and make your home and info easy to work with. Handle those before you leave and your first sitting experience will feel far less nerve-wracking than you expect.
Ready to line up in-home care for your next trip? Book a free meet-and-greet with Four Dog Paws and get your dog set up with a sitter they know. Start on the new client page.
